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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  Massive Oil Leak on 2011 Jeep Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By ismyjeepok - July 19 - 9:01 pm

  Attention 2011 Jeep Compass owners - Today I had a massive oil leak in my 2011 Jeep Compass, only had 4900 miles. Started my daily commute, which was interupted by a the oil light coming on. White smoke (oil smoke) was coming from the under side of the vehicle. Had it towed to the dealership and they found that the oil filter housing cracked, draining the engine of all but about 2 qtrs of oil. Dealership claimed the factory must have overtightened the oil filter, causing it to crack. I am now wondering how much life I just took off of my engine with low oil. Dealership simply did an oil change to resolve this issue. New Jeep owners beware, take no crap from the dealership...its documentated.

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  "little tank" - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Northern - July 19 - 12:03 pm

  I was sort of stuck with the purchase of the Patriot because of credit and wasnt sure if it was the "One for me" but it turns out its the best thing that I have ever bought. While the interior needs a bit of work (on the base model at least), I havent had any complaints. I live in the northern part of BC where we get massive amounts of snow every year and havent got stuck or spun out once. We have nicknamed it the little tank! We can literally go anywhere. I do agree with others that there is a lot of road noise but with 2 kids and a dog we hardly notice. When its time to trade her in I will be looking at Jeep again!

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  These are a dying breed... - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - July 18 - 4:33 am

  As I write this the 4.0L 6cyl has been retired and the new Wranglers now have a minivan motor.(sad day) As you can tell from the first sentence I love the old 4.0/6cyl. The 4.0 and 5spd manual is the most desirable stock engine/tranny combo if you are shopping for a Wrangler YJ from 91- 95. This is a reliable vehicle now with 133,000 on the clock all I have done is replaced a rusted/leak radiator and water pump. Jeeps do perform best with regular preventitive maintence. (plugs, wires, oil-changes in engine, diffs, transfer case & axles) The ride is rough which should be expected and learn to love it. If ride quality is your concern I would recommend going straight to a TJ (97- 06)or new JK

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  Quite Satisfied - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By 71charger_fan - July 17 - 9:13 pm

  We bought this Jeep from a young lady who took almost no care of it and it still ran great after changing the fluids and tuning it up. Its not the vehicle for a long commute and the top can be tedious to put up but its a great deal of fun and you cant beat the way these things hold their value. Very rugged and very easy to work on. The short wheelbase is a detriment to a smooth highway ride but makes for almost unbelievable maneuverability. I couldnt afford a TJ but this has served me very well.

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  Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Brent - July 17 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned my Liberty since April of 2007 (used of course). Purchased with about 51,000 miles. The only complaints that I have about it is that the stock tires on it are terrible even when the ground is just slightly wet. It is very dangerous and I think Chrysler shouldnt and should never again sell any of their cars with these tires. Im having the tires replaced with Bridgestones, a much better tire than the Goodyears that come on it. In addition, when you are coming to a stop it is almost as if the car sputters or clunks Im not too sure how to describe it. Im thinking it is coming from the transmission and I hope this isnt going to turn into a problem. Overall a very stable vehicle.

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  Hawaiian4x4 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TommyA808 - July 17 - 6:53 am

  Im averaging almost 23MPG (sometimes over!) and am pleased with the engine power, quality of exterior & interior appointments. I HATE the power window buttons on the center front of the console compartment (almost like an afterthought); on the doors would be much better! At just over 14k with no problems and varied use, Im pleased with "Herbie". Nice style, comfortable ride & drive below 70MPH, steady & predictable in 4WD as expected from a Jeep. Yes, Id likely buy another one ... a CRD next time!

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  Great Ride - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Jeep Fan - July 17 - 2:46 am

  2007 Jeep Commander Limited 4.7L V8 Flex Fuel. This vehicle is very fun to drive and the kids love the middle row Command View windows in the roof and back rows with their high seating position. I feel good knowing that my wife and kids are in this vehicle. You feel like youre driving a luxury tank. The vehicle gets its share of looks and comments. Love the option of running E85. Reviews say that 3rd row is only for kids, but Im 6 and have ridden on short trips. You wouldnt put grandma in the third row, but its fine for adults. Handles Colorado mountain roads with ease. I cant wait for its first big snow! 5th Jeep vehicle that Ive owned and I love it!

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  Another improvement - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - July 16 - 4:16 pm

  I have owned Wranglers before this and all of them have been very good to me. This one will hopefully be no exception; so far all of the bells and whistles are great and I love the new ride.

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  Windows Suck - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepmadness - July 16 - 12:49 pm

  I bought a used one with 10,000 miles. I immediatley started having trouble with the windows. I paid a $100 deductable six times to have this problem fixed, and it has never been fully resolved. My back drivers side window is now being held up this a suction cup purchased at harbor freight for 5.99. The 5.99 suction cup has served me much better then anyone at Jeff Wyler, Ft. Thomas. I have yet to be reimbursed from Chrysler for my previous expenses and Jeff Wyler wants to charge me $80 to look at the problem to see if it will be covered by the extended warranty now offered due to the problem. Every window part should be included for this car due to the inconvenience. Dont buy the 2006!

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  A True Luxury Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mshell1234 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The interior of the Overland is incredibly comfortable and upscale. I have compared my Jeep to my friends expensive SUVs (Suburban, Range Rover, Hummer H3) and I think my Jeep wins hands down. Leather/Suede seats, wood grain steering wheel, perfectly placed items abound. I am ecstatic about my third Jeep...I cant imagine driving anything else.