Overview & Reviews

If you're thinking about purchasing a vehicle rugged enough to finesse rocky trails, chances are, one make comes to mind: Jeep. This specialty automotive manufacturer has a long history of producing trucks and SUVs capable of off-highway adventures — so much so that the term jeep is used by many to refer to all SUVs, whether the vehicle in question is a true Jeep or not.

Jeep took root in WWII as the name of the now-iconic four-wheel-drive military vehicle produced by Willys-Overland and Ford for the U.S. Army. The name's origin is somewhat of a mystery; popular belief is that it morphed from "GP," or "general purpose," though others have suggested that it was a nickname derived from a character featured in the Popeye comic strip of the time.

The mid-1940s saw the introduction of the first civilian Jeep, the CJ-2A. It offered many features not available on military versions, such as a tailgate, an external fuel cap and a side-mounted spare tire, and was targeted mainly toward farmers and construction workers.

Civilian Jeeps caught on with the public, and by the 1950s, new models such as the CJ-3B and the CJ-5 had been introduced. The CJ-5 had the longest production run of any Jeep vehicle, continuing for 30 years after its introduction in the early '50s. The company changed owners during this decade as Willys-Overland was sold to Kaiser in 1953.

Jeep broke new ground in the 1960s with the debut of its Wagoneer. Geared toward active families, this early SUV was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission. A new "Dauntless" V6 became available as an option on the CJ-5 and CJ-6 in 1965. This was the first time that a Jeep CJ could be equipped with a V6. Packing 155 horses, the engine's horsepower almost doubled that offered by the standard four-cylinder.

By the 1970s, Jeep had changed ownership yet again, with the purchase of Kaiser-Jeep by American Motors Corporation. New models like the CJ-7 and the Scrambler were rolled out. Additionally, the company unveiled some new technology with the introduction of the world's first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system. Dubbed Quadra-Trac, it was available in the CJ-7 as well as in full-size Jeep trucks and wagons. During this decade, Jeep's fortunes soared as four-wheel-drive vehicles became increasingly popular with large sections of American buyers.

The 1980s saw the introduction of the Cherokee and Wrangler. The Cherokee was one of the first of the new breed of SUVs — high-riding midsize wagons that skyrocketed in popularity as the decade progressed. The Wrangler replaced the CJ series in 1987 and offered the raw functionality of the CJ along with more comfort features. That year also saw the purchase of American Motors by Chrysler, with the Jeep brand becoming part of Chrysler's Jeep/Eagle division. One of Jeep's most popular models, the Grand Cherokee, debuted for 1993. This handsome, midsize SUV offered considerably more comfort and luxury than the smaller Cherokee while still providing stout off-road capability.

Jeep fell under the umbrella of DaimlerChrysler after Chrysler and Daimler-Benz merged in 1998. This partnership resulted in a few new models, such as the Liberty and Compass, though none were able to attain great sales success. In 2007, Daimler sold the Chrysler Group to a private equity firm. It is now under control of Fiat.

More recently, the company has added a couple of enticing models to its lineup (including a four-door version of the Wrangler and the pavement-scorching Grand Cherokee SRT8) and made substantial performance and quality improvements under the hoods and within the cabins. As such, we expect Jeep will not only maintain a loyal group of customers but will also bring new fans into the fold.

User Reviews:

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  Likes Gas Stations - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - June 8 - 6:03 am

  Just about everything I hoped it would be. It is what every sixty-something should drive both on and off road.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By The Jeep - June 8 - 4:43 am

  I have owned mine for just over a month, and I am stunned at how much I love this truck. Looks great and rides great. Love the Atlantic Blue. So far a great reliable perfectly sized truck for my family needs.

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  True Bargain! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jodi - June 7 - 4:40 pm

  We are about a month into owning our jeep patriot, and we love it! You just cant beat it for the price. It is cheap to insure, among the best for safety, gets good gas mileage (we get 22-25), and is very utilitarian. While Ive heard some complain about the quality of the interior seating and the comfort, weve had no problems. We have the YES essentials fabric, and I find the seats plenty comfortable (have traveled for 3+ hours at a time in it). Its definitely not a Lexus, but i appreciate that many of the features are so functional. My sister was so impressed by our jeep that she is actually thinking about trading in her 2008 Saturn Vue for one.

