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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  Boring - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Whatever - July 6 - 10:20 am

  Mine has 120,000 miles on it so its probably time to dump it. Ive had all the problems listed by other owners, but they seem to be in line with most cars of this age. I have found my cloth seats to be very uncomfortable. The gas mileage is very weak. The radio is weak. The pitching and yawing is weak. The drive quality goes down from there if you go faster that 80 mph (which is probably a good thing -- like a speed governor). The car is boring at all times except when you stomp on the V8 at a green light.

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  Best of anything Ive driven - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pitbull - July 6 - 10:10 am

  I have owned a number of different vehicles since I started driving. This is my first Wrangler and I love it! I owned a Grand Cherokee before this, and this Wrangler puts it to shame. I have gone places in 2WD with my Wrangler that I would not even dream about going in 4WD with my Grand Cherokee. On top of it all, I love the looks I get going around town, one of the perks of a fire engine red JEEP.

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  look at the 2009 - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By rhfisherii - July 5 - 11:40 pm

  Before purchasing a 09 Compass, I read a lot of reviews for the 08. I AM GLAD THAT I DID NOT RELY ON THOSE REVIEWS! Complaints lodged against the 08 Compass have been rectified in 09: the interior has been redesigned and looks great, the additional noise dampening makes the vehicle ride quietly and the transmission is smooth. This thing is fun to drive and has a lot of pickup for a 4 cyl. engine. I was looking for a 6 cyl. vehicle but this one won me over after a test drive. Fuel economy is good and the price is fantastic. I personally love the look of the vehicle-as long as it is red, blue or orange-the other colors make the vehicle look long (my opinion). I give it a solid 9-test drive one!

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  What a Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By mozbeach - July 5 - 9:26 pm

  Bought this Jeep, my first Cherokee, used in 2000. Traded in my 93 Wrangler for it. Thought I would hate it without the rag top, but this car is great. Carries my kids and all my toys. Runs great in all weather/conditions. I now have 170,000 miles (68,000 when bought) and am just starting to replace original equipment. Only negatives are the gas mileage and my instrument gauges periodically fail. No mechanic has been able to find the cause. Despite that I will never buy another SUV other than a Jeep.

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  Excellent Spare/Snow Vehicle - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By byron555 - July 5 - 2:43 pm

  After exchanging our Subaru Outback for a mini van we found our selves without 4x4 for the first time. And we proceed with the snowiest winter in recorded Wisconsin history. We bought this as a "spare" vehicle, I say spare but it is now being used more than our 07 Hyundai Entourage Limited mini van. The 4.0 with the 5 speed accelerates with force up to 65 mph. The snow capability and stability easily rivals our old Outback, and the off road ability absolutely crushes the Outback. It is also far cheaper than a used Outback. I really like Subarus and have owned 7 of them, but I like this Jeep better than the 2000 Outback we owned.

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  Wow is this thing bad in the snow - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jetchef - July 5 - 11:03 am

  Wow this thing is terrible in the snow. It feels like the back end is going to slide out at any time even when going straight. The steering and road feel inspire no confidence. The factory tires are awful, I feel bad for Jeep that it has come to this, you have to wonder what the future of the brand is. This truly is a bad SUV. There are so many better trucks out there. If you buy one immediately get new tires, the stock Goodyears are dangerous. By the way ever time the rear end slid out no traction control engaged, ever.

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  I Love My Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By chicaboricuapr - July 5 - 7:55 am

  I love my Liberty, is comfy and reliable. Is also a gas saver. I was looking for a manula transmission SUV and I found this one. I love it. Now Im moving to another state and I hope drive great cause I havent been out of state with my Liberty. Also is spacious!!! I will recommended to everyone even my best friend love it.

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  Special Dealer Edition - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Mike Jensen - July 4 - 6:32 pm

  The only complaint I have is that the headlights do not appear as bright as my other SUV vehicle (Mitsubishi Outlander XLS 2007) I plan to have some high intensity LED driving lights installed. Overall I love this vehicle. The V6 is fun and has plenty of tow power, in sport mode it gets up and goes! This was a special edition ordered by the dealership and it had not even been offloaded off the transport and I said I wanted it after test driving a similar model. This one had 12 miles on it. It has the blacked out package, V6, and 18 inch wheels which were not offered through the manufacture website in the combination I bought. Side note: its not the Overland V6 but the Sport with dealer options, V6 etc.

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  Bought with 60k on it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By aaronyrf - July 4 - 10:53 am

  Well Ive had my Riot for about a half of a year now and no problems to report. Previous owner did regular maintenance on it and Im sure that helped extend the life of the factory parts. Just did a CVT tranny fluid change as indicated by the manual. I was nervous that I would have to take it to the Jeep dealer and sell my soul to pay for the fluid but instead I just asked my neighborhood oil change center and they had all the necessary tools and fluid and it only cost me a hundred dollars. (Just out of curiosity I checked the Jeep dealer in my town and they quoted me 755 dollars!!!!!!! for the 60k servicing.) My advice is ask around. It cant hurt.

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  5 repairs in 30k miles - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zoobrew - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Beautiful exterior. Great off-road performance, but the love affair ends there. Stiff bumpy uncomfortable ride. Needed to replace entire braking system at 15,000 miles and Im no speeder. 4 major electrical problems in the first 30,000 miles. Will never buy another Jeep. They look great but cost of ownership and inconvenience are awful!!!