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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  jeepers creepers - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By daryl - July 9 - 8:30 pm

  I have had my jeep for four years, and I absolutely love everything about it. I have a 4 inch lift and 33" tires, gearing, lockers, exhaust, both tops, and a lot of work put into it. The gas mileage is not that bad on mine due to the different gearing. I Get almost 19 highway. When you put bigger tires, in order for the engine to still get the "get-up-and-go" one needs to change the gear ratio to adapt to the large tires. I do like to beat mine up, and it still holds up. My Favorite vehicle.

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  Solid Car - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Lance Beasman - July 9 - 8:20 pm

  Originally shopping for the Caliber, but they were in short supply .The reason was because the Compass was being built (yes, they share the same assembly plant). It is a great car for the daily commute, especially with the Sirius radio. The rear headroom is higher, albeit the rear legroom is lacking. I should have bought one with option 26E. This would have included reclining rear seats!

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  Love this Jeep! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By luvpatriot - July 9 - 11:56 am

  This is the best jeep on the line in my opinion. Ive had 3 grand Cherokees in the past and like this one so much better. I was thinking about a Liberty but the price and mpg on the Patriot is so much better. This is one smooth and sweet ride!

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  This car is SMOOTH - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dooie - July 9 - 10:40 am

  This car is great when it comes to climbing hills and taking bumps! It drives so smoothly! I was completely taken away when I test drove this car and I love it! The only MAJOR problem I have with it is it SUCKS GAS!!!! Thats all though, everything else is awesome!

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  So impressed I bought a 2nd one! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vinton69 - July 9 - 12:09 am

  I bought my 1st new and loved the comfort and reliability of my 1st Jeep. At 286,000 miles I hit a big buck on the way to work. I decided to let it go because of the mileage and damage. I couldnt get it out of my mind after over 20 years of ownership so I kinda kept a eye out for another one. I found one just like my old Limited with only 155,00 miles on it and now its sitting in my driveway. Other than the lousy (EPA) paint job I think it is one of Jeeps best ever vehicles.

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  2005 Jeep Unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Larry - July 8 - 2:26 pm

  This is my first Jeep and Im well pleased with everything so far (1500 miles so far). It rides smooth and handles good and is surprisingly quiet (hard top). It comes with both tops. Gas mileage so far is 17.5 miles per gallon (6 cyl.).

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  Most sought JEEP model - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joanne - July 8 - 10:43 am

  They didnt make too many of them, theyre in high demand. Theres also a club for just this model. Minimal repairs since owning vehicle. Most luxurious Jeep model and year Ive seen. Gas Mileage could be better, 20 on the freeway, less in town. Still going strong after almost 20 years. Still looks nearly new.

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  Pretty decent so far - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By adriane - July 8 - 9:23 am

  So far this vehicle has been great, I havent had any complaints against it. I find it to be comfortable to ride/ drive in. I like the way it handles, but Im not a speed demon anyways. I read the Editors reviews before purchasing and I dont have any regrets on buying this vehicle.

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  Stay away from the cheap jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By alanhatesjeep - July 7 - 2:06 pm

  The most expensive car to maintain I have ever owned in 34 years. Like everyone, I have replaced tie rods, and ball joints continuously since I bought this jeep new in 2008. I also replaced the engine in 2012, due to a broken connecting rod, at 118,000 kilometers. Chrysler refused to warrant, as it was past 100,000 km. Thought I would just run it into the ground after I paid over $6,000 to have a used engine installed. Guess what? At a 130,000, a pin in the driver door snapped off and now the door will not close. Probably not a big repair, but enough is a enough. It is no longer insured.

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  The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - July 7 - 2:06 am

  This is a great vehicle. As long as you take care of the basic maintenance it will run forever. The offroad performance is also very good. Highway is comfortable. I have the I6 4.0 engine. Power sunroof and leather seats. Black inside and out. The only thing that is a knock on the vehicle is the highway. There is some hesitation when going from overdrive to one of the lower gears. That is to be expected with the I6. But overall it isnt a big deal because if you lower the throttle even more the it can really move. The gas mileage is as follows. 60-67 23-24 mpg. 67-74 21-18 mpg. City speeds it is about 15-16 mpg. Great vehicle for Michigan, not to mention it was and still is made in Detroit.