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  Great American Value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By AK - June 7 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased an optic green sport model with 4x4 and FDI.Just broke first 1000 miles.I love a new updated interior with illuminated cup holders,more comfortable headrests and round chrome accent air vents.Our adventure didnt start the way I expected from a brand new vehicle.I had to wait 10 days for a dealership to fix an A/C line that was leaking freon that had to be ordered from factory in Detroit.Other than that,this is a great vehicle for its price.I love autostick option, very handy when driving on mountain roads.There is not that much of a road noise as described by editors.Turning radius is great so as maneuvering.Even though the interior is all plastic but its pretty durable.

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  Jeep FanI have owned many cas - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JB - June 7 - 3:20 am

  I have owned many cars including Jeeps. I owned an 04; but decided I would like Navigation etc. I now find its too complicated for me. Too many hard and soft keys to push which takes eyes off the road. Speedometter has swapped places with Tac and itis way too small. Caught for speeding before 200 miles.

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  Not what I expected - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bigt10 - June 6 - 9:39 pm

  Wife and I purchased this jeep in Jan 2011 to replace a 2 seat ford ranger with a 4 x 4 family car. there have been issues with driver side window, alternator,water pump, low tire pressure sensors, and nothing is a cheap fix. the center brake light is about 80 dollars unless you get lucky and find it on ebay, it requires a $100 wire harness to put in an aftermarket stereo, mine did not have a luggage rack and they are hundreds of dollars to add. Some times it just goes out of gear when driving...kinda scary. Now the lights that light up the A/c controls are have burned out and they are soldered to a computer chip board and to replace them you have to purchase a new board. Be weary of thiscar

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  2005 Jeep GC with 5.7 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stoppy3 - June 5 - 9:01 am

  Worst automobile I have ever owned. So many problems ranging from axle isolators (second repair)to interior parts such as door panels (all of them) breaking, vent tabs falling off, nav system inoperative (2nd unit), window switches inop on driver door, front driveshaft replaced, brake calipers froze up, Try replacing a starter as you will need to grow two additional hands to help. Cant say much good about this automobile. Even the resale value stinks.

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  Not for everyone, I could care less! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By JeepDryvr1032 - June 4 - 9:03 am

  I was looking for a bigger car/small SUV when I decided to trade in my 2004 Hyundai Elantra in June of 08. I was intrigued by the new Dodge/Jeep models and thought the Compass had such a unique look that I had to check it out. The first vehicle I test drove was the Dodge Caliber, which was OK but didnt have enough oomph with the 2.0 liter engine. Next was the compass, and I fell in love with how it sits up higher and gives you more command of the road. I picked the Rallye Edition with the 18" tires and black rims, with the YES essentials interior. This is huge for me as I have kids!! For an SUV, I cant complain about the gas mileage. It has plenty of room, and a decent stereo to boot.

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  Continues day to day issues - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep4281 - June 4 - 6:55 am

  I had a 2004 jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and no problems other than maintenance issues. When my frame cracked in 2011 i bought a new. I have been back and forth to dealer.I have replaced wipers so much in my life. I have had 2 replacement wiper sprayers on both sides; The split Hemi engine i can get 22 in the summer and 13-15 in the winter. key has been replaced twice. I have the digital temperature control and the motor has been replaced and reprogrammed. One day going down road lights came on the dash as told the system will reset itself. Ipod dock burnt up my ipod; down songs.

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  2008 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By DK - June 4 - 3:26 am

  Ive had my 08 Liberty for two months and Im very pleased! I traded in an 04 Liberty for this more comfortable ride and more options. I have to say I pushed the 04 Liberty when it came to off-roading and it performed beyond my expectations - it hung in there with the Rubicons (!!). Now with the 08, so far my off- roading tests have been excellent experiences- and all the while offering more comfort. I like the reliability of Jeep - esp. with a long daily commute and the capability to off road/tackle snow. Its excellent! I havent tested the hill descent control (yet), but will soon. I plan to upgrade the tires to gain more traction/trailer a sailboat/launch in slick conditions.