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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  This is one neat Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Golden Girl - February 23 - 8:03 am

  I sold my minivan because of the mileage. I compared this Jeep to the RAV4 and other Japanese vehicles. I am so satisfied with my Jeep purchase starting with the price. It is comfortable, economical, and handles very well in the Michigan winter. This car is worth the money and will do all you ask of it. It will not win any races but once you get it on the highway you will be very satisfied. Try it. I think you will be very surprised!

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  The King - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hogarth - February 22 - 9:06 am

  My wife bought this as her first car brand new and weve never had a problem with it. Weve only put slightly over 66K miles on it in that time and though it struggles to climb Teton Pass its taken us everywhere we wanted to go. Cant beat the toughness and the economy it delivers. Totally enjoy driving this guy all around town as it turns on a dime, you can park it in the smallest of places and its high enough off the ground you can see around most cars and trucks.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kuhilee721 - February 22 - 5:23 am

  I got my Jeep for Christmas!! So far has been a wonderful experience! Very fun to drive and extremely comfortable. When I started car shopping, I test drove a 2010 Ford Escape and the 2010 Patriot. The Patriot blew the Escape out of the water!! More giddy up and A LOT more comfortable. Also had a nicer interior and even better, a couple thousand dollars cheaper!!

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  96 Limited 4WD V8 - 153,000 miles - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Trevor - February 20 - 6:33 pm

  I bought used in 97 with about 10,000 miles. 143,000 miles and many road trips later, I have had virtually no problems. Other than routine maintenance, Ive only done the front CV boots and an A/C recharge. This is the best car I have ever owned and I would definitely buy another. My only complaints are the gas mileage (14-15 city, 18-20 hwy), heated seats quit working last year ($1,000 to repair...dont need em that bad!), and some of my buttons on the radio dont work unless you press them really hard. Overall very happy with my Jeep throughout the years.

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  Great Little SUV - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jay - February 20 - 2:56 pm

  Ive wanted an SUV for a While, but never liked how they handled or the gas mileage. The Compass sits a little lower and drives more like a car (can take turns a little faster. It gets good mileage, but I didnt buy it for this. It has plenty of room and is lots of fun to drive. I notice people look at me a lot, I dont know if its just a brand new car (model too) or just that Im a good looking guy. Overall Im very pleased with my purchase and look forward to having it a very long time.

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  Jeep Liberty is fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jay Reilly - February 20 - 11:20 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned and I am 64. It has unique convenient controls like the radio buttons on the steering wheel. It is a ball to drive and was pleasantly surprised at the riding comfort for a smaller SUV. I would strongly recommend it to anyone on a budget.

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  i love my 98 wrangler!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By spoillicious - February 19 - 10:00 am

  everyone should have a wrangler

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  THE reveiw - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mia Calliento - February 19 - 10:00 am

  exelent thats the only word that can discribe this car, if you want to be cool in the summer time you def. have to get this car!!!!

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  its a jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Alan P - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Just AWESOME nada problems. only fun

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  A dream come true! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Naaaasty - February 19 - 10:00 am

  For darn near forever weve wanted a REAL Jeep. Ive had other 4X4s and an 85 4 Cyl Cherokee that was darn near impossible to destroy (other than self inflicted wounds). It took me everywhere I wanted to go and then some. Our Astro van had 0ver 200K on it and the wife said "Lets get me (meaning her)a Jeep". Eh....ok. Gave the van to the kids and we bought a Solar Yellow Rubicon, loaded. Wife went from Soccer Mom to "Whos yer Mommy?" Are we happy with it? Very much so! Her Jeep...MY payments and upkeep...But I did get to "Accesorize" it and I have weekend visitation rights!!! WOO HOO...I can live with that!