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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  BRING IT BACK PLEASE! BEST JEEP EVER!!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By aquaman - March 21 - 12:56 pm

  I recently have bought my 4x4 Jeep Cherokee classic with 110,000 miles and it is the best thing I have ever bought in my entire life I love it! No doubt if they came out with one I would buy it in a heart beat! :) runs great have had no problems with it. Completely reliable with the inline 6 engine! I cant decide if I want to put bigger wheels on it or not because I love the body style so much as it is! Jeep needs to bring it back! Worst move ever by discontinuing it!

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  Possible Problems? - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Possible problems? - March 19 - 4:40 am

  Just bought my new 2009 Jeep Compass with touch screen radio 3 days ago. Overall this vehicle is wonderful with some exceptions. The touch screen radio is not working! All other touch screen components are fine but radio is very temperamental. Compartments in console are very tiny and are too small to really put anything in them. Cup holders a bit hard to get at however, love the optical interior improvements from the 2007 compass that I rented last year, but is this electrical problem a sign of things to come?

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  Excellent Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By LarryPurviance - March 19 - 2:36 am

  I am a Jeep man from way WAAAAY Back, and the Liberty is the best ever!. I have owned two CJ5s, a Grand Cherokee and currently own a 1972 CJ5.

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  Safety First - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AHeff - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I was forced to sell my Durango and I decided to buy the Liberty. I never have regreted it once. I have two small girls and was hit in the front quarter panel by a full size Dodge Ram. The trucks entire front end was crushed and had to be towed off the scene. The jeep was easily pushed aside with little damage. I have never felt safer than in my Liberty. I have already put 50,000 miles on it in a year and a half. I love it and would recommend it to anyone. I am 511" tall and have plenty of room inside. The cargo room in the back is great also for a small SUV.

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  luvmyjeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By funjeepguy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had more fun with my Jeep Wrangler than any other car I have wned. I bought the solar yellow and it turns heads everwhere I go. I have the X model with the in line 6 cyl engine. I hve heard rummors that the in line 6 will be replaced with the v-6. i think that would be a mistake to to this.

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  3rd Jeep Owner - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By witswits - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Fun to drvive. Its a easy to handle,drive and easy to park.

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  2004 Limited Transmission Slipping - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jftgkk - March 18 - 10:00 am

  On a cold start, the Jeep will slip going into reverse. I was advised that a software update was needed to correct the problem. I did that and it still slips. It slips 4 out of 5 mornings, yet the dealerships say they cannot duplicate the problem. I am concerned that this is going to cause long-term problems and am considering going the lemon route as it has been in shop three times and is not fixed yet. Ive also been told this is normal for Jeep Liberties, yet Ive not found another Jeep owner who has slow to engage/slip on a cold start. Other than that, I love it. Looks great, rides great, and is fun. The price was right, too!

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  LOVE my Grand Cherokee Laredo!!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ed Connolly - March 18 - 10:00 am

  First bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in 1994. It lasted me 10 years with NOT ONE SINGLE PROBLEM. It was only this year, 2004, that I had a few issues...with the air and transmission. But thats pretty darn amazing! Hated to trade my baby in, but decided it made sense. Now I just bought the newest Laredo and its been just incredible. Could not ask for more with comfort, the look -- and it drives beautifully. Your ratings are WAY OFF, as far as Im concerned. THE BEST!!!!! Ed Connolly Stony Point, NY

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  Wife loves it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jbear - March 18 - 6:13 am

  My wife bought this Jeep for work. She love its quickness, handling, surprisingly decent gas mileage for a v6 its and maneuverability (turn radius). I would not recommend it for extremely long trips due to the short wheel base, keep trips to 100 miles or less. It has had a few recalls which our local dealership has been very quick at responding to. There is a little rust bubbling under the paint at the pop up Glass at rear door just under the third brake lite at the welding seam. Its covered again by jeeps 5 year 100,000 mile warranty. Wife says she will always own a Jeep.

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  Sky Slider Wind Noise FIXED - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Bigger in Texas - March 16 - 6:50 am

  Ladies & Gentleman: Alas, I finally had the Sky Slider Wind Noise FIXED on my 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited! I was paranoid about a mechanic touching my roof and making it worse. Since the date I purchased the vehicle in August 2008, I had extreme wind noise and the roof would "puff up" 1/2" -1" in the interior after I reached 65 mph. The noise was completely unbearable when I drove into a 10-15 mph headwind, it was impossible to carry on a conversation, and very difficult to hear the radio. Today, I took my Jeep to Ancira Jeep on I-10 West. Jaye Patton was extremely helpful at the front desk, and the service tech did a marvelous job! I took my Jeep up to 85 mph on the Interstate