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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  question please help me - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By victoria - August 29 - 4:16 pm

  I just bought a used 2007 Jeep liberty sport and I love it so far the gas last for a long time and its so fun to drive! The sound system is great and I love that its so roomy but their is on thing! How do you turn the air bag on the passengar side I cant figure it out at all? the manul dosent say.. Help me plz

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  Love my Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By detdre - August 29 - 1:22 pm

  Fantastic vehicle. Reliable, comfortable, small but big. The best Ive worked on, the best Ive driven.

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  2009 Patriot 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By frogman - August 29 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Patriot Sport 2 months ago and am very pleased with the vehicle. I get about 28 to 29 MPG on the highway and average 25 overall. I waited until the 2009s were available before purchasing since I was hoping Jeep would change the interior. I am so happy that I did - the interior dash is so much more refined than the 07-08! I did buy the manual because I like manuals, wanted the better mileage, better pickup and lower cost. Im glad I did. I never did drive the CV automatic. The vehicle is amazing in the snow without even locking in the 4x4 (I live in Wisconsin). It is even nicer getting around town in the snow than my 1996 Grand Cherokee was. Overall this is a great Jeep.

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  Jeep advocate - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By sawtooth - August 28 - 11:13 pm

  My car serviceman predicted that the "end was near" on my old, but faithful 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I started to shop around - drove several other smaller model SUVs but none felt as "tough" as the Jeep. AFter all, Jeep served me well over th eyears with virtually no car problems and I have never gotten stuck. In fact...I have never had to chain up! - I drive on dirt and remote snow covered mountain roads every day and this 2008 Jeep Liberty 4WD rocks!

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  Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Susan - August 28 - 12:53 pm

  Fun to drive, handles well in traffic & easy to park. Plenty of acceleration. Overall, I am very pleased with the Liberty.

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  Excellent Choice 2011 Jeep Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By pete131 - August 28 - 4:23 am

  I bought my 2011 jeep Compass 2 months ago. I absolutely love this Jeep. I was looking for an SUV to pull my Jet Ski, and pulls it effertlessly, and after looking at many SUVs in this catagory, the jeep Compass offered the most for the money. Other SUVs were thousands more. The redesign looks awesome. The inside is also very nice. I got the 2.4 L engine with the CVT, and the engine noise is not what reviews say, it is not noisy. The CVT is smooth. This vehicle does have enough power and is great on gas. (27 mpg) highway city is (21). It is fun to drive also. The Cargo area is good also. This is not a sports car or a truck, with that having been said, I love this new 2011 Jepp Compass.

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  I love my Jeep Overland but. - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dcam - August 28 - 2:00 am

  My JO has not caused me any problems. I love my Jeep, but it seems like every third vehicle is a Jeep.I think a redesign is due, because my Jeep just does not turn heads. For $39000, I just want a little more WOW! I know that sounds shallow - but hey. My boyfriend just bought an H2. On the way home, I followed in my Jeep. Folks were constantly looking at his vehicle and didnt even notice the Jeep Overland. What takes the cake is .. a couple of neighborhood kids screamed nice truck to him, guess what I got.I know the H2 is something different and the "wow" will wear from that vehicle. But for now, Im looking into the FX45.

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  Awesome Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave C. - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 28,000 miles on 2002 Inferno Red JGC Overland. No problems at all since purchase August 2002. Absolutely the best all around vehicle Ive ever owned. I drive approx 36000 miles/yr and expect this truck to last 7-10yrs.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrortiz - August 27 - 7:36 pm

  This is my third Jeep and my first 4 cylinder Jeep. The TJs ride is a 500% improvement over the YJ and CJ. The interior is car-like and even has airbags. The 4-cyl is definately not for speeding although I manage to drive 70-80 mph everyday to work. Gas mileage is much better going slower (60-65). There are always discussions going on about whether it is worth getting a 4-cyl, having had 2 I-6 I can say it is much better on MPG and satisfactory on the highway (and costs thousands less).

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  HEMI BEAST - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AJ - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Im the third owner of my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi option. At roughly 131,000 miles it still runs like a dream. Its common to hear that these Jeeps run into mechanical issues but Ive had no such misfortune (knocks on wood). What can I say? Its an all around extremely capable SUV. The interior is simple and spacious (Im 66), the only change I needed to make was adding a new Kenwood radio. And for its size and rugged Jeep reputation its an extremely comfortable ride. As the title entails the HEMI is a plus, especially if you regularly tow like me. The only negative aspect of this SUV is how hard it hits your wallet at the pump, its just too tempting to slam that gas pedal at every stop light to hear that big V8 roar.