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 jeep commander nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By disappointed - November 11 - 4:20 pm

  I bought a 2006 Jeep Commander new. I have had it for 3 yrs. I love the body style and the interior design. The reliability is horrible. I have had nothing but problems. Been to the dealer to have fix repeatedly approx 20 times. Perhaps this one is just a bad one, but I have had repeated ignition problems, stalling, windows/sunroof that wont auto close, heated fan issues, seatbelts issues, seats wearing already...leather. Will never buy a jeep again and am horrible disappointed. The dealership is working out a trade for me at this point since they are fed up with it also. I just hope they are responsible enough to get it off the road and not resell it! I no longer feel safe in it. Very sad.

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  Whistler and no roof - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By troy - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  I have had the truck almost 2 years. Thank god it is a lease because it is not good and I cant wait to turn it in. The wind noise and whistle sound is annoying. The mpg is a joke. Jeep said 15/21. I am lucky to get 13.5 at all times, highway or city. Today the moonroof blew off of the car on the interstate at 70 mph. I turned to see where it was and it was gone. Lucky it didnt kill someone. Look at everything else. This truck is a lemon.

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  Worst Purchase Ever (Lemon) - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Poor Decision Maker - November 7 - 8:50 am

  Purchased the Liberty Diesel in early 05 and have had nothing but problems. Every part under the hood has been changed due to continuous stalling, shuddering, etc. EGR valve, torque converter, fuel rail, braided fuel lines, turbo charger, etc. Its been in the shop over 15 times in 18 months and thats only because I have difficult getting it over there. Its left me stranded once, and neither the dealership nor Chrysler is very helpful. Get the extended warranty and keep track of all service records and out of pocket expenses, as you will probably need to pursue under Lemon Laws. Its unfortunate that its so unreliable as its a great performing vehicle when its not in the shop!

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  Disappointed - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bkroener - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Jeep Liberty because I like the looks, quality (for an American car) and I thought it would be fun to drive. However, I am disappointed in the gas mileage, small front seats, brakes & transmission. The brakes make this horrible squeaking noise and the transmission kind of clunks when you come to a stop. The service department told me nothing is wrong and they will be adjusted by the cars computer as it get to know my driving habits--- SURE!!! Front seats need more thigh support. Gas mileage is awful.

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  Will NEVER Own A Jeep Again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep_Hater - October 20 - 7:06 pm

  We bought our Jeep when it was 3 years old. At the time we bought it, the air conditioner was broken & the engine light was on, making it hard to get inspected in PA. Everything started going on it, the head busted twice, kept stalling at low RPM, window switches broke, door locks broke, gear shift stuck all the time, and the problems go on and on. Finally the engine blew, and I wasnt paying to get it fixed so its sitting in my driveway if anyone wants it! Ill never own another Jeep as long as I live. We bought a 2008 Ford Explorer and just recently a Dodge Nitro praying we dont have problems with the Dodge like we did the Jeep.

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  soaking wet - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By soaking wet - October 19 - 3:06 am

  Water leaks water leaks every time it rains. Technical service bulletins are a joke. Reseal this and that. Still leaks. Buyer beware.

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  Where is the mileage? - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Betty - October 18 - 5:40 pm

  My Compass, at its best, gets 23 mpg, routinely 19-20. Dealer says I need 10,000 miles before it is broken in. Now has 4,500 miles. Frustrated, it does not perform as advertised.

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  compass - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Amy - October 14 - 12:40 am

  This is a good SUV. The only real problems I have encountered are the huge blind spots on the sides between side windows and windshield. Also, whenever I open the doors after it has snowed, all of the snow plops into the front seats. Also, the automatic locks drive me crazy.

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  Junk!!!!!!!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mattt0305 - October 13 - 1:33 am

  Worst car Ive ever owned! Dies at low speeds, rough idle, dealer cant seem to fix the problem. No codes in the computer? This seems to be problem with the 4.7 V8, read the other reviews or any Jeep forum. Now the check engine light is on and its transmission related. I had a 96 G.C. never a problem, now I own the Anti-Chrysler. Such a shame, its beautiful Car.

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  Nice Presentation, short on performance - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By Buddy Cote - October 10 - 1:30 pm

  I rented a Jeep Commander V-8 for a long weekend of 800+ miles of driving my daughter home from college. If you like the classic Jeep look on outside its appealing, but performance overall leaves much to be desired. 20 MPG highway is acceptable, but 15 city isnt, even for a V8 SUV. Interior has nice storage compartments, but seating is subpar, unsupportive, and DEADLY on long drives. Sight lines and visibility are however an asset.