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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  Perfect vehicle for us - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By Paul Adams - September 21 - 7:00 am

  We bought this vehicle brand new in 2011 and have since put 88k miles on it. The first thing I can attest to is the reliability....absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it....weve simply changed the oil and spark plugs at regular intervals. As for safety, it has been rear-ended twice and my wife hit someone at an intersection and all three times the Compass was barely damaged and the other cars incurred significant damage. We have two kids who fit comfortably in the back and there is ample storage room. 2011 was also the first year the new grill design came out that you see on modern Jeeps so between that and the alloy wheels, the vehicle looks really nice and stylish. The only negative I have to say is that the interior is not top notch as there is a lot of plastic, but we did get light tan leather added for $1k which looks and feels much better than the stock cloth. I could not have bought a better vehicle for the price...$21k all in for a compact SUV that we have owned for over 6 years and will drive for another 6.

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  Gas-Guzzler - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Evlengr - September 21 - 1:23 am

  As others have mentioned, when I purchased the vehicle it was getting over 18 miles to the gallon city. I am not a lead foot and after tank of gas #3 it is down to 12-13 miles to the gallon according to the vehicles own trip computer. At this point I am taking it back to the dealership for a diagnostic test. I love the car, but if they cant correct the problem I will pursue the "Lemon Law" option since I wont be able to afford to drive it.

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  My wife is now the coolest soccer mom! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob - September 20 - 1:33 pm

  Bought almost new (4300 miles) and my wife and I love it! Traded in a 2003 Suburban Z71 and not looking back. Same fuel economy, no third row (we didnt need it), but the SRT8 is easier to park and way more fun to drive. My wife was considering the BMW X5 and the Lexus RX350, but she always had a soft spot for the older Grand Cherokees. I pointed out the SRT8 had better seats and better performance than the X5 (shes an aggressive driver for a girl :) and she didnt believe me. One test drive and she was hooked. I wasnt looking forward to driving a minivanish Lexus or even the more performance Bimmer (and I own a 540i.) But this is truly a vehicle that both of us love driving!

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  too many electrical issues! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By krystal - September 20 - 11:49 am

  the motor in the driver window gives out. I think I had it for about 2.5 years. then shortly after, theres a short in the rear window wiper. just starts wiping on its own. I didnt turn it on and it wont turn off! I would have to pull over and turn off the car and turn it back on a few times hoping to get it to stop. then in late 2015 the cruise control, radio and all the door locks except the driver door stopped working! (including the hatch! cant open the hatch!) I cared for the car as well as I could. regular oil changes and maintenance. full tune up at 4 years. it was never taken off roading. used it to get to work and to home.

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  Strong and Steady - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Todd - September 20 - 10:56 am

  I owned my Cherokee for 4 1/2 years. It was a great vehicle. The V6 is capable and the 4 wheel drive is awesome. The truck got me through any type of condition with no problems. Overall reliability was great. The only items that I replaced (outside of normal maintenance items like brakes and tires) were a steering linkage piece and a power window part. Other than that, the vehicle was free of problems. If they still made them I would buy another. Since they dont I bought the new Patriot which is the most similar thing Jeep now makes.

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  Like this car alot! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bjohn - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive liked this car enough to keep it for 10 years, despite several design flaws, because its comfortable, great looking, easy to handle, and the interior is well laid-out. I replaced the computer the second month I had it, and the A/C system twice in the last 4 years. The rear-view mirror has fallen off the windshield 3 times, and it gets a vapor lock at high elevations (over 10,000ft). I was really glad I bought the extended warranty. Im planning to buy a 2003.

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  Pats Performance Passes - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By choco - September 19 - 6:50 am

  Acceleration is gradual, but will be good enough for merging in the freeway. It handles like a car. The back pillar does create a blind spot, but the large side mirrors help slightly with the issue. Overall, I love driving my Patriot...maybe a little too much.

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  Jeep on the Go! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TD - September 19 - 12:36 am

  Being this was my first Jeep I bought with only a short test drive and lots of reading. So far it has met all my expectations and there are no surprises. With that in mind I am very happy with everything and it has delivered exactly what was promised. It is unique, small, easy to drive in traffic and acceleration is very good.

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  Penny wise, pound foolish - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DoctorJ - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle off lease with 28k miles. Needed a high-clearance vehicle for work as I occasionally have to drive on dirt/gravel roads. I really wanted a 4Runner, but thought Id save $3,000 or so and "Buy American" - BIG mistake. Interior trim is peeling off of the doors and the seat fabric failed early. For some reason, Im always banging my foot on the door lip getting in & out. Has that "tippy" feel on corners. Worst of all, I had to replace the transmission at 65k mi, spending the $3000 I "saved" on the purchase, but it still doesnt work that smoothly.

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  I did all right and still got burned - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By TC - September 16 - 6:30 pm

  I enjoyed my Jeep thoroughly. I kept my Jeepster in pristine shape inside and out. You could literally eat off the floors and or hood. Within 8 years of ownership I had an oil leak where dropping the tranny became a necessary fix costing me $800 - and from there it mechanically went downhill FAST. The radiator, water pump and finally the rod bearings. The rod bearings would cost me a remanfacturered engine at a cost of $2000 + labor. The dealership here in Central Florida said $4300 and I said see ya. I had to figure if it was worth the time and money. The Jeep value being ONLY $3300. I loved my Jeep! Yet if I fix it what would the possibilities be of something else going wrong, like the A/C?