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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  Its got a Hemi - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hemi Guy - January 24 - 2:43 am

  Own a 00 Mountaineer with V8, drove a new Explorer, Tribeca & Murano. Jeep & Murano are very close in comfort & performance. Jeep offered 0% financing. Jeep won. Hemi is great! Never believe the mileage figure on the sticker. All SUVs and crossovers in this class get close to the same mileage. I did a lot of research of cars in this class. Test drove a lot. Spent a little more than I had planned but I feel it will be worth it. Read the reviews by Car & Driver, Edmunds, etc. 06 is coming out on top. Get the HEMI - really a blast to drive.

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  Most fun Ive ever had! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ross - January 22 - 11:03 am

  I never thought Id own a Wrangler. I was actually looking for a Cherokee when I stumbled across this perfect 2003 X model. Ive never had a vehicle more fun than this. I drive with a smile everyday. It actually rides quite well, the seats are fantastic, and the CD player with the factory subwoofer sounds great. I added stainless bumpers front and rear, a Magnaflow exhaust, and the K&N intake kit. It sounds excellent, and has better pick up. Driving it last summer, on a clear warm night, with the top off, I looked up to see the stars going by, and all seemed right in the world, if only for a few minutes. This vehicle is amazing... especially off road.

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  3rd Jeep Ive had and the best so far. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rescue515 - January 22 - 2:56 am

  I bought my Jeep when it only had 3 miles on it. I saw the truck driver when he was backing it off the delivery truck. It was Chili Pepper Red with Grey inside. I bought the extended warranty for 7 years or 100,000 miles. (DID NOT USE IT) The only problem that I have had is that the alternator went out at about 75,000 miles. I change the oil every 3500 mi and have a regular maintenance schedule. This Jeep looks as good as it drives.

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  good things come in little packages - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By hawkeye - January 20 - 7:50 pm

  i have an 07 patriot ltd and i luv it, but this compass ltd is so much more fun to drive. i luv its looks, and the ltd package with silver bumper accents, silver body side moldings and chrome wheels turn other drivers and pedestrians heads. under load it seems a little sluggish, but the more i drive it the more accustomed to it i become. comfort is as good or better than the patriot. fuel economy is very good too. the interior is better than most same class competitors. all seams are tight and well-aligned, doors fit tight, etc.

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  4x4 Fever - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wildbl1500 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 01 Sport to get back to basics- no auto trans, no power windows, no ac. Just bare bones, top down, stereo up, go anywhere I feel like in any conditon 4x4!

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Karen Spriggs - January 16 - 1:53 am

  My first day of ownership I drove my new Commander from Ann Arbor, MI to Atlanta, GA in all kinds of wet and dry conditions besides mountains and curves ... it handled beautifully. I tend to "seat shop" because of my back/neck and I was COMFORTABLE all 714 miles. When I would pull in for gas I would get lots of looks and questions about the car as people were impressed by its looks. I am 59 years old and a female and I LOVE my driving experiences with my new Commander. I also tend to need hauling space (I traded in an Expedition) and there is plenty of that to meet my needs. I also love the "stadium" seating and the ease of setting up the 3rd row seats. I have had 8 adults in it.

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  Hemi JGC 4WD - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By helilog - January 15 - 2:07 am

  Have owned for 30,000 miles. Laredo X with V-8 Hemi. EPA accurately rated at 13/19 mpg. Using Plus or Premium fuel allows the engine to run in 4-cylinder mode more, giving another 1 or 2 mpg. Have had zero problems with my Jeep. Ive experienced engine surging noted by others, is eliminated by a downshift: move the gearshift lever to the left. Ive experienced the bad key fob noted by others. Pop out the start button, insert fob in the hole and use as a normal key for a day. This recharges the fob battery. Repeat every 2 weeks. Roomy back seat fits child seat and 2 average adults. Front seats (leather, electric) are good for all day. This is a very nice vehicle.

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  Read customer reviews only! This vehicle is Great! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By patriot13 - January 13 - 4:42 pm

  After researching many other SUVs, I discovered the Jeep Patriot. I was looking for something that would fit my family of 4 and provide off road capability for outdoor adventures. This SUV is awesome. We took it off road and were able to go pretty much wherever we wanted. Outside of the off road package, the size is perfect for our small family. The vehicle has plenty of room and seats us all comfortably. The gas mileage is great and even though Edmonds complained about the performance of this vehicle, I have not had any problems with performance and do not agree with this part of their review. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  I love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chrissy - January 13 - 11:33 am

  I just got my Jeep a few weeks ago and it is great. I absolutely love it! I decided to trade in a Saturn to get the Jeep because I live where we get lots of snow, so I can hardly wait to put it in 4WD. It is a great vehicle, and gas mileage isnt too bad for being an SUV.

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  Watching our Cherokee mature - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Karpindur - January 13 - 6:53 am

  When we bought it, I had the OEM oil changed to Mobil One. Then I had the transmission and differential changed to Mobil One at 25,000 miles. As near as I can remember, it runs just like the day I drove it off the lot, which is a day I have not regretted so far. To date, the only "major" issue I have had was a failure of the crankshaft and camshaft sensors to the tune of $400. The mechanic seems to have taken me some, as the camshaft sensor was obviously broken but the chances of both failing at once are infinitesimal. Otherwise it has been good to us. Strong, quick, and reliable, it inspires confidence in any traffic, weather or road condition, and looks great doing it.