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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  Stalls out - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By virgin island - April 26 - 9:40 am

  Is a fairly comfortable ride, somewhat fun, but stalls out in the morning hours. Currently have a computer installed on the car to try to find the problem. Im hoping my family does not get hurt in a car accident, cause by the car stalling out. Might have to sue the dealer and Chrysler.

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  Replacing my Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lobes - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Just traded in my 2001 Wrangler for this, and it was hard to part with, but I havent looked back! It has everything that you need, and it is a great size. Also, has great pick-up with the HO V8 and is so comfortable and rides real smooth... I cant say enough good things about this,

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  Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeeper2 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Great Jeep! Ive had three other Jeeps, All CJs, and this one blows them all away. With the HT its a quite ride...even with the MT/Rs. Yes, its a stiff ride, but anyone who buys a Jeep should already except that. With that said, this Jeep is buy far the best on/off road drive/handle Ive ever owned. This is not my primary means of transportation...strickly a pleasure vehicle for me and the family.

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  Excellent - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Wow Commander - April 25 - 4:30 pm

  Fun to drive and really useful for families. it has many standards that are luxury and useful.

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  My 97 Wrangler - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aaron - April 25 - 2:20 pm

  I am very pleased with my purchase. It is a well put together machine and it is a ton of fun to drive. The only drawback is the fuel economy, but its still worth it. I use it as my daily driver and on weekends take it off-road for a little fun.

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  Outstanding! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RTM - April 25 - 1:36 pm

  Absolutely incredible vehicle. I traded in my 2005 Audi A8 with no regrets. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is an absolute blast to drive. Dont get this vehicle if you dont like gawkers and car questions for strangers!

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  freaking love it - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Corey - April 25 - 11:20 am

  I have wanted a Rubi ever since they came out of the factory. I owned an 88 Wrangler that I rebuilt from the frame up. Sad thing is that I built it almost exactly like what the Rubi has in it already. Ive taken it on quite a few road trips so far and I must say, it is one cool ride. Top down with the air flying through your hair or top on with the A/C; either way, provides plenty of power and head turning ability that make it a Jeep.

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  Worst car EVERRR!!! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By heather2007 - April 25 - 7:10 am

  I purchased my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee brand new right off of the lot so that I would not have to worry about having car troubles. This car has been nothing but troubles! First it started stalling right after I would begin driving. I took it in and they replaced the ESM module. Then one year later it began stalling again, once while I was going 70 mph on the highway! So, I took it in again... and they replaced the ESM module... Again! I filed a complaint with Chrystler and they said that if it happens again they will look into it. Well, 6 months later, my car randomly wont start and is stalling more frequently than ever. They say they cant find anything wrong with my car. It wont start!!

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  Great Car, Poor Fuel Economy - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Missy - April 25 - 4:00 am

  I have owned this now for three months and love the sportiness. However, the estimate of 16/22 mpg is way, way off base. I average 10-12 mpg. city and recently took a trip and averaged 13- 14 mpg highway! Not sure yet if this is worth the upsides of the vehicle. Only other complaint is no cargo nets when hauling groceries in back...stuff rolls out of gate when opened. Third row does block rear view and very little leg room when used. Fine for every day but not as comfortable and roomy for long trips.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - April 24 - 6:06 pm

  Bought in March 2002 new. Now 70k miles. Problems only: brakes and rotors fixed 4 times, differential leak twice-still leaking, ac air blend door actuator replacement ($1300), starter, power steering line replacement-leaking again!, CD changer-just installed third one!, fuel pump, passenger side mirror memory replaced by dealer at 20k-still not working, front and rear shocks leaking at 40k!, noisy power steering, battery died at 12k, heater core replacement at 57k, lights on dashbord goes off sometimes for a few seconds! WHAT NEXT? Are this parts from 99 cents store? Manufacturer should include extra Jeep with purchase of new one for parts like buy 1 get 1 free.