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:

• 

  Transfer case - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By john mc donald - October 14 - 2:46 am

  Transfer case went bad at 98K miles. Dealer wanted $800 to replace transfer case. Had transfer case repaired by private dealer by replacing the "timing belt" inside the transfer case for $200. Only other problem is with the A/C...the A/C appears to be a known problem with easy repair. Otherwise, the vehicle is fun to drive; MPG is a little less than advertised. Very comfortable vehicle with great towing capacity.

• 

  Problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By beaurath - October 12 - 2:06 pm

  We have had to take our Commander back for the following reasons; 1. Check Engine light....a hose had a split in it with only 1000 miles on it. 2. We had a loud whistle coming from the dash area; it was a bad seal on the windshield. 500 miles on it. 3. We are now having a problem with the passenger window not going up and down correctly...stops half way up and goes back down unless you keep your finger on the switch. 4. We have a slight dimple in the door protruding out from the metal. Dealer says they can fix it but may not be able to match up paint..

• 

  It is a Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By didiacat - October 8 - 11:03 pm

  The Compass is more than I expected. It is not a Ferrari nor was it intended to be. It is a good stable ride. Holds the road well and once it get up to speed it can stay with the big boys. Anyone who is looking for 0 to 60 in 10 sec wont find it here. What they will find is reasonable acceleration and wonderful fuel economy. The ride is pleasant and reasonably quiet. It is fun to drive and with autostick activated it is even more fun. I dont wince when I drive up to the pump and I leave with a smile on my face. I like it, my wife likes it and my grand kids love it.

• 

  Great SUV - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Chris - October 8 - 12:06 pm

  I looked at the Ford Escape and the Nissan Rogue. I test drove Hawk and the Limited. For longer over the road trips I chose the Limited. It has excellent comfort, handles well in rain and snow. 4 wheel drive shifts seamlessly. Eastern Carolina Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge staff were great to deal with out of the three dealers that I dealt with.

• 

  Still Running Strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By TNP - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep new in 98. I now have 104,000 miles on it, and the only problem I have has is a power window motor. I use it offroad on the beach quite a bit, and have yet to get it stuck. It has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. I plan to buy another one for my son as soon as he gets his licence

• 

  JGC - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gretchan - October 4 - 9:26 pm

  Generally, I like the Jeep a lot. All things considered, mileage seems good for this type of vehicle at 18.5 average with a 70/30% split between local and hiway driving. The brakes seem weak, but most new cars do because they use those wimpy organic pads instead of the carbon metallic ones. My rotors warped and had to be replaced in the first 5000 miles (warranty). This was with just normal driving, not with towing anything. The new ones seem better.

• 

  FLEX FUEL ENGINE IS AWESOME - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JRS - October 4 - 1:03 am

  Nice to run 105 octane fuel that is the same price as regular. Makes the performance fun, especially in the winter. GREAT SUV!

• 

  Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepvstoyota - October 1 - 1:00 pm

  We bought the Jeep in December of 08 and bought the 08 because they were trying to get rid of them for the new 09s. But the Jeep has been amazing! Weve yet to use the 4wd but we want to. Its been to the shop once for a mechanical problem. It has the freedom top and we love it! The Jeep has been a good vehicle. The only bad thing is the back seat sits straight up, and a car seat is pretty hard to fit in there! But overall a good buy.

• 

  Love it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By hayworth - October 1 - 8:23 am

  Before I bought my Compass I did some research and read the reviews here. People seem to either love it or hate it. Personally, I love mine. It is 3 years old and in perfect condition. Drives like a Jeep. 4x4 is great. I own a Jeep Cherokee also so I was familiar with the way they handle. Love the easy to clean interior and the roominess of it. Gas mileage could be better but it is a 4 cyl pulling a good sized vehicle. Its to be expected. Bottom line. Id buy one again.

• 

  Surprisingly reliable - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By dteitzel - October 1 - 6:29 am

  Bought the 2008 Compass after being a long time, repeat Toyota buyer. The price was excellent and I got a 3 year gas card that I am still using, every time I get gas I save some change or more. I dont have the confidence in Jeep, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have not had problems, other than battery died once after a cold spell. The car has never died or stranded me. I have not done any additional service other than the most basic. I have 48K miles on it.