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 a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By lock3056 - October 31 - 8:36 pm

  Bought a 2008 when it was new, Ive had it 3 years and have no complaints yet. I think people seem to be confused about what under powered is. Its not a power thing its a gear ratio thing, I have a 6 speed Manual, its a Torque monster. While it may not run 12s in the Quarter mile it will pull a stump out of the ground. Love the Hard top, It is Quieter than our 2008 Cadillac CTS on and off the freeway. Great Family Vehicle. If acceleration is an Issue you can purchase a Bully dog tuner/gauge it makes a world of difference.

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  Jeep Liberty 2002 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sschil7470 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for work or play. Gas mileage for work is only 15 but hwy is 20. I have had the vehicle 3 mths and love it. It has the classic jeep feel with all the upgrades! Love the design of the vehicle. It looks very sporty but also very classy! Would recommend to everyone!

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Coloradoguy - October 30 - 8:23 pm

  We looked at both US and import small SUVs and bought Compass based on vehicle cost and availability of CVT. Have taken long road trips and love the vehicle. Absolutely zero warranty or other problems. Average around 27 MPG on road and 25 in city driving. CVT works perfectly in mountain driving and often reaches 30 MPG due to lower average speed. Receive lots of questions from people as to how we like vehicle and know of two others buying a Compass based on our positive experience.

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By caligirl - October 29 - 2:13 pm

  I was worried the 3.7L engine would not have enough power but it is adequate. I have 2 children in car seats and an 8yr old and there is plenty of room. We are talking large Britax car seats and I was still able to pack my 3 kids and my friends 2 elementary aged children in the Jeep including her with no problems. I love my Jeep, I wouldnt trade it for any other vehicle out there! The stereo is great for not going with the upgraded system and the rear ac/heater and reverse sensing are wonderful.

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  Jeeperooo - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ROSIE29 - October 28 - 8:56 am

  Wonderful SUV! Quiet and handles beautifully! Gives you a nice smooth ride.

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  Not to bad so far - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pennst - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I got this Jeep about a year and a half ago. Im sure I am not the only one experiancing a little rust around the hinges, thats about it. Ride quality is o.k.. I marked gas mileage a 2, I think a 1 would be reserved for the H2. I really like it, never any problems with the Chicago winters. The only thing is that the stock GS-a tires arent to good in the snow.

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jbuford04 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when my old Cherokee finally decided to die (at 300K). At first getting used to the controls was a little difficult. I adjusted very quickly to the placement of the controls and have actually found them to be more convenient. Never had any problems in almost any weather condition. Hardest conditions were about 9" of snow on the ground and I still didnt get stuck at any point. Very cold air very quickly in the summer. The heater takes a few minutes of warming up to get nice and hot. Overall I havent found any problems with my car so far.

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  Love It! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ggranelli - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 1994 & 1997 Explorers and 2000 Grand Cherokee. They were all reliable but I love this one the best of all. I will most likely buy it at the end of the lease.

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Whmroar - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many vehicles before deciding on this jeep, and I love it so far. Drove it 325 miles first off to take it home. It has a little more wind resistance then I am use to, but Ill get use to that, and the gas mileage isnt quite as good as my car, but except for those 2 things, I cant say enough good things about my Grand Cherokee

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  Not happy - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TrailCat - October 26 - 7:33 pm

  We owned a 1995 Grand Cherokee, V-8 for 3 or 4 years. Bought it used and drove it until it had 250,000 miles on it. It began stalling out under all conditions and NO ONE could find the answer. We then bought a 1999 Grand Cherokee with 110,000 miles, and it has been a piece of junk! Our friends have a 1999 Grand and our problems mirror each others, costing hundreds of dollars for each repair. To replace power window mechanism; $400+ each window. Tail light unit; $250+ each. Front drive shaft (new design for that year); $500+. We are done repairing! We want a different Jeep Grand, but to find the year with the least problems.