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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  Very Pleased - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Beth - January 30 - 2:23 am

  Test Drove 4Runner, Pathfinder, and Explorer. This one outclassed all the others in all categories. Only things missing blind spot warning and adaptive cruise control.

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  3 months later... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WillieJ - January 28 - 11:16 pm

  I have owned my Jeep for 3 months now and I have over 5000 miles on it. I love my Jeep just as much as I did when I bought it in September. Ive noticed that the ride has gotten a little jittery, but nothing unbearable. The performance is pretty good, but the fuel economy has dropped in the winter months to the mid 15 mpg. The lowest I have gotten was 13.8 ... best on HWY is 17. Its a blast in the snow! Legroom a little tight in the rear, especially behind the driver seat.

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  Proud to own an American! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tn22310 - January 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought a JGC Overland with 5.7 HEMI. What a nice car! Very quiet yet engine is strong when it needs to be. I was considering to buy a Range Rover Sport, but JGC has definitely nicer ride and navigation system with hard drive to rip your songs. If you are considering JGC, try to get the HID headlight because they are really bright.

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  Affordable Compact SUV - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By 1chris1 - January 28 - 12:06 pm

  2 months searching suvs i decided on a left over compass. I receaved a really great deal and they installed remote start for free. the highway gas milage is great concidering i drive 30K a year. 2.4 is alittle sluggish but gets you where your going. Most people ive spoken too like the new look and yes it does resemble the grand chrokee. All things concidered so far im a happy JEEP owner.

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  Just had this over a month - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By SLE - January 27 - 11:03 pm

  2008 Rallye Sport in black looks very sharp! Sticked for about 22,500, but jeep gave me 2,500 back, a generous trade and I under 5% financing, so... So far, very good. Good pep with a 5 speed manual and good gas mileage (24- 28 is pretty accurate). GREAT Boston Acoustics sound system (I have the 9 speaker system including flip down tailgate speakers). Interior look average, exterior look pretty sharp. Handles and drives very well. Good roomy interior (compared to my small sedan, so...) Drawbacks: cheap looking dash, but simple and logical; no MP3 jack on the 6 CD changer stereo; hatchback side windows dont crack open

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  LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Topherious - January 27 - 7:23 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I had previously owned a Ford Explorer Sport, and in Comparison I might have as well owned a Small car. This jeep has more towing capacity, better off road capabilities, and is superior in luxury. Heated seats, 5 disk CD changer, The list goes on and on.

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  TRANY IS JUNK - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NICK - January 26 - 6:10 pm

  bought this vehicle Jan 09, with 17000 miles on it and thought I had purchased a good vehicle. have owner several jeeps before without problems , all being wranglers so I would consider myself a loyal Jeep owner. The transmission light on the dash has came off and on several times but has never acted or done anything weird and went out. Just prior to reaching 22,000 miles the transmission just died. I could manually shift in 1st 2nd and reverse and thats it. just took it to the dealer and they have to rebuild it. as I was looking through these posts I think this wont be the last time either. DONT buy this vehicle. If the trany drops after 22,000 miles I cant wait to see what else will happen

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  Its been a pleasure owning my Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By babsj - January 26 - 10:00 am

  No major problems. Maneuverable, consistent, dependable, sporty with comfort. I still smile when I drive it! A reliable classic design stands the test of time and serves me well.

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  Jeep Review - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Greggir - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The basic solid SUV

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  Hardcore - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Toozicon - January 26 - 10:00 am

  The Rubicon is the only way to go if you want a Wrangler. For a few bucks more its well worth it! I have been driving sports cars all my life and this is my first SUV...It is a little bumpy at first but lots of fun to drive. The weather has been bad so Ive had limited time with the top off...BUT IT IS AWESOME TO DRIVE when the top is off. Somewhat difficult to deal with the top but I feel that it can be taken down in less than 3 minutes and up in less than five...just takes a little practice.