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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  Fun, fun, fun - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Tony-Chicago - September 9 - 4:30 am

  I have had many 4x4s, but none of them ever compared to my new unlimited. I now know what the word fun to drive means. It performs in all types of situations, so far I have had it on ice, in deep snow, mud and to a wedding. It recieved more attention then the bride. Thank You Jeep.

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  Overall great, but a few annoying problems so far - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hager_2000 - September 9 - 1:40 am

  I have had my 2011 JGC Limited Hemi for about 7 months now. Its quiet, fast and handles pretty well for a heavy SUV ~ 4800 lbs. One major problem I have had is I went to start it and it was dead in my driveway. Found out the ground bolt for the starter sheared off. No clue how it happened, dealer had never seen it happen before. Automatic HVAC required reprogramming, would only blow hot air, seems to work ok now.. Pretty happy with the vehicle, very solidly built compared to my 2005 JGC which I hit into a concrete embankment at 50 mph and walked away without a scratch - hyrdoplaned. The vehicle is cheap life insurance, very safe.

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lamont Johnson - September 8 - 4:06 am

  Have the 2006 CRD model w/tow package. Pros: Small size, good acceleration and towing capability. Fuel mileage in town is acceptable. Cons: High maintenance vehicle. Numerous recalls and limited engine part availability causing more delays w/service. Have had to replace EGR valve ($230.00 dealer part) twice (once was under warranty). Local dealer (San Angelo, TX) and manufacturer support and service is substandard. Overall, could be a good "project" vehicle but be prepared to invest time and money to get it to its full potential. Highly advise researching the Jeep forums to learn of other "issues" before buying.

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  Death Wobble Unacceptable! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By k7su - September 7 - 12:26 pm

  I purchased a pre-owned 2007 Jeep Wrangler X Unlimited in Feb.2011 with 16,000 miles. About a week later the front end would go into a bad shimmy when I hit a little bump. It was out of warranty so I took it to a local 4x4 suspension shop. He knew all about the death wobble. We tried a heftier steering damper, new cam bolts, rotating and balancing tires...nothing fixed it. I read about it on the forums after it happened to me and saw the problems with the death wobble so I figured it was pointless for me to try to spend more money on it. I traded it for a Toyota 4Runner. Too bad Chrysler. That was my 7th Jeep product. No more for me!

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Twitch - September 7 - 5:16 am

  Have been driving the 3.7 version for almost two years. Towed a fully loaded 5x8 enclosed trailer weighing 2000 lbs across the country with no problems in the mountains. Turn radius in parking lot is similar to small car. Power steering works great when at full stop. Spark plugs are difficult to replace, but not impossible. Climate control is quick to respond.

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  new Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Val - September 7 - 4:30 am

  It has such a smooth ride it is difficult to tell how fast you are driving. It has great luxury inside and a rough macho exterior.

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  A Great Car for its Time - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Douger - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for nearly 5 years now and have really been quite happy with it. I did need to replace the AC compressor twice... a common problem, Ive read. Other than that, if you are perhaps a bit more aggressive in changing differential, transmission, and transaxle fluids then the manufacturer recommends, these are great cars on and off the road. Other minor problems: Mirror memory Seatbelt sensor ABS sensors (adjustment needed only)

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  So Far, Pretty Good! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vampyre40 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought this the dealer gave me a 30 day warranty. Good thing. In the first week, the front brakes needed new rotors, and the a/c ran hot and needed a new evap. cylinder. The dealer fixed everything. 2 months later, The check engine light came on and I replaced the speed sensor. A week after that, the drivers side electric window motor burned out. I replaced that and it wasnt easy! I have now had the car for a little over a year and have had no further problems. Hopefully it stays that way. Although I have grown attached to my JEEP, I wouldnt buy another.

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  A blast to drive all year round - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By saseals - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. Bought the hard top....a pain to take off...bought a hoist. Very quiet in the winter with the hard top on. Took it to Texas and used it to put Sea Doos in the water. Saw full size trucks spin their tires doing the same thing. The jeep climbed like there was no tomorrow.

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  Excellent little 4x4 SUV - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By caplking - September 6 - 5:05 pm

  Purchased my Compass in July this year. I wanted a Compass True North but Jeep does not build one, just for the auto shows. So I purchased my Compass 2.4, six speed auto,4x4. Using the specs found for the True North, I built one. I added the two inch lift kit and added a performance intake. This is the best SUV I have ever had. I truly love driving the Compass. For those who complain that the engine is sluggish, a performance intake will fix the issue without effecting gas mileage. The lift kit is for better off-roading. No mountain climbing or forging rivers, just good off-roading fun.