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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  2004 Jeep Wrangler Sport - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PrdAmrican - June 1 - 3:13 pm

  I have owned my Wrangler Sport since October of 2004. It is without exception the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. Probably the most modifiable vehicle in existence, it can be customized to meet the owners own personality. A go anywhere vehicle that looks good getting there.

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  Stop All The Hating - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By AmercanEagleDude - May 31 - 4:53 pm

  There is so much negative remarks about this car, all from people that dont have one. I personally love my Compass. I had to wait 2 months for it. I have the limited Jeep Green w/ beige interior, UConnect, speaker upgrade, Sirius, and security. But it was well worth the wait. The car looks much better in person than in pictures. Im going to add Rallye lights to the grill to make it look more like a concept. For the price this car is great. I think the car should be called a rally car rather than a compact SUV. Cargo room is sufficient, my friends love it. And despite the 4 cylinders it still moves quick. Everyone complains about the plastic dash, but if its durable then who cares.

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  Sad to see her go... - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hoyagator - May 30 - 9:56 am

  I drove this car as a fleet vehicle and now must trade her in for a Buick sedan. Ill miss this car. Never had any mechanical problems though she was a bit of a gas guzzler. Perfect sized SUV and a bit more refined than others on the road. Much quieter and comfortable than my previous 2004. Great for road trips and hauling stuff from home Depot

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  New Jeep Owner thoughts - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stever817 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I moved on from a 2002 Honda CRV to a 2003 Jeep Grand since I really missed having a nice engine that could move. What I found out so far, this SUV is more comfortable, handles better, interior feels better.

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  Champ - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Aaron - May 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought the jeep smashed up in the front for a great price. Bought some new and used parts and painted it in my garage. Has been great ever since. Yearly maintenance is $100-$200 on average and I pile the miles on it. More reliable and durable than anything on the road. Everyone says in these reviews that they wish they still built them, the truth is that they do in China. AMC/Renault put a plant there in the 80s and they still build them today. Maybe they will offer them for sale here, I would buy one.

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  Great Jeep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By rdv - May 25 - 9:56 pm

  This 1995 Wrangler is one of the neatest vehicles Ive owned out of about 75 cars. Great on gas and the 4 cylinder has plenty of pep. Great in snow and also great summer vehicle.

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  Mostly Satisfied - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeep Gurl - May 22 - 12:00 pm

  I absolutely love my Jeep.Living in NE CT is great with this 4x4. I wont live without AWD again. Had issues, but that was with the dealership. Smile every time I see my vehicle. Its a little loud on the highway and not the smoothest ride, but its a JEEP, made for off roading, not luxury

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  Very Pleased! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ringer - May 21 - 1:00 pm

  We have been very happy with our Patriot. The Manual 5 speed gets excellent gas mileage averaging 28mpg and even up to 30. It actually has sufficient power considering its size. Youre not going to break any land speed records, but it has enough power loaded down to get over both passes from western Colorado to Denver without being stuck behind the semis. The patriot is a great value for the money especially with all the options and the safety features. The only downfalls have been having to take it in to repair a the left turn signal that stopped canceling itself, as well as it being a little hesitant to engage in reverse while facing downhill. Cons are outweighed by the pros if it lasts.

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  Short Life, Big Probem - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Stokes - May 19 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased on 3/24/05. On 3/29/05 after 147 miles, heard a tremendous "bang" underneath car. Entire car shook. Much clanking and banging under car before I got it to road shoulder. Towed to dealer. Front transfer case separated from chassis. Dealer does not know why. Chrysler now involved. Car has been in dealer shop since 3/29. Car rides well, 4.7 liter big enough to move it, comfortable, gas mileage unknown at this time. My 2002 Grand Cherokee with same engine delivered 15-16 city and 20 or slightly better on the open road.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MaiaG - May 17 - 12:40 am

  I received my jeep as a Christmas present. It has been amazing! I had so many problems with getting my other cars stuck in the snow. It was a major relief to get my jeep. I never got stuck again! However, my jeep has a very inconvenient problem. Sometime when I drive it the transmission will not shift. I have to pull over and turn off the vehicle, but then it works just fine! Also, the tire pressure light comes on randomly and makes a dinging noise. I like how my jeep heats up fast and the heated seats work wonderful.