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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  Back in the Jeep family and LOVE it!!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By snowmommy - February 2 - 2:01 am

  I had a Jeep Liberty for 9 years and loved it except the gas mileage. We let my daughter take it to college and we brought a foreign brand SUV. I had a terrible time parking and backing up. We were going to purchase a car when we saw the 2011 Jeep Compass and liked the looks. We took it for a test drive and loved it.....it felt like back home with the Jeep Family. It is a program vehicle with 14,000 miles. We get 24.7 MPG which is better than my 19.3 on the foreign brand SUV. Im happy and when Mamma is happy.....Everyone is HAPPY!

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  LUV it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joe Camo - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Unbelievably fast! Love the Hemi. Well built. Awesome interior. 4x4 will go anywhere. Kids love it. Stadium seating nice feature. Hauls just as much as my Suburban. Sound system, navigation and back up camera are the bomb. If you never owned a Jeep this is the one that you must buy if you need to move the family around (in a hurry - if need be). Did I mention the Hemi! Oh, man...it moves!

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  Very Satisfied Customer - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cblock - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Prior to owning the 04 jeep grand cherokee, special edition, i owned an Infinit QX4. I will have to say that the grand cherokee feels more solid and has more interior comfort than the Qx4. althought the Qx4 had more bells and whisles...i am enjoying the grand cherokee for its comfort, design and reliability.

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  Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hartsrw - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Weve had the Jeep for about 2 months and recently took it on a 2,800 mile trip. It rides good for an SUV and the milage on the interstates varied from 18.3 to 20.8 based on speed. We drove it between 70 and 80 MPH most of the time.

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  the unlimited Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By tmnavy - January 30 - 2:43 pm

  This is the best Jeep ever, all that extra space and not losing any capability. Ive had it for 2 months and gone everywhere and nothing stopped it.

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  GREAT VEHICLE...JEEP IS RELIABLE !! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vwmm - January 29 - 5:47 am

  14 GC Overland 5.7L Hemi 4 x 4 with ATG Build Nov. 2013-- 14 is my 4th JGC since 99, and by far the BEST. Ive had ZERO issues--major or minor since bought in Dec. 13 @ 3,000 miles now--mixture of heavy city & highway. Ive put this vehicle through the paces. As far as reliability, my Jeeps have only once left me stranded--dead battery. 05 GC at 80k mi needed transfer case replaced, but Jeep could be driven. 10 days in shop, but all under warranty. After reading all negative reviews on transmission and NAV system, rented one before buying--NO ISSUES. This is a German designed & built transm. used in all new Audi, BMW, even Jag, Bentley, Rolls, Land Rover, Maserati.

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  Williams Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By William Weaver - January 28 - 10:13 am

  I have been very satisfied overall with this vehicle. It is fun to drive, and having the 4WD available, though I have yet to use it, gives me piece of mind. I gave it a 9 for comfort due to the lack of a door arm rest, which really is not a problem as the center console is there. I gave it a 6 for fuel economy because its 15-19 mpg is reminiscent of the 80s era vehicles. It has had, as yet, no mechanical or body work though I do intend to add the tow bar, which I think should be standard given the lack of trunk space with passengers aboard. While I think I will never part with it, I am also pleased with the TMV and resale value.

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  130K miles still on orig clutch! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By RyanZ - January 27 - 10:20 pm

  This is THE car you want to drive in the mountains dealing with snow, or the top off near the beach. The parts are cheap and abundant. You can fix everything yourself with a manual. They perform well on and off road.

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  These cars last forever - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark Paul - January 27 - 11:10 am

  I have owned a previous Jeep Laredo 4WD and had over 208,000 miles on it when I sold it for $2,850.00 last week. This one just turned 200,000 miles and runs perfectly. Very dependable and good looking. Excellent value for the money. I paid $4000.00 for a loaded model and everything works.

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  The Champ Is Here... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Patches O Houlahan - January 27 - 4:03 am

  I am the proud owner of a brand new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK. Before you even step in the car you notice the sleek body lines, the cool new look, and the key/remote entry. Once inside, the new car smell hits you and your body conforms to the interior. For the left hand driver, one hand goes to the wheel, the right elbow goes for the center console, and the right hand sits on the shifter. When you begin driving, the smooth, quiet ride are immediately noticed, as well as the nonexistent wind noise. The car accelerates well, able to pass cars with ease.