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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  Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By taurus84 - February 28 - 11:53 am

  I enjoy my Jeep but my only problem is the defect in the Windows! I bought my Jeep in 08 and the same year one of the Windows fell just the other day either the same or opposite rear window fell again. They just need to do a recall already!

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  Only in a Jeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Huck - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved Jeeps for years and drove a CJ7 until it rusted out from under me. I bought this Wrangler used in 2002 with 27K and have loved every minute with it. It is rough to ride in, unrefined in almost every way and squirrely above 70 mph, but its a Jeep and wonderful to take off road and on a Summer day with the top down and the doors off theres nothing like it. Its been fairly reliable, but I do take it off road, so it does get a work out. Some repair work, but its not a money pit.

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  Biggest Complaint, Gas Mileage - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By novarene - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Everything about this SUV is great. It is very maneuverable and short enough to park in tight spaces. Never had a problem with it that I didnt cause. I have it lifted 2.5" and I would definitely recommend lifting it, it looks way better and handles better. The only thing they could have done different is that they could have put a 4.0 or a V8 in it because the 3.7 is a little small for the Libertys weight. I would say if they had matched the engine with the weight the Lib would get far better mileage. This is a great SUV that can handle just about anything you through at it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone used, but you have to get a mechanic to look at it beforehand.

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  So far so good - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a Chrysler PT Cruiser. Living in the upper Midwest I want a 4WD, taller truck-based SUV. My cruiser was just getting beat up during winter because it sits low. So far I enjoy the Liberty. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Cons-I live in a pretty windy area and compared to my cruiser or other vehicles I have driven, I notice the wind noise is rather loud when all windows are closed. I have to turn the radio up pretty high, just for me personally the outside noise can be a bit annoying.

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  The right choice - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By johnny D - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Needed a third vehicle that could plow through the snow [ wife drives rear wheel car] so i picked up the redesigned jeep wrangler Sahara they did a great job w the redesign of the interior, as well as dampening the noise level, only issue is the lack of power, but overall this is really the funnest vehicle i have ever owned, and the quality is excellent, nothing is "cheap". I cannot wait for the warmer weather so we can remove the hard top and enjoy the convertible. bought at garden city jeep..they are very professional and reasonable in the pricing of the truck. go for it!

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  Power steering issues - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Greg - February 27 - 8:23 am

  I have read some of the other responses and up until now we have only had the air fuel assembly intake that contains the choke/butterfly mechanism replaced as it was faulty. But in saying that in the last month our Jeep Compass has blown its power steering system lines twice and if not plugged in if temps get below -25 C, is harder starting. First set of tires only lasted 48000 kms. I live in Manitoba and its nothing to see -40 temps and my Jeep has been great for the first two years so now I am starting to have a finicky vehicle in winter after having virtually no trouble.

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  Waa waa waa! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ranchez - February 26 - 11:55 am

  Ive had my 2008 Jeep since it was new and love it. I see a lot of complaints here about comfort, noise, ride and acceleration. All I can say is that maybe they thought they were buying an Escalade. You dont buy a Wrangler for luxury, zero-road-noise, or racing from the light. You buy it to take on any off-road terrain you throw at it and crawl through the ick that would sink an Escalade to its axles. You also buy it to pull out the idiots who buy the other "SUVs" and try to drive them like a Jeep. Maybe you should sell your Jeep to someone who knows what it is and go buy a quiet, squishy little soccer-parent wagon.

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  Ill Miss Mine - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By mfern23 - February 25 - 10:00 pm

  My Mom bought a 98 Cherokee Sport in October 1997 and she said this was the best car she ever owned. A little over six years later this became my car and it lasted another six years. Had some electrical issues (fuel gauge was useless) and one or two major repairs, but when it came down to it this was one reliable vehicle. Fuel economy was decent (16 city/21 hwy), ride was fairly comfortable, and the 4x4 was outstanding. Had to trade her in at 140,595 miles, loved her so much got another Jeep (06 Wrangler Sport, like this one too) but I will always miss her. Honestly, if they still made these Cherokees I wouldve gotten one.

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  Great unexpected buy - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Sam - February 24 - 11:03 pm

  I was really looking for something a little different, but when I stumbled across a 2012 Compass, I instantly fell in love. Ive been calling it my beautiful beast. The seats are slightly narrow, but that doesnt affect my comfort. Despite some of the reviews I read, Im averaging 30+ mpg combined. It costs me 20 bucks to fill the tank and Im good for quite awhile, but it is a manual and Im soft footed (I generally get much higher mpg than suggested). This is my road trip/commuter car. I wanted something that would be great for everyday, plus haul the three dogs across the country when needed. I havent been disappointed yet. Pros Good gas mileage for an SUV, Comfortable, Came with bluetooth/good speakers/sirius radio, the ride is very smooth and quiet, lots of cargo space, only regular maintenance required so far. Easy to get in and out of for taller people. Feels higher end than some of the cars I test drove. Cons The acceleration isnt great, this certainly isnt a speedy SUV. My bluetooth randomly stops or starts (rarely), The transmission seems stiff at times, especially in first and fifth plus it slips out of first gear occasionally (it doesnt always seem to hold first in place well), The seats are narrow so if you are wider it may be uncomfortable, and my knees tap the dash when sitting regularly because Im so tall, but if i pull the seat back then my legs arent close enough to hold the pedals down. I wish it had automatic headlights. I dont like the design of the center console/arm rests, but thats personal preference. Overall its perfect for what I needed, but if you are looking for industry leading gas mileage, or constant off road driving, this is definitely not the car for you. THIS IS NOT A HARDCORE STEREOTYPICAL OFF ROADING JEEP. I test drove a Nissan Versa, a Kia Soul, a Saturn Astra, and a Ford Escape, and they all felt very cheap and noisy compared to the Compass. The Versa and Soul made me feel like I was driving a tin can, there was no substance, to the point that I didnt feel safe driving it.

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  My review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By A$ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Good car, but the brakes are not as responsive as my former car (Altima- anti-lock brakes). The ride is a little too bumpy for my taste. Any little bump, and your shifted around in your seat. Not meant for around-town driving that I do.