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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  The worst vehicle ever made - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SO UPSET - January 17 - 5:43 am

  It started w/the Rotors from the day I drove it off the lot.Ive blocked it out of mind just how money I spent & the RUN AROUND from the dealership & the corporate. I fixed the rotors (later recalled). When I called corporate they told me it was too late, Id fixed them. What was I supposed to do, be killed or kill someone else b/c of defective brakes and rotors. Next,the windows;first passenger side - 400.00+ to fix, then the drivers side & one in the back. The blinkers work sometimes & others they dont. The locks only work with the Key remote. Im too poor to anything about it. Ive started (too late) to take tag numbers of other similar jeeps. I have sweat dreams of a Class Action.

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  The best vehicle ever built! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep lover - January 16 - 11:13 am

  I have driven my Cherokee to hell and back, and it still keeps ticking. Yeah, I rides like a tank, leaks some, and does not get the greatest mpg, but it is the most reliable vehicle I will ever own. It has never left me stranded, stuck, or regretful. After 200000 miles, I still get the same mileage, and performance as I did when I bought it. Great project vehicle, and daily driver. I recommend anyone to buy it. Mobil, Lucas, K&N. Total cost of repair at 200,000+ miles--$2000, minus wear and tear (plugs, oil,tires, etc.).

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  overrated - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By lulu - January 16 - 3:46 am

  The Jeep compass is one of the most overrated vehicles out there. It is not a safe vehicle, it is a vehicle with Major engine problems. Ive owned it since September 2007 and I decided to drive it to my grandmothers funeral in Georgia, big mistake I barely made it home, majors engine problems, and all of a sudden my suv started sounding like a motorcycle, it have bolt and electrical problems. Now Im stuck with a 17,000 bill.

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  The Hotness - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By X-Rated Wrangler - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Its such a fun and great Jeep compared to my older 90 Cherokee, plus its a drop top for the ladies to flock. Gas prices are rising so is the importance of fuel economy too...but that goes along with the territory of a Jeep. Its a great vehicle for the beach.

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  ITS A BUY!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MICROECONOMICS - January 15 - 10:00 am

  We just love our new jeep! This truck, is just that, a truck. It feels so strong and rough yet its quick,nimble, and agile. My wife loves the high seat level for a great look of the road ahead, but doesnt have to have such a huge vehicle to move around. Lots of head room and leg room along with enough power to get up and go makes me happy too. Quality in the build is clear, not a bug, rattle or glitch in a year.

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  Big disappointment - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepDisappointment - January 15 - 10:00 am

  After a month of owning my brand new jeep liberty, I had to take it to the dealership to repair a transmission leak. The car looks good on the outside but was sluggish when driving on an incline and slow in accelerating. I expected to keep my new car for 10 years as I kept my previous car which was not a jeep for 13 years. Needless to say, I am deeply disappointed and would now like to trade my car after owning it for just a month.

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  Driving is Fun Again - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By priceylane - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty experience. It gives you the feeling of being on top of the road and the control of a car. I think the ride is smoother than many SUVs but you still get the feeling your driving something big. It has plenty of room for people or stuff.

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  Not as good a deal as I thought - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shorty - January 14 - 2:16 pm

  I loved my Jeep when I first got it. About 4 months after owning it, I had a leak in the side pillars from the sunroof. It has been to the dealer 4 times for same problem. The last time the drain tubes were replaced and no problems. Guess what, its leaking again. Transmission leaked at 25K, but dealership fixed it. Had to replace the tires at 30,000 miles. I will never buy another Jeep again.

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  issues - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By italian girl - January 14 - 6:20 am

  Well lets see I just got this a month ago and I have had it back to the dealer 4 times now I have had the dashlight issues that a lot og ppl have had my windshield whistles too they r replacing that in the morning so well see how that goes my tire pressure lights constantly comes on I had other stuff wrong with it too but none of it left me brokedown anywhere but all in all I do love it I have 4 kids so its excellent for my family

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  So glad I made this decision - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By LoveMyJeep2422 - January 13 - 2:40 am

  I was debating on purchasing this Jeep after driving my Acura. I am so glad I made the change! This is my first SUV. I had done a lot of research and test driving comparable brands, but this one was by far the best. I have the Limited. The U-Connect phone is my favorite feature so nice to be able to drive safely. Yes the cup holders are in a awkward spot, but its not a big deal. I am getting 24-26 around city and 27 on highway MPG. I had been looking at a Pathfinder, but thank god I made the right choice.