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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  Gas hog - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - June 23 - 3:36 am

  I recently purchased a 244,000 mile 1995 Jeep GC. I have owned 7 jeeps prior to this one. It is a great running jeep even with the mileage. I purchased it as a back up vehicle but find myself driving it instead of my Nissan even with gas mileage as bad as it is. I had to replace the transfer case recently but was able to find one at a junkyard for 120 dollars. The Jeep is extremely easy to work on. I definitely recommend the GC experience.

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  Jeep Compass Latitude is da bomb! - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Kimimila - June 22 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 years old. Ive had it 1 year now. I absolutely love it. The trail rating is especially great because I drive in the mountains a lot and dont like bottoming out. And, the MPG is about the same as my Chrysler Sebring. The only thing I dont like about it is that its a little sluggish upon acceleration. The only problem Ive had was a couple of times, it didnt want to start right away. Both times, it was very cold out.

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  Its a fine vehicle except for one thing... - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By herc - June 22 - 7:43 pm

  My Jeep now has 66,000 miles on it and it has been a very solid vehicle. It has also been stone cold reliable. The only reason I havenÂ’t rated it 5 stars across the board is because while I like the design of the interior, the typical Daimler mandated cost cutting cheap plastic materials are everywhere. Also, I think some of the exterior design couldÂ’ve been better. IÂ’m not a fan of the giant squarish looking plastic covers over the headlights. Give me the design Bantam/Willys started with..so that means round headlights please. Other than the interior plastic and some exterior design issues I couldnÂ’t be happier with my Liberty.

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  I still like it, but ... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ducque - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles, the Liberty is still easy to like. However, it has been in the shop far too many times. And it still has a small engine running problem that no one seems to be willing or able to fix, even after repeated attempts. Equipped with UNSAFE, terrible tires from the factory. I love to drive it. Its just the right size and has the right features for me. BUT!

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  Happy Owner - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Billybob - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 11,000 miles on and now have 105,000 on it and still great car. Replaced A.C.compressor bracket and water pump. Evarything else was normal maintainence. Goes places in the snow other 4WD dont.

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  4.0L Yes 2.5L NO - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By GotMach - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep. Its been a fun dependable car that Ive took off roading many times and have never had a problem with it. It only has 70,000 but everything works and it still runs great after all the abuse I put it through. There are only 3 think I dislike and they are: 1. Soft tops are noisy on the Highway. 2. Gas Mileage stinks 3. 2.5L Has now power in 5th gear and stinks on long drives. I find myself downshifting alot on long highway trips.

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  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Awayteam - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is the first Jeep that Ive owned and it has far exceeded my expectataion on quality and driveability. My only foray into the world off roading has been on some logging roads in Colorado, but the Liberty handled it with ease and provided me the confidence that I could get out of anything I happened into. I love sitting up high, above the traffic. I have owned a Rodeo and a KIA Sportage. The Jeep is superior in fit and finish to both and looks a damn sight better to boot. My only complaint has been the gas mileage. Hiway mileage has been in the 18-20 range,(at 70-75mph), but around town I get 13-15. Dismal...

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  so-so - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By past wrangler fan - June 18 - 4:50 am

  This was my first car. It has an amazing turning radius and was extremely to maneuver and park. Never have to worry about getting stuck, and girls like it; its a convertible!! But its not perfect. The 4-banger couldnt beat a slug, and every bump is felt. Since I got my jeep 2 years ago I put new wheels, tires, stabilizer, shocks, radio system, side fenders, and some minor things. Jeep made this car for strict off roading. The 22 mpg isnt bad for a truck but the EXTREMELY bumpy ride on the road, feel every turn, and overheating at 80 mph can get annoying.

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  Jeep limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J.Lilly - June 17 - 3:06 am

  Great car. Love everything about it except the fuel mileage. Havent been able to take any long trips as yet due to illness in the family. I am anxious to see if the valve cutout system actually makes a difference on steady speeds over a long period of time. Handles like a dream, low center of gravity makes it handle on curves wonderfully. Acceleration is superb.

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  Happy w/ Pat - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By CJ - June 16 - 9:40 pm

  Was looking for something with 4WD, decent storage space, and good fuel economy. Have been very happy with my choice. I think it is a great value as I picked mine up, new, for just under 20k. Not too cars that give you 4wd, 30mpg, sunroof, heated seats, and premium sound at that price. After 30k miles which included a cross country trip I have no major problems or complaints. Only time it has been in for service was for loose bolt on the front suspension.