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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  Jeep Compass Latitude is da bomb! - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Kimimila - June 22 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle 2 years old. Ive had it 1 year now. I absolutely love it. The trail rating is especially great because I drive in the mountains a lot and dont like bottoming out. And, the MPG is about the same as my Chrysler Sebring. The only thing I dont like about it is that its a little sluggish upon acceleration. The only problem Ive had was a couple of times, it didnt want to start right away. Both times, it was very cold out.

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  Its a fine vehicle except for one thing... - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By herc - June 22 - 7:43 pm

  My Jeep now has 66,000 miles on it and it has been a very solid vehicle. It has also been stone cold reliable. The only reason I havenÂ’t rated it 5 stars across the board is because while I like the design of the interior, the typical Daimler mandated cost cutting cheap plastic materials are everywhere. Also, I think some of the exterior design couldÂ’ve been better. IÂ’m not a fan of the giant squarish looking plastic covers over the headlights. Give me the design Bantam/Willys started with..so that means round headlights please. Other than the interior plastic and some exterior design issues I couldnÂ’t be happier with my Liberty.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jamie - June 21 - 5:13 pm

  I upgraded to the 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited from a 2000 Toyota Corolla. The Liberty sits high and is very comfortable to drive. It came with a nifty little cargo shelf that has dividers in the top portion. The only downside of this is that you cant use the cargo cover with it. Its one or the other.

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  good car/not so good gas mileage - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By bandy - June 20 - 2:00 am

  solid car but guzzles gas. Love driving it but not good if you have kids because theres not enough room. Great for singles and teenagers. Trustworthy car that youll love to drive.

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  I still like it, but ... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ducque - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles, the Liberty is still easy to like. However, it has been in the shop far too many times. And it still has a small engine running problem that no one seems to be willing or able to fix, even after repeated attempts. Equipped with UNSAFE, terrible tires from the factory. I love to drive it. Its just the right size and has the right features for me. BUT!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Flood - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I owned and 1990 Cherokee with 150k miles on it when I bought my Green V6 4WD Automatic Jeep Liberty Sport in May 2002, and what an upgrade it is! I have had no issues with the vehicle whatsover. Steers simply and more carlike than many competitors, and handling is very straightforward. It is super sure footed in the winter, and a breeze to drive on and off-road in the spring, summer, and fall. The front seats are comfortable enough to drive between New York City and Columbus Ohio without much discomfort. It is great to tool around town, and it has safely taken me through feet of snow in the mountains of West Virginia.

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  Love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By rtg77 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have never had so many compliments about a vehicle. My other car is a Volvo s80 so Ive gone to the other extreme with this Jeep

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  Happy Owner - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Billybob - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 11,000 miles on and now have 105,000 on it and still great car. Replaced A.C.compressor bracket and water pump. Evarything else was normal maintainence. Goes places in the snow other 4WD dont.

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  4.0L Yes 2.5L NO - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By GotMach - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my jeep. Its been a fun dependable car that Ive took off roading many times and have never had a problem with it. It only has 70,000 but everything works and it still runs great after all the abuse I put it through. There are only 3 think I dislike and they are: 1. Soft tops are noisy on the Highway. 2. Gas Mileage stinks 3. 2.5L Has now power in 5th gear and stinks on long drives. I find myself downshifting alot on long highway trips.

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  Gotta love it! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By zabes - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is just fantastic, first car I havent traded in after 2 years! There are soo many fun things to add to them too, bumpers, grille guards, lightbars, etc. It doesnt get that cold in the winter, vinyl doesnt get as cold as metal and in the summer its fun, A/C isnt a bad option though on the humid days or with rain. Overall its a great car to drive!