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:

• 

  This Commander Rocks! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By ST8JEEP - April 4 - 11:43 pm

  I have driven my 06 Commander for a year and am really impressed. It rides and drives smoothly. Cargo space is great. I have hauled 8 ft 4x4 lumber with the tailgate shut. Off road driving is amazing. Drove through 12 inches of snow in a corn field with no problems!

• 

  Liberty 2.0 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Walt - April 3 - 10:43 pm

  This is our second Liberty. Our 1st was a first year 2002. I noticed that the interior did feel like a step down from last gen. The ride is smoother but it feels a little slower on the on the freeway on ramp. I got another Liberty for the 5000 pound tow limit. We do pull a coleman camper with it, and needed that option. I do like it overall and feel and it fits my towing needs better that the rest of the cute ute crowd. My wife loves the Skyslider roof. Its what sold her on the new jeep.

• 

  Great Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By afmcronnie - April 2 - 2:13 pm

  This Jeep has performed flawlessly. The FD1 4x4 package is more than adequate for driving in moderate snow or for use on primitive roads. The ride is great, a little stiff, but it IS an SUV. The interior is well thought out, with the exception of the cup holders, which are invisible at night. The 110 volt outlet is especially handy. The cargo area is good sized, as long as you are only hauling groceries or light cargo, like camping equipment. You can fit 2 lawnmowers in it and still close the hatch. The engine is responsive and economical, as long as you leave the CVT in Auto mode. The ESP program allows you to ignore the 4-Lock option and concentrate on driving in foul weather.

• 

  Jeep unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - March 29 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days, but have been very pleased with its performance. It is by no means peppy, but seems to tackle California hills with ease. It guzzles gas! But that is to be expected, I knew that when I bought it so I guess that is not a valid complaint.

• 

  Dont listen to the critics! - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By brian228 - March 27 - 7:13 pm

  We have had our 2015 Compass High Altitude for 6 months and are very pleased with it. First of all it was a great value-$25,599.00 out the door. This model includes leather and moonroof. We find the ride to be compliant and composed. It is surprisingly quiet and when going 65-70 on interstates its all good. A couple of minor complaints- first, there is no auto lamp feature so have to remember to turn on headlights when it starts to get dark. Also the six-speed transmission sometimes delays shifting into 6th gear longer than seems necessary. Overall we are very satisfied so far. We live on a rural gravel road and it has been great in the mud and also in snowy slippery conditions.

• 

  Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By diane - March 24 - 1:16 pm

  I have had the truck a year and a half. Its been a very good experience. It drives nice; however on turns I dont feel as if I have total control of the truck. Of course I am going 50-70 on turns but I still dont feel that the reliability on turns is there. In the snow the truck is a machine; I dont even have to plow or shovel -- just go right over it with no problem.

• 

  stalling? - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By silver314 - March 24 - 8:40 am

  i love my jeep. we bought it a month before the birth of our first child and i have not had any problems until recently, when you go from reverse to drive the engine light comes on and it says service park assist system and then all the gear letters light up and it "bucks" a little. it has also happened at highway speeds. has anyone else had a problem like this?

• 

  I LOVE IT - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By BOSSOX9 - March 24 - 12:10 am

  I have wanted a jeep from the time I started to drive. Now at age 37 I finally have one. I love it (and so do my 9 and 5 year old sons). I knew going in to it that the ride will be ruff and bumpy. Hey it is a Jeep and you have to expect it, if you expect a nice smooth ride do not get a Jeep. I have the Rio Grande, it is all stock. The MPG is good for the inline four. It is a great all around Jeep. I use it as a daily driver and always in the desert on the weekends (live in Phoenix). I wish I had a Jeep years ago. I plan to keep it for many more years.

• 

  Surprising - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By ricky0018 - March 22 - 4:26 pm

  I have owned my Compass for about half a year. My initial thoughts werent great, I was disappointed with the gas mileage and performance. Although it could use more power, the gas mileage has improved greatly w/time. I recently got lost in the Arizona mountains during a road trip and it handled great on ridiculous terrain. I was pleasantly surprised and am now content with my purchase.

• 

  Love our Country! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By DonJuanovan - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought our Jeep two years ago from the original owners who were selling it because they bought a new Cherokee (2001 was the last year they made em). We have 80K on our Jeep and have had a few problems (waterpump, brakes, broken motor mount) but nothing out of the ordinary. Its a great vehicle, very handy and I think, sharp looking. Ours is red over silver. The ride is quite rough but hey, its a Jeep right?