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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  Good value and functional, some issues - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By wildkard58 - July 13 - 3:00 am

  I bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport model with the CVT transmission and front wheel drive. Had it for 4 years and it was good value, quite functional however it had some issues. The CVT tranny is buzzy. The Patriot is not that quiet on the highway for road trips. This SUV will get you 30-32 miles to the gallon highway driving around 70 miles an hour. There is good storage space. A known problem with the Patriot is the front end suspension system. Before the 3 year/60,000 km warranty runs out, have an independent mechanic check the control arms and tie rods. They are Jeep only parts and you will replace them at some point (I did before warranty expired). Thats why I traded it in.

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  fun ride - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By doug - July 12 - 10:40 pm

  Fun to drive and very capable off road. I like the ease of folding the top down and the availability of aftermarket accessories.

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  Terrible car - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By cad700 - July 12 - 3:54 pm

  I just got the 2.4 automatic Compass Limited last week. Its a fleet vehicle, didnt have a choice so didnt test driver one. Picked up the car one evening, didnt do anything but drive home 5 miles. Woke up the next morning and the remote access buttons on the key did not work, used the key, got in, started the car and the radio wasnt working either. All kinds of similar issues. Im sure that can be fixed but the biggest problem is the engine/powertrain. The vehicle does terrible when you try to accelerate to change lane or merge, pulls to the point of almost losing control. I drove a 12 Escape with a 2.5 engine, much more powerful engine.

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  Stick with Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scott - July 11 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my black 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited only about 6 months ago. The SUV had around 78,000 miles on it, which worried me a bit. Im now up to 86,000 miles and havent had a problem! I absolutely love this truck, especially in the snow!

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  Still good for the money - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By ksherinian - July 11 - 2:00 am

  The negatives first: - noisy - poor ride - horrible gas quality Positives: - excellent, bare bones, interior design - superb off-road performance - superb winter (snow & ice) performance - 112,500 miles and still no major repairs

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  Love my 97, but scared of new models - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kevperks - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Thus far, my 1997 GC Ltd has been amazingly reliable. As expected, after 105,000+ miles, small problems have been showing up the past 6 mos. My latest concern is U-Joints. Prior to that, a leek in the antifreeze line, and three new batteries in 14 mos (obviously, something amiss w/ the electrical system, but no one can figure it out). Ive also had rotor issues (others mentioned). Had to have the front and rear replaced. When disengaging from reverse to put it in drive, I find it has problems moving beyond neutral until I do it two or three more times.

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  local car - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By pds - July 11 - 2:00 am

  research what you need before buying this jeep. Not a highway or commuter car. Not good on wet roads. (other than deep snow)

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  i love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep girl - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I went in blind to buying an suv,but after a few different test tries, I decided on a 2000 JGC ltd.v8 w/Quadra- Drive. More for the money,handles just as good as the expensive models.It takes on the deep snow to hard rains as if it were a sunny day.Drives smooth even on the toughest dirt road. The style looks good.Very comfy inside.Brakes good,but the rotors had to be changed already.All in all I still will buy another jeep.

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  fun fun fun jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By leslie s filiault - July 11 - 2:00 am

  great performance! good fuel millage! easy removable top! great 7 speaker radio! our second jeep great improvments on a verry old design. fun fun fun fun

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  great ride - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By david55 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  not one problem. great ride