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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  LOVE my Compass!!! - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Ashley - January 22 - 9:46 pm

  I love the Compass! My husband and I are constantly back and forth between Champaign, IL and Detroit, MI, and the ride is always smooth and comfortable! Not the *best* mileage, but better than others. I love that we were able to add what we wanted of the Limiteds features to our Sport and still end up at a great price!! LOVE the bumper-to- bumper warranty!! Its easy to get our 15-month old in and out, as well, and with the stain-resistant YES fabric, we dont have to worry as much about spills and messes in a new car!!

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  Best in class - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bassman - January 21 - 3:16 pm

  Nothing in its class comes close! The others cant tow 5k lbs and cant go offroad. Great all around vehicle

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  Only Jeep Owners Understand... - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By nikana20895 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Jeep Cherokee in 1996 and have enjoyed every minute of it, from driving it, cleaning it, and admiring it while it is parked. I have only performed maintenance and due to a harsh winter this year, I had to replace the radiator. All other parts are still original.

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  Jeep Love - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By cute jeeper - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I personally love my jeep because i can go anywhere and do anything in it. Yes the ride isnt like a Mercades but its fun and cool. This is my second time owning a jeep and i have to say that no matter what this will be my choice of vehile for the rest of my life.

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  Jeep Liberty is Great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jwq13 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is fun to drive and is a practical vehicle. It is small enough to fit in any parking space, yet it is roomy enough to carry many items. The gas mileage could be better, but it is what you would expect in a vehicle that has a high profile. It has excellent acceleration. James

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  No complaints - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Craig - January 20 - 5:26 am

  I have the Limited with the 5.7L Hemi, and I was surprised by the gas mileage for a vehicle that size with an engine that size. I usually get about 17-18 mpg. With my previous vehicle being a 300 hp Mustang GT, I wasnt expecting to get that type of speed from an SUV but the Hemi comes close. It has a lot of features that I would expect from a vehicle that cost $20k more such as automatic climate control, auto wipers, and auto high beams.

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  Best Jeep Yet! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By RayW - January 19 - 8:06 pm

  Ive owned at least 6 Jeeps (new and used) in the last 10 years. This Jeep is a blast to drive (its loaded with all the features you could ask for). Best mileage to date was 32 mpg (highway) and averaging 25 mpg in the city. Bought mine 2 1/2 weeks ago and have over 2500 miles on it. Too new to have experienced any reliability issues yet, but havent got any rattles yet! Had a 1998 Cherokee, but this one is better. The Inferno Red always gets positive comments.

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  Second Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lowellp - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Grand cherokee, the first was the 4.0 ltr. and I must say the limited 4.7 V8 is worlds apart. It is getting better fuel economy and works less hard moving this heavy vehicle. We test drove many other SUVs but came back for another one. New competitors vehicles may look sporty or trendy but living with and sitting inside, this is the vehicle for us.

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  A TRUE SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By B.L. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LOREDO. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE & IS ALL YOU WOULD WANT FROM A MID-SIZE SUV. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HAPPIER W/ MY CHOICE OF VEHICLE.

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  The best vehicle ever built! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep lover - January 16 - 11:13 am

  I have driven my Cherokee to hell and back, and it still keeps ticking. Yeah, I rides like a tank, leaks some, and does not get the greatest mpg, but it is the most reliable vehicle I will ever own. It has never left me stranded, stuck, or regretful. After 200000 miles, I still get the same mileage, and performance as I did when I bought it. Great project vehicle, and daily driver. I recommend anyone to buy it. Mobil, Lucas, K&N. Total cost of repair at 200,000+ miles--$2000, minus wear and tear (plugs, oil,tires, etc.).