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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  04 Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BadBoy - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Over all the jeep has been good. Took a long road trip and got great gas mileage. driving around town and got 15 miles or less. Service on the truck was not satisfied. Key got stuck in the ignition. The navi is a great addition to the veheical

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  First-time SUV - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By M.F. - December 26 - 7:05 am

  The first thing I want to take the time to review is the buying experience. I went to the Auto Nation in Pembroke Pines, FL. My sales guy was Michael Lewis. I saw him the day before I actually purchased the vehicle and knew that he would be the one to take me through the process. I came in the next day, told him what I was looking for and he made the process as stress-free as possible (also to mention I am 8 months pregnant). This is my first SUV, so the rating I am giving is purely off of first impression. I have the limited, which has a lot of bells and whistles that are impressive. The leather interior was a must have for me, which only comes with all limited vehicles. The larger screen and technology is not only a great feature, but also good for safety. The car comes equipped with 10 airbags. I am having a baby really soon and the safety features was a big deal for me, as well as having the larger space. So far, I have had a smooth ride, but I am still in the brand new stage of the vehicle. I am comfortable and very happy with this purchase. I was also concerned with the heavy engine, which is not an issue. My overall experience with this purchase was really great. My salesman had my hard tag the next day and made sure anything that I was missing was ordered. I recommend purchasing this vehicle and recommend purchasing from that dealership.

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  I like it. Its not perfect but, - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Glen Nelson - December 26 - 7:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles from a lot of manufacturers and purchased all of them new. The Compass isnt the best or the worst, and it certainly has its place. The intended use is for a 25 mile commute 1 way, grocery getter, utility vehicle. It is intended to replace a Toyota Camry which has been less than stellar. The Compass is a small, fun to drive mini SUV that is agile in town. It has decent power for me and I am quite comfortable at 6 in it. It was purchased completely based on sales price and my previous Chrysler vehicles ownership experience. I bought a 2016 4X4 6-speed auto Sport w/AC and minimal options. Price before TTL was $15,985. Please note the vehicle is 1 month old with 900 miles on it so things can and will change. Pros- Price, maneuverability, u-connect, steering feedback, transmission, handling, control layout, lower body protection, towing ability, cost of parts when needed, availability if neat accessories to add. Cons- Shifter, cramped back seat, front fender design, visibility, safety stars given, small gas tank, As a hard core DIYer, parts pricing and availability are important. Parts are cheaper for this than other cars I have. It uses non synthetic oil and is very basic as far as service goes, helping to reduce ownership costs. The Compass has an autostick transaxle which means it paddle shifts with the shifter. This is my biggest complaint as I like to drive with my hand on the shifter. You cant lock this feature out. The Compass is a unibody and gains rigidity from all body panels being tied together. The front fenders have no top connection to the inner fender well that I can see. A small rear window combined with large piller posts limits visibility. (My 2nd biggest complaint) - a rear view camera is on the horizon for this shortcoming. Gas here is $1.95 right now and I filled the tank for $24! When was the last time anyone did that! 13 gallons will get you ~290 miles of mixed driving. I am not a lead foot. I anticipate mileage will get better as miles increase- its about 24 right now. Drive safe.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John - December 25 - 7:16 am

  In garage two times for ERG. replaced second time @ 30,000 mi. I now have 83,000 mi and no problems. Get 22mpg all around and 26-33 mpg on hwy @`55- 65 mpg. I am extremely happy with my Liberty! If you can find a vehicle that gets this mileage and can tow 5000 lbs for the price (or, any price?) you better buy it and let me know what it is!

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  Bad Brakes & Tranny - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JF - December 23 - 2:06 am

  Had brakes in for repair several times. Finally had new rotors installed by brake specialist (they claimed Jeep should have had a recall because of original brake quality). Just had the transmission replaced at 89,000 ($3900). Have been driving all my vehicles for last 40 years over 100,000 miles and never had to replace transmission.

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  Happy Buyer - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By rdub1983 - December 21 - 10:01 am

  I traded my 2006 Jeep Commander for the 2011 Jeep Patriot. The reason I was trading was a combo of dismal MPG and a longer commute. I saw the advertised MPG for the Patriot and thought I would give it a shot. Just as long as it had 4x4 I was willing to make the power sacrifice for the MPG. We took it for a test drive and I was pleasantly surpised. It did well merging but as other reviewers have stated the CVT is odd slow response to throttle input. This however can be negated if you have the autostick feature, although I am sure that it costs some MPG. That being said I am getting between 22-24 MPG combined city-highway. Overall if you dont expect to have V8 performance you will enjoy it.

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  10 years trouble free - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mm - December 20 - 6:53 am

  Bought new in 96, now with 110K. Runs great, always starts. Have always done routine maintenance and that has paid off. Lately though I am putting more money into it each year. Recent radiator, AC leaks, 1st muffler/exhaust replacement last year. Good brakes, strong engine. Take care of it and it will do likewise.

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  I Love My Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RED - December 17 - 7:06 pm

  I bought my pre-owned Liberty, never having owned one before. I am so happy I made the purchase. It hasnt disappointed. I live in a heavy snow area of the country and this vehicle handles like a champion. It especially rolls in 4x4. I put too many miles on it annually, but will drive it until it falls apart. It could get better fuel economy for a small SUV. I was concerned about buying it because of what I had heard about Grand Cherokees and Durangos, but I am very satisfied so far. Great vehicle.

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  2000 Jeep Wrangler - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob - December 17 - 5:30 am

  I bought the Jeep used from a dealer to replace my old beater. Driven all over the east coast, summer and winter. Highway speeds here in Florida can get into the 80s around Palm Beach and that is a little tough to maintain with the top down. Driven all over the Ocala National Forest, stuck mostly to the marked roads. We made one trip on a Sunday after it rained for two days, I was amazed at all the others that were out driving around in the mud, a few roads were washed out and under water, but not impassible even with the stock tires, a little nervous a few times but didnt stick it. Been to the Keys a few times, dont think Ill drive that again in the summer with the top down.

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  my cherokee sport - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By gspanet - December 17 - 2:00 am

  a great all around vehicle for hauling groceries, pets, kids, etc. Could be larger for interior comfort.