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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  Its great for what it was designed. - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By btflmtnhgr - June 20 - 3:46 pm

  I had a 1967 TLC wagon (rebuilt with bored out engine), lots of torque, tons of gas pulls Jeeps out of the ditch, traded an Audi Allroad wagon for the Compass and it gets better gas mileage and feels safer, is quieter to drive than my Sportster. People are complaining because its not a luxury vehicle and not an off-roader...ya think! Ask Jeep - thats the point of the Compass.

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  Fun in the sun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dennis Rooney - June 19 - 9:50 pm

  From the dealership to the road, my experience has been excellent 5 star. This is my first Jeep and I have always wanted one. I wasnt prepared for the lower gas mileage, however you dont but a Jeep for aerodynamics. Its kinda like driving a brick through a wind tunnel. However you can rest with confidence, that this is a serious off-road vehicle. You may find yourself driving down the highway and by impulse making a right turn into the woods. This vehicle has incredible off-road capabilities. Ive found some really good fishing holes. If you buy a Jeep Wrangler, you will find a camaraderie on the road which was quite unexpected. Wrangler owners smile and wave at each other knowingly.

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  New purchase - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By FJ - June 17 - 3:30 pm

  I have heard reviews of vehicle being sluggish. I am not having a problem with that. With this vehicle you have to be careful you are not running in low. If you knock the shifter in error you may be in low and not realize it which will cause it to be sluggish. (cvt models) This is a very stylish, comfortable, nice riding vehicle. It feels heavy and not chintzy like some vehicles, I test drove. I think I made a great choice.

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  What A Truck - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - June 17 - 12:20 am

  I love this thing. It has a good amount of power and fun to drive. It is incredible off road.

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  Great SUV with no complaints - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Somebody - June 16 - 4:13 am

  I purchased this vehicle from a private party in Jan. 2004 and put approx. 25k on the odometer already. The vehicles great! It does not give me any problems (mechanical wise) and the electronics are in great working condition. The original owner had all the service records for the vehicle and Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  2005 Jeep Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fdzsersinski - June 15 - 5:40 pm

  Vast improvement over the old square design. More room, better seating and head space. Far more economical. It seems seamless in handling.

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  Affordable, Reliable, Efficient - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Pete - June 15 - 10:23 am

  Ive had the Patriot for a few months and absolutely love it. I bartered down big time, so they gave me a very BASIC package but Im not looking for luxury. I drive 80 miles round trip to work, daily, and couldnt be happier. My AVERAGE mileage has been 30+ MPG. Throw in the lifetime FULL warranty, Im comforted by the fact if anything busts, its covered (well worth the exta few bucks a month). Rides great, TONS of room (Im 61 and dont even have the seat all the way back easily can handle someone even taller). Plan on easily adding on features later DIY transmission cooler and hitch, can tow 2000 lbs.

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  good truck - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mike - June 13 - 1:56 pm

  I purchased this suv with 75,000 miles on it and I have no regrets its been very well a few minor problems gas line leak at 120,000 mi crankcase sensor bad at 125,000 trans sensor at 115,000 it runs very well

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  jeep #5 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tjblatt - June 13 - 10:00 am

  this is the 5th jeep grand charokee i have owned and it is by far the finest. this vehicle has the best urgonomics of any of the previous vehicles i have owned, jeep or otherwise. everything is right at your fingertips.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TV - June 13 - 7:36 am

  Have had Jeep for three weeks and Im really impressed with how it looks and drives.Sold my old 1998 Jeep that I loved but this one beats the old 1998 hands down.Thanks Chrysler!!!!