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:

• 

  Good performer for a price - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iameziv - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle with about 26K miles it served us well until 6 months ago. After hitting 34k miles there are many electrical hickups (Lights, Info center, Alarm, The horn botton collapse) Then the water pump started leaking (replaced that one too) now the rear differential is making whiny noise and who knows how much that going to cost.

• 

  Waste of money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kellman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had many problems, Front Brake rotors have been replaced 3 times, power doors do not work, front doors never open with remote or key, must open rear door and reach in front to opeen either front door.

• 

  First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Frank - August 7 - 7:13 pm

  Not bad, going on my 3rd year with it and still no problems. Lots of power, goes well in the snow. My next vehicle - will be another Jeep.

• 

  Very capable Jeep even with the X model - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Squint - August 6 - 8:13 pm

  I have owned my Wrangler X 2Dr for almost 2 months and I love it. I was skeptical at 1st w/ the 3.8L V6 until I racked up about 1000 miles and it finally broke in. It performs quite well now w/ my 33s and the stock 4.10 gearing that come with the Auto. Even the X model is very capable on the trail after numerous outings now. For the interior: the seats are fairly comfortable and modern. However, the dash is hard not to scratch when cleaning dust/dirt; the glove box and center console lock as well as rear floor cargo storage by locking rear swing door. The soft top is definitely quieter than previous models and it secures better around the doors. The headlights and fog lights are improved.

• 

  4th jeep and what a fail - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bill379 - August 6 - 2:17 pm

  Have owned three JGC prior to this one (95,96,02) and all had miles on them. This one we spent some money on and had only 80,000 KM on it when we got it. This 2006 is junk. Engine ticks (Hemi tick) quieter if you run synthetic oil but still there. 8 quarts to change it. Started making a noise at 90k from the back. Replaced both wheel bearings, nope, its in the differential. Quote 1500-3000. Drive shaft "u joint" failing. Non serviceable "ujoint" have to replace entire driveshaft another 1500. Engine runs sluggish unless you put super in it. All this on a five year old $55k vehicle with under 100KM on it. Ive seen this movie before. Didnt fix any of the crap and traded it in on a honda

• 

  Heartache with Chrysler - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Emile Gauvin - August 6 - 12:08 am

  I had an Intrepid which required a fair amount of front end suspension parts and accepted this because of the design of the car (front-end heavy and so on) when we purchased the Compass one thing that returned was front end part issues and lots of them, started at 20,000 kilometers. Because front-end issues can cause havoc with tires and steering in general, I like to have this in top shape, but it is a never-ending issue every time it goes in for regular service. It still goes on today with the most recent lower control arms being replaced for the second time before 100,000 kilometers. At 25,000 kilometers we started having the sun roof leak into the car. Being told that the drain lines in the roof needed cleaning periodically seemed a problem because you really dont know when this can happen. You tube had ways that people gave up with Chrysler and came up with their own solution although extensive it dealt with a lot of modifications to the drain line and this meant taking parts of the interior off. Then, the front drivers side pan just in front and the back would fill with water - up to 2 inches of water, no rhyme or reason, cleaned this out several times before the dealership finally gave up on the issue of the drain lines and found a body molding without the proper seal in place. The drain lines are still an issue but instead of paying $126 to have these blown out with compressed air, I do it myself. The last thing to go wrong is the K frame when the lower control arms were being replaced. The place where I have my maintenance done on the Jeep now has a mechanic that used to work for a Chrysler dealership and alerted me to the fact that the K frame is rotting and that I seek out the dealership warranty, should there be one. Right now Im staring at $500 getting it done myself or $900 through the dealership - not even 100,000 K on the vehicle! The only good thing I have to say about the Jeep is in the snow, you cannot beat it, it is a tank with Blizzaks for tires. However, when we get a wet snow/rain and it freezes, the doors will not latch after opening, major problem since the only way to rectify this issue is to leave the vehicle heat-up, with it not locked (not good!) So, we are getting rid of the Jeep soon. All of the review of this and also the fact that there is always some sort of hassle with Chrysler has made the decision of what to purchase next, which does not include any type of Chrylser product what-so-ever!

• 

  Cherokee is good - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Me - August 5 - 9:23 pm

  This was my first Jeep purchase, I had previously been driving a sporty 2dr pontiac. I have been extremely pleased with the vehicle. It covers all dimensions of what you would want. It still is a "prestigious" vehicle to drive and show off, the off road capabilities are excellent (which is very useful in snow/rain situations, it has enough cargo space to haul a number of different kinds of large items, and the handling at high or low speeds is not that much different than my previous sporty CAR. I commute a total of 40 miles each day, sometimes i take the highway, sometimes regular roads. It performs great on either, and my average MPG on the gauge has been steady at 17.1 - not too bad.

• 

  Jeep has a winner! - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Joey - August 5 - 8:53 pm

  Weve owned this vehicle for several months now and it has performed beyond my expectations. On a recent trip to upstate New York the 5 speed Compass averaged 32 MPG, which is 3 MPG above the manufacturers claims. The vehicle is fun to drive, responds like a sports car on the curvy Rt. 664 in the Hocking Hills of Ohio where I live as I traverse to and fro work in Athens, Ohio on a daily basis. We are totally impressed with the awesome Chrysler design of this vehicle. Weve been intrigued with Jeep products for many years and are now proud to own this (made in America) vehicle. I am delighted with this vehicle and would recommend it to my best friend. Id rather drive a Jeep than a Toy.

• 

  need better mpg and scrap the antenna - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Charlie O. - August 5 - 12:43 pm

  Picked the vehicle up on Monday 7/31. I have the 3.7 and so far (3 days) the MPG looks terrible. I read some of these reviews and I see 17 MPG, 20-22 mpg highway...hope to see the same. Also, it is back in the dealer on Thursday 8/3 for installation of Sirius radio and whistling sound that seems to be coming from the dash when car is in motion (read another review stating the same problem). Overall I think it is a quality vehicle offering a lot for the money. Insurance rates are great, my kids love it, Sirius radio, rides smooth, great turning radius, dash is simple yet in line with the times.

• 

  New to Jeeps - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By BushMan - August 4 - 3:30 pm

  I have always been a Ford guy so when I went to Jeep, it surprised me. I was impressed with the comfort of the ride although riding on the highway is quite uncomfortable. It does have a lot of wind noise but its a Jeep. So far, I havent had any issues with the vehicle yet. I do have minor leaks through the hardtop which I figured was going to happen. I do have some rust spots too but other than that, I hope its a good vehicle.