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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  SUV Bargain - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JerZee Joe - August 26 - 7:30 am

  This is my first Jeep and it is great! I always liked Jeep but never liked the mileage they got. Quiet, smooth, solid, affordable 4x4 ride. I did not experience any excessive road noise. Fun to drive, lots of comments on its great looks. With a 13.5 gallon tank it doesnt break the bank on fillups. The mileage keeps getting better the more I drive it. In driving to Tennessee it took the mountains with ease. Although it isnt a speed demon off the line,the engine is adequate for the vehicle, handles well. If you looking for more speed and power, then dont purchase an economy vehicle and wish it had more power. Plenty of storage room, I like the wide dash. Jeep has a winner with the Patriot!

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  My Jeep is on Fire - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By yingyang - August 24 - 5:46 am

  Well, my leased 2007 Jeep Compass caught fire last night in my friends driveway after being driven for approx. 45 mins on the highway. Three firetrucks and two cops cars later - the report says "electrical fire". No on hurt but major stress. Thought, I should put it there for all to review. Anyone else on fire?

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  Not to bad!! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pineman - August 24 - 3:53 am

  I bought this Jeep used with 128,000 miles. This one has the Inline 6. I have only put a couple hundred miles on it but it seems to run great. I cant believe how good the body is holding up. No exterior rust yet. The only issue i have with it is the transmission has a very slight leak. When I park I see one or two drops of tranny fluid on the ground. After a tranny flush and new seal, no more leak. In the past I have never been a Chrysler fan and still am not. But this vehicle so far is my exception. I like it and I could NOT pass up the deal I got on it. So far, no major complaints. Overall satisfied. I know several people that got 300,000 miles on the inline 6. Hope I do also.

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  All around great vechicle - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper4life - August 23 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive very reliable no serious mechanical problems i have over 65000 mile on it and it still runs as good as the day i bought it. I have no regerts lots of power w/I six cyl 4.0 liter engine fuel could be better but cant complain overall a well built vechicle

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  99 Jeep Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Togdsp - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad vehicle for the price. No major repairs but had to replace driver side window. I noticed that the check engine light comes on if gas cap is not properly replaced. Approaching 50K miles. Vehicle has gotten alot louder within the past 5k miles, on the front end and with little squeaks here and there.

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  Crashed - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By christopherh - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed this jeep at 94,000 miles it was still going strong. I was hit in the passenger side by another car that went through a stop sign. At 55mph the jeep spun around went off the road and rolled 2 times due to a ravine. I walked away from the accident. The jeep really protected me.

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  Love the Power...... - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By markyls01 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  love the v-8.didnt like the in-line 6 at all..wanted a suv with power.test drove all the others on the market.this was by far the best driving and had the most power.would like to see more interior room though....

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  okay - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By amanda - August 22 - 8:23 pm

  All in all this is a great suv. The only problem I have with it is the design such as seams on the inside interior like doors and exterior like the back hatch are not perfect. They do not properly meet, have grooves in the metal. So it looks cheap but others cant see it, just the poor owner. Kinda disappointed in this since Jeep is supposed to be such a great company.

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  Not sure if its a keeper - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stryker4 - August 22 - 8:07 am

  Im at 6500 miles and the car has been at the shop 6 times. The navigation system has not worked correctly the entire time. It will not show the correct location, so is useless. They have done 3 updates and are currently installing the 3rd radio as we speak trying to resolve the issue. Not the quatlity or the aggrevation I was expecting. Not to sure about the transmission either it seems to not shift correctly downhill it runs up the rpms. If this issue isnt resolved this time looks like I will be invoking the lemon law. I waited along time for this car at this point its a dissappointment.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mjt1727 - August 21 - 10:53 am

  The 1999 Jeep Cherokee Classic is a very utilitarian vehicle. It is a bit loud on the road, does not have the best gas mileage, and the six cylinder engine is adequate. That being said, there have been absolutely no major issues and the vehicle just keeps running.