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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  Why did they quit maiking these? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pigman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car (reliability) I have ever owned. The cast iron inline 6 cylinder is amazing. This is the best snow car I have ever driven. I can do 55 mph on 4-6 inches of snow without even a wobble. It is a true snow car. I do all tune up, oil changes, and all maintenance on this vehicle. It is as simple as a 1960s car. Biggest mistake Chrysler made was to stop building these in 2001. The jeep liberty (successor) does not even hold a candle to it. All SUVs started with this design. It is a true on or off road SUV.

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  Upholstery and Windows! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Ragin Cajun - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Liberty Sport. Two issues: 1) The upholstery stains with just water. Turns out some IDIOT in materials took delivery of something that shouldnt have been used. Solution: periodically (yearly) steam clean your seats. 2) Window plastic support bracket (Piece O $H!#) keeps breaking EVEN WITHOUT USE! Seems the regulators are OK, but the "plastic" bracket needs to be replaced with a metal one for $9.00. Google "steiger performance" for metal bracket and instructions. First one will take patience and time, but the others get easier.

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  4x4 in a small vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By farout - November 15 - 6:00 pm

  Is the Compass a 4x4 or and AWD? Thats a question that is really hard to find an answer to. The Lock in 4x4 is only good up to 10 mph. The Compsss ia a well planned out vehicle, rides smooth, goes up hills good, has great air-conditioning! Seats are easy to ride on and back seat has good room for adults! Lots of plastic inside, but easy to clean. Engine is loud, and has less than expected take off power for a 2.4 L engine. However at 40 mph and above the passing power is really good. CVT transmission is smooth and takes a little to get use to. The fuel MPG is about 23 as an average. Plenty of safety features, and many options. The Compass is rugged and takes hills very well.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By chestersmom - November 14 - 11:30 pm

  I love my liberty, but Im not so sure I love it. It steers well, easy to maneuver, love the height, but I have to say if I had been aware of the problems I could have fallen in love with another vehicle. The paint job sucks, I have what should be just a small ding (Im guessing from a rock) above the window on the door and the thing goes all the way to the metal! Also, as with most of you, the window thing is driving me crazy! The driver window has gone out 4 times, the rear Windows both replaced, and today the passenger window broke. It also runs really loud & the seats stain way to easily. Something is definitely wrong.

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  If I had it to do over again - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ryan - November 14 - 2:33 pm

  Although I love the navigation, heated seats and the dvd player I would trade all of that for the upgraded 4 wheel drive system. I have the Quadra-Drive 1 which in my opinion is not a very good choice. I actually got stuck in a small snow drift. If youre going to get a Jeep get the Quadra-Trac not the Quadra-Drive!

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ever Had - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By urban_ga_peach - November 14 - 1:45 pm

  My husband and I have had this Jeep for 4 years. Had 70k when we bought it, now it has 130k. Low miles for a 11 year old car. Weve had no major issues. Daytime running lights means you chance headlights often. Electrical sensor replaced under dash and a brake light sensor. Besides that just regualar maint. 4.0L is best engine Jeep ever made. My dad has a 96 like ours with 280k and still no issues. We expect to get 300k out of her too. Shes like a tank! Back seat a bit small for 6 footers but fine for short people/kids. Definately best buy for TMV.

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  Exactly what I expected, FUN - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By NordTexan - November 12 - 5:33 am

  Although I have only had it a couple of weeks, I am fully pleased with the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I left behind a Cadillac CTS at the dealer and really havent looked back. The Jeeps ride is not as bad as some say. You should know what your getting, but I was actually pretty surprised by how comfortable it is. Power and mpg suck, but I am going to address that with the savings on payment and insurance costs by adding a cold-air intake, exhaust and flash-programmer. From the documented dyno results, I dont think I will have any complaints going forward. Final word: practical, 4 door convertible. The REAL "ultimate tanning machine!"

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  Too Bad - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Nolan - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Baught this vehicle because of the looks and comfort it is certainly in my opinion the best looking SUV on the market and, the comfort is luxurious to say the least.However,Mechanicly it is a nightmare.I just had the replace the whole rear-end at a cost of $1500.00 The rear window leaks,There is a whine in the tranny.As much as I love this vehicle its just to much of a risk for otheres to buy one.If you do, I hope you keep a mechanic withn you at all times.BTW,It had 69000 on it when I baught it.

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  bigger maybe better - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Robert Nolan - November 9 - 7:00 pm

  I needed a 4wd for snowy winters in Wi. Well, I purchased my 2005 jJeep Renegade last Dec of 2004, not much snow or severe conditions to really test my Jeep. I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the drivers seat, but my passengers in the back will complain of hard bouncing and not much padding. The back cargo area is way too small. Just can get my golf clubs in sideways, the glove box is a laugh and a half; it holds a pencil. The gas mileage is poor, but a lot of suvs are; gets 18 city. I feel safe in it; the ride is tight, and it has more than adequate acceleration with the 3.7 engine. Great little vehicle to park and scoot around in, but not enough He-Man room. My wife loves it. Great buy now on 2005 models.

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  Go Jeep Go - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeeper - November 9 - 6:06 pm

  Purchased the Jeep for my wife about a month ago. Shes put on about 1K miles; well actually, Ive probably put on a few of those miles myself. We both enjoy the Jeep greatly. We actually fight over who will drive it at times. Ive owned a Wrangler in the past, so I knew the off-road ability would definitely be there. The interior fit and finish is very nice (owning a Honda myself) and there are no rattles. Wish the gas mileage was better, but its an SUV so you learn to live with it.