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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  Its a O[[[O - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dalfun - October 14 - 2:00 am

  They said if I bought a Jeep Id be hooked... and they were right I love it!!!

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  Best Jeep weve owned - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By John - October 13 - 4:56 pm

  Excellent interior design with a very comfortable ride. It quickly and easily converts from 5 to 7 passenger seating. The 4.7L V8 flex-fuel has plenty of power, and having the flex fuel option can help your pocketbook at the gas station. The only negatives to the vehicle are that the gas mileage drops about 25% (not just a mile or two per gallon but the highway mileage drops from 20 to 15!) and one annoying design flaw is that it is easy to strike the key with your knee which actually turns the vehicle off. On a recent trip I actually did this twice. The jeep is as good off road as any Jeep Ive owned and the Quadratrac II works beautifully.

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  Recall and Crush - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Corey - October 13 - 1:43 am

  Traded in 96 xj Cherokee with 298k on it for this Lemon,, What was jeep thinking.. Liberty Averages 13mpg, it cant tow, It is usless off road, It is slow, the interior rattles, Needed balljoints at 43k cv joints at 65k, rear spring broke at around 70, Traded it in on a 2001 xj with low miles.... Good riddance Jeep Junk

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  Great Crossover - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Jessy - October 12 - 11:26 pm

  Im confused with why the "pros" dont like the Compass. Its a great crossover utility vehicle with plenty of room for those who dont need a large SUV, but are similarly disinterested in using a shoe horn to get in and out of an automobile. The fuel economy on my Compass has been mediocre at best, but the vehicle is fun to drive and Im impressed by the safety features. I love my Jeep!

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  Sahara 2007 - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joy - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  Fantastic car! Have always wanted a Jeep, but did not purchase one several years ago due to the rough ride and noise. The new Sahara is awesome, rides like a dream, very comfortable with a lot of new safety options. The new hard top makes storing much easier with the cool benefit of having 3 pieces. Smooth enough with great amenities to be used as a primary vehicle.

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  not bad - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Katrina Woiten - October 12 - 1:33 am

  I purchased this in July with 22k on it and loved it from the get go with only a few reservations, first:the dealership never did give me the 500 dollar gas card I was promised so that soured the experience somewhat. Also the radio went haywire after a few months and the passenger window has a mind of its own at times, the local dealer (not where I bought it) has been great with warranty work though. I would like to have them put the manual control for the 4wd back though as I prefer to decide when this is on. Handles well, drives like a car! Gas mileage is abysmal for a v6... I average 19 or so.

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  Very Disappointing - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Edward Smith - October 11 - 1:00 pm

  We had an ongoing issue with the engine stalling out. All 4 brake routers warped in the first 18 months. Needed a full brake job with 14,000 miles on it. Nothing was covered. Many electronic items have quirks; seat memory, outside temp, and others. Have replaced the windshield 3 times in 26 months for cracks from road stones. It seems to catch them all.

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  Best Money Spent - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By E - October 10 - 9:20 am

  I purchased our 94 Wrangler with a 4.0L automatic with 46,000 miles on it in 2000 for my son. It has 91,000 on it in 2005. In 4 yrs we have replaced the radiator. In 2004 we replaced the canvas top. Some vacuum problems with the heater but less that $25 to repair. The body only developed a small rust hole on the front fender. We will upgrade the suspension in 2005. Excellent SUV for the money.

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  nothing - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By april thigpen - October 10 - 6:30 am

  The fuel economy is poor in this Jeep; 17 miles to the gallon in the city.

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  04 Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jame s flood - October 10 - 6:06 am

  40k miles and on 4th set of replacement front rotors. They represent the 5th set of front rotors. Would not buy another Jeep unless the problem (inherent since the mid 80s Im told) was resolved.