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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  Dont buy one - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric Adcock - June 6 - 2:00 am

  On the first drive it over heated 2000 miles it needed new rotors. 5000 miles did not idle good, reprogramed computer did not fix it. 8000 miles power steering noise, did a recall to it. 9000 miles more power steering noise, replaced belt plus tensioner. 18000 miles steering was binding could not fix it with another recall but now it only happens when very hot outside. Still didnt idle right they replaced a sensor ( did not fix it ) 21000 miles mecanic found bad computer that controls idle but chrysler wont replace it yet because they dont know how to program the new one,that was around March 2002, in now Dec 2002 they still cant fix my Jeep.

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  Nightmare commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By MESSED UP - May 20 - 11:26 pm

  Where do I start with this thing? I bought a 2006 commander during the morning hours, as the day warmed up I turned on the A/C only to find out that it didnt work. (only hot air), I took it back and they told me that they must have forgot to charge the air conditioner at the factory, so they charged the system. It worked for a few days and then went dead again. I took it back and was told it had a faulty "pipe" from the factory. They fixed it and charged the system again. it worked for a while and went dead again. (Its back in the shop again today). other problems with the commander are, whistling noise from windshield area, vibrating passenger mirror, rain leaks in, and much more..

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  worst jeep ever - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By mammacompass - May 20 - 6:08 am

  I was forced into purchasing a 201 compass brand new in 2011. I have three kids, they do not fit in back seat, they are so cramped! not to mention the whole thing is just small! Ive had to take it in because if a noise turn out front lower arm controls were broke, they replaced them they were under warranty, the day after I got them fixed Im not lying I backed out of my drive way and it sounded like plastic cracking in a million pieces, and then there was the creaking noise again! so Im assumeing its the arm controls again! Ive been to busy to have it fixed but I can tell steering is bad and every time I hit bump I hear the creaking. hate this car!

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  Do Not Buy - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew B. Jones - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The SUV is not safe in windy conditions above 10 miles. When driving in the wind the car feels like it is going to tip over. The South Carolina, Sumter dealer is rude and unreliable. Services thier are done to save company time. Items that dont need to be fixed get fixed and items that need repair are done poorly so the customer has to come back. Which leads to money coming out of the customers pocket. Repairs on warranty afer 30,00 miles has ahundred dollar deductiable. I do not recommed this car to anyone. Money can be spent better on other vehicles.

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  Looks Great!! Dont let the looks fool you!! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By nbuckley - April 24 - 10:37 am

  had the worst experience with this truck engine light has been on for over 3 weeks now its been at the dealer and they dont know whats wrong with it! Ive paid alittle over 2,000 for work done on my truck and its still not fixed..and the dealar cont. to tell may its this and maybe it that..well Im not going to cont. giving monies to you for your maybes!! the worst truck thus far and Ive had plenty of vechile if the dealer cant fix it then what?? only had the truck 1yr!! please stay away wish I would have done my homework an read the reviews on this truck before I made my purchase!! We live and learn!!

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  Very Very Disappointed! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Disappointed - April 17 - 1:30 am

  For the money I spent I expected better quality. Had the jeep 3 yrs and after 8 months I frequently took it in for work. Tranny, suspension, even the steering rack went at 40k. The interior plastic is extremely cheap feeling which I knew from the start but as time went on it scratched at the lightest touch. The gas mileage also sucks. If you plan on having kids forget it. This is a very large car yet a child seat can not safely seat in the back. We had to keep the kids in my wifes lil 4 door until they were out of car seats. Pathetic. Lastly do not buy if you do any offroading. It did horribly and things broke easily. Im done with this car and am doing my best to rid it.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rich9294 - April 5 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my Liberty in December of 2004. I had no problems, until year 5. In the last year, the transmission has had two repairs, the left rear window broke on vacation(the glass did not go backup), and there has been one recall. My extended warranty is about to expire, and I am left wondering what will break next when I have to pay the full amount of the repair. Also, town mileage is real, real bad, around 15 mpg. I can usually get 22 to 24 mpg on the road if I drive 65 mph. If I were to assign a letter grade to my Jeep, it would receive a D. I will not purchase another Jeep or Chrysler product, ever again.

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  Popping Out of Gear-trouble getting into gear - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By volito - March 27 - 4:20 pm

  Had this rpoblem ongoing since it came out of showroom. Everyday problems getting into certain gears or shifter popping out of gear. In and out oof dealers for 3 years. Now recently wouldnt go into gear as gear plates stuck and had to get it towed to dealer. "Now maybe theyll see the problem" Nightmare from day one back to lawyer for lemo law.

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  Do not get a compass. - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Nelson Perez - March 21 - 10:55 am

  I financed a 2018 compass from Riverdale Chrysler jeep dealer and noticed that the clock was changing hours on its own so went to the dealer to have the jeep checked. They ask me to leave the jeep overnight because it was not legal to drive it with the CLUSTER problem it had. Its been 6 weeks and I still dont have my jeep yet Im making monthly payments and insurance payments. They promised the vehicle if I left it overnight and made 4 different promising dates for the problem to be solved and Im still waiting. Dont recommend the compass to anyone

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  Rent one before you buy one - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By SciFiChick - March 20 - 4:26 am

  What can I say, had I rented it for a week, I would not have bought it. In the heat it smells like cheap marine plastic melting in the sun. If you use the highway, youre safer in someone elses car, this one stalls. The middle of the back seat has NO SUPPORT so it sinks in. The plastic scratches very easily. I cannot wait to get rid of my Jeep.