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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  Rally E - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Tony - April 18 - 8:33 pm

  I waited for the 2009 and the new interior is great! The manual transmission is the way to go, I drove a CVT version (as a rental) and I did not like it. Love the Rally E package and the upgraded sound system is clearer and sharper than my old Rockford Fosgate (Mitsubishi) stereo. Without the downshift of the manual long hills would be a problem. Other than hills overall pick-up is fine. I commute daily and the Compass is great in snowy /icy conditions. I am very very pleased with my Compass. You really get alot for your money.

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  My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob Austin - April 15 - 10:53 pm

  So far Im getting about 19 mpg. The ride is a little stiff but fun. My only dislike is that I decided to get the 4 cylinder for gas mileage. For performance, that was not the best idea. This vehicle is slow.

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  Jeeps are the only way to go - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By The General - April 15 - 6:03 pm

  This is my second wrangler I used to own a 97. This was such a vast upgrade even though it was still very similar. I love the 06 because its the last year they stayed true to the design of the jeep. I love driving the jeep at night during the summer or all the time during the spring it is just so fun to drive. The only problem that I really have is the top was harder to get on then my old jeep. I could put my old top on in 5 minutes or less by myself now I need a little help to pull the top over. But besides that I couldnt ask for much more.

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  2008 Liberty limited is awesome - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By VICTOR - April 13 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Liberty for a week now, and love it. I was originally going to buy a 08 Patriot, but was not happy with its freeway performance, then I drove the Liberty and I fell in love with it. This is my first Jeep, I have always liked the Grand Cherokee, but never bought one, but you know I sat in one and my Liberty has more headroom and legroom in the back seat. So far in a week, I think its a pretty solid vehicle. There is just a bit of wind noise around the right side of the windshield, Bt I read that is because of the boxy shape. but overall I am enjoying it, there is so much for the price..

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  Love My Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By MattAllen10S - April 12 - 8:26 am

  It rocks!! Nothing else to say. OK Maybe a little more. I wish it had a little more pickup but it doesnt need it. The interior does scratch easily but it is beautiful.

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  2005 Jeep GC Laredo with 4.7L V8 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LarryL - April 10 - 12:30 pm

  This is our fourth Jeep (1997,1999, 2002) and this is the best ride of all. Tight steering, quiet, great acceleration,and very comfortable. The leather seats are slightly harder than the previous Jeep but not bad. The Boston Acoustics sound sytem has great sound. With the 28X package you get most of the options available. After having two Jeeps with the 6 cyl engine and now 2 with the V8 I strongly recommend the V8. Gas mileage is close and if you tow anything you will enjoy the V8. There really isnt anything we dont like about this Jeep. We considered moving to the Chrysler 300C because of its styling but are very happy with the 2005 JGC.

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  Love - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By paradisecity - April 9 - 11:26 pm

  My dad bought this Jeep new in 2000, and loved it. After a few years, the poor baby had to sit for a while so he could drive something that got better gas mileage! I got this awesome vehicle on my birthday 2 years ago. I love it to death, it can do anything! Off road, on road, hauling stuff, this thing is a tank! I would never trade it unless it dies on me....hopefully never. 4LO is a ingenius invention, you never get stuck with that kicked in! And you can pretty much pull anyone and anything out from mud/snow, etc. Currently running with 99318 miles. New brakes after getting her running again after sitting, and new Firestone Destination All Terrrain tires.

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  SAFETY & 09 INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Butterhead - April 9 - 6:50 am

  My wife was in a high speed collision totaling our 07 Patriot. She was banged up but I was very surprised how well this little truck absorbed the impact. Since she lived and we had no complaints with the 07 we bought an 09. The 09 interior is that of a normal car, the 07 (and 08) have an uncomfortable rock hard interior and very little storage room. For anyone who dislikes the cvt when braking, simply leave your foot barely on the gas and it wont bog down like that. Its a small price to pay for the amount of power you gain from always being in the power band with the cvt in addition to having great fuel mileage along with that power.

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  Jeep Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gngarcia - April 7 - 6:30 am

  Jeep Cherokees, especially the 4WD Ltd. are great units. Drives great and looks great. The unit exudes power and the looks are high quality. It has the most comfortable seats outside of a SRX or RX330. Fine overall, EXCEPT, the miles per gallon. Chrysler needs to get serious.

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  Awsome to drive!! - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stumpy - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep with three exceptions the body still gives out before the engines will and even though the 2.5 will keep up with any 4.3L that chevy puts out it uses a little bit more gas than a 4.3L. with it getting about 16- 20 mpg and the 4.3 getting about 20-22. but the real fun is the 4WD. Noone and i mean no one can keep up with a wranlger/CJ off road out of the factory.