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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  Another Good Jeep - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By trainwreck68 - April 22 - 1:50 pm

  We have had the Compass for 6 months now. We previously had a 2007 Liberty, and 2000 Cherokee. This Compass has been terrific despite what the "expert" reviews say. It is a CROSSOVER SUV its not ment to be a hardcore off roader(buy a Wrangler). The 2.4L engine with 6 speed has enough power, its not going to win the Daytona 500 but has plenty to get out of its own way and it is very quiet to me, unless you floor the gas pedal all the time. As a matter of fact at idle we cant hear or feel it running. I am 6ft, 300lbs. and have no issues with interior room or comfort. Been averaging 24 to 25mpg with mixed city/hwy driving.(30 to 31mpg when we take a road trip).For $25,000 you cant beat it

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  Bouncin in my Jeep Compass and lovin it - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dana D. - April 22 - 3:26 am

  Coming from a 91 Jeep Cherokee (which I still have and love), this car is the best thing Jeep has done in a long time. Love the CVT! This has everything I wanted in a vehicle and in a Jeep and lots of it, styling, design, comfort, fuel economy, command of the road view, handling is excellent. I have all of the options, 26E package, bright silver metallic, sunroof, 6-disc changer, driver convenience group, trailer tow prep group, full size spare, YES essentials premium seats, everything but autostick and 4WD. I am tired of all the bashing people are doing in the reviews. I drove the Liberty, and am so glad I waited. Great "Badge Engineering" and nice job, JEEP!

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  fuel economy - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepmech - April 22 - 12:10 am

  Great auto, it does whatever you want it to do. It has had to have some repairs done to it, but with a vehicle that is designed to go anywhere, things are bound to wear out. The inline 6 is a great engine, the fuel econ is a little low but with knowledge of how the eng works you can improve it dramatically i.e.: a little diesel mixed in the fuel at the right levels sent mine from 16mpg to 20mpg keep the lift low 2.75 inch, run 33inch tires change the trans to an AW4 and I added 4 more now IÂ’m at 23mpg. the last thing I did was use a cylinder cut out at 1200 to 3500 rpm (highway speeds) #2 and #5 drop out that added 5 to 6 more depending on who made the gas, now 29 to 30mpg. Anyone can do it.

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  A Good Value in an SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By prospyder - April 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought to replace an Expedition. Its a more "gas friendly" replacement. Didnt enjoy the hassle of negotiation, but its a good vehicle for the money. Good towing capacity and performance. Only problem so far is installing towing package parts: the wiring is a major hassle, but there were no Libbys with towing package available in stock at local dealers when we bought ours.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By D Ackerman - April 21 - 8:30 am

  We love out Jeep Liberty. This SUV is so practical and fun to drive. It meets all our needs, fits great in the garage, has not had any problems and looks great. We are very happy with it. Would get another one.

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  Know what you want - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By newwrangler - April 21 - 7:03 am

  Know what you want. Everything in Edmunds review is true and is what I like about the Wrangler. Ive only had my X model about three weeks and havent had it off-road, but it turns heads, handles well and fellow Wrangler drivers wave at you (no small feat when living in a city), and you wave back. If you want a sturdy, truck- like vehicle, youll love it. If you want an SUV that rides like a car, get a Cherokee. A Wrangler is what it is, the soft-top is noisy, no surprise. The interior is basic, well duh, but its more comfortable than the wife expected. And if my 53-year-old wife (oops) can get in and out of the back of the two-door, so can you. Research and drive one before you buy.

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  its ok - not great - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By g - April 21 - 5:20 am

  I bought this car brand new in 99. Had to replace transfer case ($2500), window regulator, speaker and wiring, front brake calipers and a few days ago the thermostat plus all kinds of other small stuff. Maybe other cars are worse, but until now it drove fine but in the last few months Ive had to spend a couple thousand dollars to keep it going. With 57,000 miles, Im worried about the next 40,000. Maybe its time to sell.

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  Was sure, but now not so sure... - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By bigskyguy1976 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle years ago and thought I should buy one before the Liberty took them away. Test drove several (Limited only) and initialy loved it. I located one online and drove 400 miles to get it. Wish I hadnt now. Purchesed with 32,000 miles. Rotors have gone bad, engine is underpowered, 4x4 doesnt engage, electric defrosts died and there is a very un-nerving clunk in the rear upon deceleration/ braking. Oh, the leather interior is very cheap!

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  Not as good as I hoped! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mjp - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Negatives: Rear View not very good Poor Front Brake Design (replaced twice) Poor Power Door Lock Design (replaced 3 times) Poor Fuel Pump Design (replaced once) Would not recommend vehicle to family or friends This is my third Jeep Ive owned and will not own another one.

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  Jeep can be better - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gvartanian - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had mine for just over two years, I had a couple of issues the worst is the steering system & suspension. My previous Jeep had the same problem with the Steering and Suspension issues these cars are not meant to be abused too much. I think Chrysler needs to improve this if it wants to stay with the competition. Toyota finally learned its lesson after a few years of screwing up on the 4 Runner, that the 2004 4 runner is actually better then the Grand Cherokee Laredo. Yes its a little more expensive but its worth it. If Chrysler cannot improve the quality of this model, especial when the new version comes out in 2005, then my next SUV will be a Toyota 4 Runner.