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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  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Clarence Larsen - February 4 - 10:26 pm

  Soon after purchase we took a drive around the Olympic Peninsula. We did a speedometer check and noticed that the speedometer was off by 3 miles per hour. It reads 3 mph higher than actual speed. We double checked it with a GPS and the GPS agrees with our findings. During the first visit for its 3,000 mile oil change I mentioned to the sales team and the service tech that this speedometer discrepancy will affect getting an accurate mileage and asked if anything could be done to adjust it. Sales said that it was adjustable, service said it wasnt that easy. It is a beautiful fun 4 X 4 to drive and my wife and I love it, and we will learn to live with the speedometer if necessary.

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  Jeep does it again! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MCSD_Cadet3 - February 4 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased it used in February wwith just over 5k miles. Overall excellent vehicle. The side view mirrors have a killer blind spot so I always check over my shoulder (which is probably the safest option anyway). Some of the options should have been standard on the limited but when you buy a car used you dont get to be picky. For instance it would be nice to have leather seats standard. So far no problems mechanically/electrically however its only been a few months. I did just get a recall notice on the ball joints so well have to wait and see.

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  Great Jeep - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By daclasn - February 3 - 5:16 pm

  We have put almost 4K miles on our Compass and love it! This is my 2nd Jeep, previously had a Grand Cherokee. This jeep is perfect for what we use it for. Seats are comfortable, the ride is good and power is acceptable with the manual tranny. I have grown to love the looks of the Jeep. The build quality appears to be very good as well. The reviewers are way off on this vehicle. I would recommend it to anyone!

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  Its a Jeep, Not a BMW - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Cowboy Fan - February 3 - 10:20 am

  I am 57 and this is my fourth Wrangler. Traded in an 08 BMW for the Wrangler and havent looked back. We are having a blast. So when you look at the ratings given for comfort, quietness,and performance,understand this is a Jeep and that is part of it. Getting 20 commuting and almost 22 on the highway. This Jeep is much quieter and better riding than the previous Wranglers. BMW drivers seem to turn their noses up at other BMWs thinking theirs is better or something. I have found that nearly every Wrangler driver I meet, young, old, male, female, always wave. Cant beat that.

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  I love my new Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JD - February 3 - 3:13 am

  I bought a fully loaded Limited 4x4 with the 5.7L V8. Total cost just under $39K before taxes. I was looking at an H3 ( its V6 is a joke, otherwise nice) originally and also considered a Tahoe, Armada and Sequoia. Then I drove the Commander and knew that was the one (although being me I still had to go test drive it 2 more times to make sure). Smooth ride, great acceleration, very beautiful styling inside. 1000 miles on it so far and no complaints. Still waiting for snow to use the 4X4.

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  Im Happy With It.. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By BBK - February 3 - 2:43 am

  This is my first Jeep, although I have owned other 4wd vehicles. This 4 wheel drive system is the best I have had, other have included Ford, Chevy and Toyota. I have the 6 speed manual tranny, I shift quickly and am easy on the gas and average 20.7 MPG (both highway and city). I have the hardtop with the removable sections over the driver and passenger. No leaks after removing them a few times and reinstalling. Open the door in the rain though and you will get a stream of water in the truck as water follows the gap in front and into the vehicle rather than down the glass on a closed front door. Ride is good up front but in the back you sit on the axle making it bumpy. It is what it is.

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  Like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep4ever@puertorico - February 2 - 6:33 pm

  Always wanted a Cherokee since high school and it came true about 7 years ago. Bought it with 60,000, in RED no less and with the 4.0. Picked a 2wd (less weight/better fuel econ). Repairs have been few: water pump;radiator;gas pump;starter. Take good care of it and it will last forever!

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  Nice Car for the Money - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By minime7 - February 2 - 8:58 am

  Picked up our new base model Patriot at NW Jeep about a month ago. Bought the cherry pearl with black interior. Very nice paint combo. Nicely laid-out interior. We paid $13,100 for the base model with air conditioning.

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  Simply Amazing - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By chewmeista - February 2 - 4:04 am

  I have owned 3 different wranglers in my time. This one takes the cake. At first I wasnt sure if I would like the 4 door, but I thought about it for a while, browsed jeep forums and realized that this is the one I need. It seems as though jeep has taken everything into consideration while making the new jeeps. Highly highly recommended.

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  Unfortunate Unreliability - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By envoy2002 - January 31 - 7:26 pm

  Had JGCL V8 for 1 and half years. 36000 miles. Repeated mechanical problems, some which were replaced identically 3 or 4 times. Chrysler is taking back the vehicle. For $38K vehicle, it should not fall apart so quickly. Pitty since it is a beautifull looking vehicle and has nice interior amenities (granted, not as many as others, but quite ergonomic and functional).