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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  Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By roadman - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Never a problem. Normal maintenance only.

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  Terrific design, awesome performance - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By flyerbry - March 20 - 11:03 pm

  Traded a 99 Wrangler due to a growing family. Test drove minivans but this is so much nicer, even Toyota and Honda. Kids love the stadium seating and I have found backing up isnt as bad as others have made it sound because of park assist and good mirrors. Amazing in snow due to the stability control (ESP) system. Wider and taller than most mid-size vehicles so it feels spaceous but not as huge as a full-size. Fits in parking decks no problem. Great ride (not too floaty) and very maneuverable. Leather is very nice and seats are very comfortable. Third row has plenty of room for an adult but seat sits a bit low for really long trips. Rear hatch opens low enough to clear standard garage door.

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  Love it! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jon - March 19 - 1:50 pm

  I got my Jeep new on my 16th birthday and still have it now. It has never left me stranded and is still running strong with just routine maintenance at a tad over 100,000 miles. It is a great suv to have for all occasions, such as out with clients, moving furniture or just around town doing errands.

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  Impressed so far - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By flbeachgirl - March 19 - 11:57 am

  So far Im fairly impressed. I bought the 2010 4x4 Sport Automatic used with 32,000miles. I love how it looks, its comfortable, has all the room I need & 4x4 capability. Ive noticed that the top 1/2 of the gas tank does much better than the lower 1/2. Generally 28-29mpg compared to 22-23mpg respectively. Ive also noticed the "wobble" during braking others have noticed but it doesnt happen frequently. It handles very well. It has stability & traction control. You can easily put the car in manual when needed. I have 2 complaints: There is a noticeable feel when the car downshifts (but smooth acceleration). For safety they should have adjustment buttons for the radio on the steering wheel

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  By Far the Most Fun Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By hsteff - March 18 - 10:51 am

  Im a first time Jeep owner & I bought a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon because Ive always wanted a convertible and also wanted a vehicle that could handle almost any off road trail and occasional deep snow. This past summer, I removed my hardtop and 4 doors and had my Wrangler in “topless mode” for 12 weeks—it was the best summer I’ve had in years. This fall, I participated in the 25th Ouray CO Jeep Jamboree where I learned how to properly drive my Jeep on mountain trails & was utterly amazed on how well engineered & tough Jeeps are to handle the wilderness to include traversing over fields of small boulders.

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  Best of the beasts - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Squash - March 17 - 4:30 am

  I liked the 1996 so much that I now keep it in the garage as my reliable spare. It is great on and off road. For the do it DIY guy, this is the perfect vehicle. The downfalls of the vehicle are the transmission, the air conditioning, and the rear wiper. The remainder of the vehicle is superb.

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  jeeps rule - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By brandt - March 17 - 2:00 am

  the newest jeep wrangler is jeep no matter which way you look at it. the only difference is the coil suspension system, and the upgraded interior. in my own oppinion the upgraded interior has to go. i have a 1976 cj7 and a 1981 cj8 scrambler and they have no interior whatsoever. its just to pretty inside and way to much plastic. a jeep is supposed to be a rugged offroad machine not a pretty city driven vehicle so keep it true to its heritage and take the plastic out of the interior

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  2007 Jeep Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By C. Foster - March 15 - 7:53 pm

  The 2007 Jeep Compass is fabulous! In a world of monster trucks and SUVs, this is a perfect compromise for the consumer who wants the space and height of a smaller truck, but drives like a car. The fuel economy is amazing. I am averaging 25mpg (street and highway), which is great because I have been driving it a lot. Regardless of what some of the critics say about the interior being cheap, I disagree. The interior features are amazing, from the YES Essentials (non-stain) fabric, to the power windows and doors, Sirius radio, 6-in dash CD player, ample speakers, universal garage door remote control, cruise control, and Bluetooth handsfree phone feature. Very comfortable. Fun!

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  Very pleased - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan - March 14 - 7:30 pm

  I was looking to upgrade to an suv,and was willing to trade off gas mileage, then came along the patriot.Im not a serious off roader (lets face it,95% of you with suvs never see dirt), but I need to get to the trailhead or ski area, over moderately rocky and mucky logging roads with ease.I tested it this winter a few times up some steep mountain dirt roads in deep snow and an ice storm, no problem. The engine is still breaking in,getting 22 to 23 mpg mostly around town If you dont need a rock crawler or a super sized suv,and youd rather put your hard earned money in the bank rather than your tank, this is your vehicle.With gas approaching $4/gallon, I applaud Jeep for thinking ahead.

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  this Jeep is worth any price - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By luvshisjeep99 - March 13 - 4:13 pm

  I bought this jeep as my second car. I had a Mazda but it was about to die and I didnt like it all that much. I bought this Jeep and i love it. Its a go anywhere do anything vehicle with so many options it will leave your head spinning. All of my friends and family love it and its reliable. Plus the insurance is the exact same as it was on my last car. Overall I love it to death.