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:

• 

  This is my 4th Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bogart - November 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Grand Cherokee - the first 3 were Laredos and this new one is a Limited. I have never had any problems with any of them. I think they are great value. The salesman I used is Tom Patton with Park Cities and he was really, really awesome. I would recommend a Grand Cherokee and Tom to anyone.

• 

  The Real truth - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr. V - November 5 - 1:56 am

  Awesome Jeep. Tight, safe rugged!

• 

  Our Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Terry - November 4 - 11:46 pm

  When we purchased the Compass we traded in a 2002 Liberty. We love its handling in the city and on the highway. The CVT transmission takes a bit to get used to but other wise we love the Compass. The seats are very comfortable. Braking is excellent. A little slow off the line but its not built for speed. Great cargo capacity and easy to get in and out of. The instrument panel is easy to read. Our only complaint is the only power switch for the door locks is on the drivers door. The rear passengers need to unlock the door by pulling up on the door lock button if the driver doesnt unlock the doors. All in All after owning several vehicles, this is one that I would buy two off.

• 

  Almost bought something else - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Douglas - November 4 - 3:36 pm

  Having had the 2004 Liberty and hating it since 2 days after delivery, I was a bit skeptical about the 2008 model. However, a test drive changed my mind. I was quite surprised at the additional room as the specs dont really convey real world use. Who thinks in cubic feet? My 63" partner is comfortable in the driver and passenger seats. The ride is definitely improved and the styling is great. The vehicle feels a lot more solid. My only regret is not getting the Limited model as I really miss the electronic seats and the EVIC. Also, ignore professional reviewers who insist on comparing it to crossovers. Thats not the same category!

• 

  great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By kennedysaura - November 4 - 10:50 am

  Lots of fun around town or off-road, family enjoys local day trips when the weather is just right. Very easy to use 5-speed manual transmission, operation of interior buttons is simple and are a good size (important since the Wrangler is not the smoothest ride). I have just the hard top option, should of gone with the soft top. I was 50 miles away from my home with the top off in the middle of a rain storm. The extra noise from soft top is worth the extra freedom of Michigan weather. I very much enjoy the Wrangler and hope to have it for the next twenty years or so.

• 

  Love it - highly recommended - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By swampmom - November 3 - 5:56 pm

  We needed a new vehicle that would accommodate our two growing children and something that had decent mileage for my 134 mile daily round trip work commute. Honda Fit and other like vehicles didnt offer free safety features such as side impact airbags and A/C were considered OPTIONAL. We were floored when we found the Jeep Patriot (base model.) It offered more room, the standard features that we needed, really good gas mileage, and a fun, TONKA toy kind of ride. On this last tank of gas we averaged 26.8 MPG! Being in the NOLA area, I also wanted something big enough to sleep in if we had to evacuate:) You get a heck of a lot of bang for your buck with a Jeep Patriot!

• 

  Buy one before they are history - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By XJforever - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned for one year. Bought with 19,000 miles - just crossed 30,000. Absolutely the best vehicle I have ever owned. Solid as a rock, great off-road and in the snow. Only issues are the lack of a left foot rest (during long drives this can be a problem) and gas mileage in stop and go traffic. But it is the last of the best that Jeep has ever made. Ending production of the XJ will lose loyal customers as Daimler-Chrysler migrates toward independent front suspensions across the board. I fully expect that this vehicle will last me for over 200,000 miles. Many XJ owners will attest to the ease with which this happens if you just change the oil and do the maintenance.

• 

  Best SUV to own - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joseph - November 3 - 9:16 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a wonderful SUV to dirve. Have not had to do anything but routine maintenance. Have had no trouble with the vehicle at all. I ready to buy another so my lucky son will have his mountain goat to get him to the slopes.

• 

  Like no Jeep Ive ever had - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Elliot - October 31 - 5:23 pm

  I bought the loaded Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.7L Hemi. First of all, I have owned 2 other Grand Cherokees, a Wrangler Sahara and a regular Cherokee. While I liked all my Jeeps, this new one is by far the best. It is a rocket ship ... so fast in fact, there arent too many cars out there that I cant leave in the dust. Because I do tend to have a heavy foot, my gas mileage suffers somewhat. I guess lately, because the novelty of the Hemi power is still with me, Ive been getting around 12 or 13 mpg. Thats ok for now, but if the gas hits 3 bucks, I may have to resort to my "old lady" driving patterns to save a few bucks. Comfort is unreal. I love this car and would highly recommend it!

• 

  Tops in my book - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bjpoock - October 30 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee is easily one of the best vehicles ever built.