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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  Love Love Love - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By anny13 - April 20 - 8:29 pm

  I love this vehicle! I was driving a 98 Sable for several years, so nearly anything would be an upgrade. However, I was planning on the Nissan Rogue, once I drove the Patriot, I was sold! It was much roomier for the same price and with 4x4 instead of AWD. I average about 24 mpg, however on the interstate if is not windy, have gotten 29 mpg. I have only been driving it for 6 weeks, but so far I am impressed!

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C.SIMS - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  I recently got this Jeep and I cant tell you how much fun I am having. First of all it is really sharp and commands attention. It has plenty of power for such a heavy SUV. It rides very smooth, and it does run very quiet! Everything is within easy reach, and easy to use. I am really enjoying having a sunroof-some people asked me if it was a new Hummer. I tell them the Hummers have copied and mine is all Jeep! Good job Jeep

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  I like It. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Patrick Donahoe - April 19 - 10:40 pm

  I have not had it very long, but I got all the bells and whistles. Great acceleration compared to the Chevy Blazer. I drive a Blazer at work and greatly prefer the Cherokee.

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  Dragon Edition Wrangler Unlimited 2014 - 5 Speed Automatic - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By yellowrubi - April 19 - 10:02 pm

  I was reluctant to trade my 2012 Wrangler 2 door for the Dragon Edition but my family wanted the comfort and convenience of the 4 door and, after all, I would still have a wrangler. After a few weeks and a few hundred miles I can honestly say that it was a great decision. The ride is better than the 2 door on the highway. This Jeep has an upgraded suspension and gets more attention than even my "Crush" 2 door. The 18" wheels get lots of looks too. The creature comforts are easy to get used to and the MPG remains 22+ on my 25 mile round trip daily drive. Great room and new folding back seats are great. Of course I added my Warn winch bumper to the front.

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  Can you say HEMI? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan - April 17 - 4:46 am

  Attracted to the sleek lines, tried the HEMI and there was no looking back. This is definitely the best SUV that I have ever driven. From Rovers to Hummers. There is no comparison to hitting the accelerator of the HEMI and being driven back in the seat! You have to drive it to believe it.

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  19 mpg..23000 miles - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Johnny Ramos - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Grand Cherroke since July 03, mostly street use. L.A. and Orange county freeways. The tires are my only complaint. Contact me at laazerdude@yahoo.com for details. I use my jeep mainly for business, I have kept a religous service record. I will remain a Jeep owner, I have considered other makes, read alot of material. NOTHING in our driving experience as a vechile that HAS to be used for work will compare: dollar for dollar.

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  Good for everything - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ZJguy - April 16 - 2:56 am

  I own a 93 and now this 97. The new 4.0L gives a little less HP than the 93/4/5 but a few cheep mods can kick it up to about the same. I drive a lot of highway and offroad most weekends. ZJs are very good for both. I have driven no problem 3000 miles in 3 days, and even been excited to start the next day. In the snow this Jeep is as safe as any subaru etc. The balance and traction is second to none, and it is difficult to get out of control. Driving this Jeep is easier than most cars, and light years ahead of most 07 SUVs. Without a doubt the best SUV for the money.

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  Awesome Vehicle ! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gymshark - April 14 - 1:06 pm

  This is my second Wrangler first was a 1995..sold it and now bought a 2007 with only 12,000 miles. The Wrangler is my weekend fun machine. The ride is comfy and stereo is awesome. The top is way easy to drop and put up. I upgraded the wheels and tires, not the suspension because it doesnt need it in my opinion. I dont extreme off road. The new design is by far the best because its still looks the same just bigger and better than previous years.

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  3 Months now - and LOVE IT! - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Benbklyn - April 13 - 9:24 pm

  This car is Perfect!. (My Latitude is 9 speed auto with many other upgrades) So fun to drive, great looking in and out. The Detailing in the interior with it curves and chrome accent gives it a solid expensive look and attention to detail look. Everything appears to be laid out perfectly. Best handing car I have drove so far. Very smooth ride on highway, and excellent on turns. Lot of technology and electronics in this car. Too soon to see how they all hold up. Very stylish exterior with nice curves with no wind noise. This is my first 4 cylinder car, and I have to say I am impressed! Power and acceleration is just enough even with 5 people in the car. I don’t know why people are complain about this, lets get real, this is not a sports car where you going to feel a gravity pull when you gun it. I think it’s plenty for a 4 cylinder and size of the vehicle. I am averaging 20 MPG, I kind of expecting a bit more since its rated 23 city and 30 highway. But its way much better than all my previous cars. The "Stop start and Go" can get annoying, however it can be disabled by a push of a button. If this car holds up as is, i just might buy it at end of my lease. Love it!

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  Compass is a great buy - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By JohnT - April 12 - 7:31 am

  The Jeep Compass is just plain fun to drive. It is a Jeep and has a firm ride that is solid and is confident under any road condition. The interior is not as "plush" as other vehicles to which it is compared but it costs thousands less but it is still well equiped. Those who complain about this car after buying it apparently never bothered to drive it before spending their money. One cant blame the car for their failure to determine whether the car is right for them. Over all it is a fine vehicle it is a Jeep not a luxury sports car.