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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  Wrangler # 3, I wont buy another new one - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Clarkbar - June 15 - 8:30 pm

  I have owned a 97 SE 4 cyl 5 sp, 01 sport 6cyl 5sp and now I have an 05 rubicon 6 cyl 6sp. I have had nothing but problems with the front end. 4 sets of sway arm links, 4 steering stabilizers and 3 axle seal sets and it currently needs to go back in to the shop for more of the same I am sure. Other than that I love the Rubicon. It will go anywhere you want to go. Yes, its noisy, with the soft top. Hardtop helps a lot. mpg should not be a consideration. Its bad. I will own another Wrangler but it will be an old one. I absolutely loved the 97 (car accident took it from me), 2001 caught fire in the garage from a wiring short, 2005 my lawyer is negotiating with Chrysler. Buy an old one!

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  2+ yrs in the Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve - June 15 - 10:26 am

  Very reliable SUV. I put 45k on it and tires are still in good condition. Have had 0 problems. It will get 21mpg highway but in mixed driving I get about 17.5. This SUV handles turns very well, much better than the Xterra. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively cheap, reliable vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

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  Tub on wheels. - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hubbard - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Unpretentious car that operates very well as a tub on wheels. Short turning radius and relatively high seating are big pluses. I also like the accessibility of the engine compartment and body parts. Highway noise above 55 mph, and poor fuel economy even for a 4 cylinder, are the negatives. Overall, I would buy it again, and am especially intrigued by the new model with an extended wheelbase and storage.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep family - June 15 - 10:00 am

  All the fun of a JEEP, plus more room for family and cargo

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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dody Lomax - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the jeep drives. I feel like Im driving a car instead of an SUV.

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  Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gotjeep - June 12 - 10:36 am

  Well no complaints, fuel mileage could be a little better but when compared with similar vehicles at least I can leave the pavement. I dont see any issues with the steering and the body roll on corners is perfectly acceptable. The ability to tow up to 5000 lbs is awesome(more then my friends trailblazer is rated for..) The 3.7 engine is a v6 version of the 4.7 in my Grand Cherokee, very simple to work on and in the Liberty the engine bay actually has room! For the features and price I would say its well rounded off. The little loss in the drive quality on pavement is more the forgiven for what she can do off- road. Love the solid rear axle and the IFS handles her own.

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  An Excellent Compromise - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Daniel - June 11 - 4:13 pm

  I purchased my Wrangler SE new this past January, just before gas prices began to soar. Have I regretted it? Not at all! With each tank of gas the 4-cylinder/6-speed drivetrain continues to get better mileage. My last tank of gas indicated 24.6 mpg combined city/highway driving.(25.5 highest/21.5 lowest since owning it). The key to these numbers is driving habits - keep the rpms down. The Jeep is a great compromise vehicle that wont do any one thing great, but can do everything pretty dang well (hauling 4 adults, towing trailers, off-road and snow capabilities, convertible option, etc.) Its the genuine utility vehicle that gives me a sense of confidence in its abilities when I drive it.

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  Fun but needs stalling problems fixed - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ricky W - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  The four door Jeep Wrangler is a fun vehicle to own and drive. The power is OK and if you keep your foot out of the gas it is not too bad MPG. Ours has the hardtop and it has never leaked as some have said. You do have to put it on a certain way or I could see how it could leak. The only complaint is that it does stall at highway speeds sometimes as many new 2007 Jeep products have with no fix available from Chrysler yet. Hopefully the government investigation will help get this dangerous problem fixed before it causes someone to get hurt.

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  Review by retired master auto tech - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Gus Tome - June 9 - 10:25 am

  This is a light duty, mini, SUV. Its not an off road Jeep, its not a luxury Grand Cherokee Limited. Its a fairly good quality marketing hybrid made with a Fiat frame, a " world " engine and an automatic transmission with with too many gear changes and confused programming. The big engine needs a turbo to be taken seriously, the transmission needs an economy / performance dash control. A transmission that shifts every 200 to 600 rpm on level road every time the wind shifts its not right!

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  Okay for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jackie - June 8 - 3:50 am

  I have 60,000 miles on my Jeep and am thinking of getting a new one. I have only replaced the tires, rear brakes and done my regular maintenance. Nothing else. I replaced the CD player because the factory brand is cheap. Also I was re ended in it, completely totaled the other car, just a scratch on my bumper. I love the 4WD and great gas mileage. It is a great car for a mom or a student. It handles nicely. It is strange though that cruise control is not standard. I dont have it. I am thinking of getting a new 2010 Compass. Great jeep for the price!