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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  Cheap materials - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dann - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Change battery twice, the 4 doors panels are made from a very cheap plastic and break easy cost to repair 4 doors almost $2000, front panels each $640 rear each $ 420, factory wont help or accept the bad quality, never will buy a Chrysler again was my first and last.

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  Too much fun - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By wolv - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and wont be my last what a great 4x4 a total blast to drive and a great value. Off road its a demon nothing it cant handle if your buying for gas mileage buy something else, needs more power but Im going to correct that. You cant beat the price or reliability nothing comes close in a 4x4 and tons of accessories to trick it out to your needs, but my truck got bad mileage and was nowhere near as fun to drive, wont buy a Chevy truck again got to have a Jeep

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  New Jeep - good looking, great ride - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By robm66 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Have only had Jeep for a few days, but put about 200 miles on it today. Drivers seat is super comfortable - firm and supportive. This is my third Jeep in a row and was looking to get Audi or something like that that would be more fun to drive. But this jeep just felt right to me. I think it looks great and so far, its been a pleasure to drive. Radio is great (Nav/Sirius unit), intuitive to use. Nav is great as it shows you directions on Nav screen and, when hidden, directly in front of you between speedometer and tachometer. Time will tell on build quality and reliability, but Ive had good luck so far with the jeeps. Noticed that stepping up into jeep seems higher (Im 61").

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  Happy 2011 Jeep GC owner - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JJ - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I got a Laredo X package and could not be happier. In order to get the V8 Hemi on a Laredo you have to get the X package which comes with leather seats, my Gig radio, auto climate control, etc. My only options were the panoramic sunroof and a towing package. The GC has a smooth and very quiet ride. I was driving a Magnum RT with a Hemi and wanted to add 4x4 and towing to the Mercedes inspired ride. The GC has a back seat that is just as roomy and comfortable as the Magnum and has slightly more cargo room in back. I like being off the ground again in an SUV - it just feels safer.

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  A great suv - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By jc155 - May 7 - 4:46 pm

  I wanted a SUV, but I didnt want to pay the big bucks to own an SUV. So I bought the compass. Very quiet SUV. Gets good gas mileage nothing spectacular. When it goes to shift, I actually cant hear it. My passengers have tried to listen for it but found it very hard to hear. The back seats are very roomy. I have no problem getting in with the seats all the way back and Im (6"1 and 320 lb). Overall a great car to have.

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  Of Course Its A Jeep Thing.... - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kmskimberly - May 7 - 3:43 pm

  Not only survived but conquered the 3 feet of snow in lovely New England. The gas mileage leaves much to be desired which is severely compounded by the fact that once youre in it all you want to do is drive. Great strength for the more difficult jobs and I love the shift on the fly instead of the hubs in my 86. Also glad they went back to the classic headlights. Once you get used to it, the soft top takes just a few minutes to handle. Im glad they improved the suspension, and the heating system seems better as well. The seat is lowered a bit but can be raised later if you dont just get used to it. Careful of some blind spots and wind turbulance on the highway. Explore and Enjoy!

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  3rd Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zoggie - May 7 - 10:40 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep. My 1st was a 94 with the 5.2 V8 and my 2nd a 01 with the 4.7 V8. I recently got the Limited with the 5.7 Hemi and Quadra-drive 4X4. Every option available on the car was ordered. I have always been a big Jeep fan, but this new model is much more refined than expected. I compared to "luxury" SUVs, and for the price, there is no comparison. The engine has plenty of pep, and the interior is nicer than the Lexus or Infinity I looked at. I dont care what the reviews say, the Jeep is as big as any "crossover" in terms of interior space, but the build quality is much higher of any SUV I looked at. This is definitely a huge contender against any SUV you look at.

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  Another Gear! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Oldone - May 6 - 5:10 am

  Originaly bought to tow behind our A Class RV. This it does with no problems. After towing down to New Mexico and using on the highway for journeys bup to 300miles and now using off road on the forestry trails etc we can only say what a great fun and accomplished vehicle this is. Easy to use soft top, fantastic go-most places, great turning circle and handling make it a fun, fun, fun car. Only downside is after a few months you feel it would be even better with at least a five or six speed auto. No I dont want a manual thank you. Ratio between third and top is to wide. Overall my wife and I rate it a "Thumbs Up". Dont try and think its something its not. Just drive it and enjoy.

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  For The Love Of Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert Simmons - May 6 - 3:03 am

  After two Ford Explorer Limiteds that let me down big time, it was time to change, so I looked at X-terra, Toyota, and Jeep. Loved the new squared off styling on the Jeep Limited with the full size tire now underneath. The ride and comfort for my 61" frame has been superb with plenty of leg room and the handling has been great, plus its quiet. The interior layout is ergonomically fantastic and well planned. The MYGIG radio system with Infinity speakers is the best sound system I have had in a vehicle and bluetooth phone connects are effortless plus the navigation system always guides me home correctly. I am so happy with this vehicle that I bought another one to keep at a 2nd home.

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  My Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Leeza - May 4 - 7:23 pm

  My Compass is great in most ways. The only real complaint I have is the front seat is not comfortable. Seems to be designed more for the male than female. If the seat were just an inch or two wider it would be great. Since my purchase Ive had two other females tell me that the seat is too narrow and pinches.