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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  4 Door Jeep X with Soft top - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By DadWithAJeep - April 24 - 5:33 pm

  My first Jeep was a 95 Wrangler, and I had to sell because I had a baby on the way. Now that he is 3 years old, and Jeep has a 4 door wrangler I had to get one. After several test drives, and permission from my wife (she is critical of vehicles too), I was able to find one with all of the features I wanted. This vehicle handles great (100% improvement from my other Jeeps), it sits well in corners, and has plenty of leg room. I am 65, and have no issues with room. The design of the vehicle is superb and meets all of my concerns. I am still waiting on impact tests to see how well the vehicle rates. Until then, my son sits in the middle of the back seat just in case of a side impact.

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  2007 Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By K Miller - April 24 - 7:00 am

  I just love my car. We wasnt even looking for an SUV but when my husband saw the new Compass and drove it that was it. I feel so safe in the Compass, I have never had a vehicle that I sit a little higher in and it makes all the difference in the world on how much better you can see.

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  Overall a very happy owner. - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mowog2 - April 24 - 5:44 am

  We have had this vehicle for 14 months and 40,000 miles. So far both the puchase and ownership experiences have been good ones. Power with the V6 requires lots of RPMs as a small V6 is propelling a 5000+ pound vehicle BUT, the upside is that same 5000+ pound vehicle getting on average about 23 MPG at 70 MPH on the highway. A downside is the navigation system which is near useless and best plan on having a Garmin mounted to the windshield...!!! Our only warrantable item was a new seat covering on the drivers seat due to premature wear....quite the hastle getting the right material from Jeep Service Parts and thank heavens for a great servicing dealer in Auburn, Indiana. Happy owner...!!!!!

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  Everyone loves riots - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RiotDan - April 21 - 4:26 am

  Ive had a wrangler for 6 years and loved every minute of it. However, just like everyone else loosing money at the pump, i needed something a little more gpm friendly. Depressed, i looked at sedans and small trucks until i saw the riot. i did cartwheels as the dealer told me i could have the fuel eco i wanted and still parade around in my American build 4 banger with teeth.

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  Love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sharon - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  I have a 2007 Jeep Compass and have no regrets buying it. I have the 4x4 Sports and have hand no problems what so ever. This particular make is just now really starting to catch on and I cant understand why Chrysler did not promote it as much. I get a lot of second looks while driving:-) Always wanted a jeep and this one is perfect for me.

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  I <3 JEEPS! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe Manny - April 20 - 8:36 am

  BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!

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  After the first week in a Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Neil Crichton - April 19 - 8:40 pm

  Picked up my new Patriot Limited a week ago, and put on 500 miles (800 km) since. My first impression was very positive. The vehicle performed well on the highway. Its no speed demon, but it can easily pass the slowpokes. It was comfortable and quiet. Found a few things I didnt like, such you cant plug your iPod into the deluxe radio, and the armrests are so hard, they hurt your elbows. Some of the controls were different than on cars Ive owned before, and took some getting used to, such as the cruise control. One of my first jobs was to pick up some lumber, and with the seats folded flat (and a tarp protecting the floor, I was easily able to bring home twenty 2x6s. So far I like it.

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  Put Some Fun Into Your Life! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By WCG - April 17 - 5:53 pm

  This is our first SUV and we love it. Its fun to drive, handles well and is surprisingly comfortable. The Limited model we have came LOADED with extras and is a beautiful "Patriot Blue" color that has received more compliments than any other car Ive owned. So far, were in the 17+ mpg range, but we werent expecting much more. Overall were very happy with it and, oh yes, our Golden Retriever loves it to!

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  A rockbashed/mud covered 97 Wrangler - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By muddyjeepbob - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My 97 Jeep Wrangler has been through the mill. In the past five years I have beaten this vehicle to death and it comes back for more. My Jeep has offroaded on many medium to high difficulty trails in the mountains and deserts near San Diego. It shows battle scars from many encounters with rocks and desert cactus. It has traveled to 44 states (3 cross-country runs). It has never broke down. The A/C works great even crawling on 120 degree offroad trails in the deserts. It has plenty of power and gets decent mileage (18-22 mpg) on highway (as long as I keep it at 60-65 mph.) Its it Jeep Thing.

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  Our new car.... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JAL - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! After looking and looking we checked out the Liberty and were impressed. Great styling inside and out and functional too. We tried it out 2 days ago (3/18/2002) in one of our annual Northeast Ohio Spring snowstorms and were even more impressed. About 5 inches of snow over ice and the Liberty actually put you back in your seat a bit with some moderate accelleration.. Our 1st 4WD but it really impressed me!!! Same outing, nailing the ABS brakes and we stopped straight and true. Bottom line We love it!!! (Gas mileage seems to be of concern to some other reviewers however Im not to worried... If I wanted good gas mileage I would not have been looking at a SUV)