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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  The best fun for the most economical price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Collins - August 15 - 11:40 am

  The best fun for the most economical price in a small compact SUV on the market today! Try this 6 cylinder with 4WD.Take it everywhere - mountains with ice and snow and watch this baby perform. Yes the Cherokee is nice too but check the handling and quick natured torque of this puppy of a Jeep and you will just see that maybe it isnt just a puppy after all. All weather conditions, try it! Its amazing fun, need to do a quick turnaround - go for the 360~ on a dime. Tight parking no problem, fits right in with NO effort, None! A must try first vehicle before you make any other compact SUV purchase!

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  NW Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Compass - August 14 - 5:16 pm

  Was looking for a car for the wife. Leaning towards the Liberty, liked the look etc. and great cash incentives right now. From what I had heard Compass had no go. Test drove the Liberty then the Compass. The minute I drove the Compass knew it was the car she would enjoy. SUV look, had plenty of get up and go, plus the ride was so much better than the Liberty. It was what she wanted and is a lot more than I expected. Only options we got were the automatic, Drivers Convenience Group (recommended), the E Package (power windows etc.), Yes Essentials premium seats (recommended). The car drives great, plenty of room, zips down the freeway. Everything we wanted and more for a great price.

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  bestjeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By texjeep - August 14 - 10:00 am

  What a great Jeep! More than I ever expected. I wish I could buy nather one just like it brand new. Never had it in the shop for a repair. Other than 4 wheel drive all the time, no complaints.

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  Reliable 4WD Un Reliable Brakes - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BeachJeep - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great 4WD ability in the snow/ice and when I surf fish the beaches of North Carolina.I have helped several of the "so called SUVs" get un stuck. Most of the small street SUVs just cant handle the harsher off road conditions. The main flaw of the vehicle is its brakes. I had to turn or replace the front rotors 4 times in 40,000 miles only onced covered under warranty at the 11,000 mile mark.I suggest this vehicle for any one that needs a good 4 wheel drive.I would rate my vehicle as dependable. Only one mechanical failure beside the common brake problem which was quickly taken care of under warranty. (Trans sensor)

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  Sorry - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hairy - August 14 - 10:00 am

  The car has some good points ice cold air,great sound system ,and oh yea 4 wheel drive!!!but the biggies were poor gas mileage,some what of a rough ride even on the highway,could use a little larger engin like the Chevy Blazer 4.3 liter vortech v6 "what a nice 1 that was"and the price could have been a little kinder.28k for a little fun ride? Come on!

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  Jeep Accessment - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff Stewart - August 14 - 10:00 am

  OK. Not overly impressed

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  Awaful SUV - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepie1 - August 13 - 8:36 pm

  My 2003 Jeep GC is almost new!!! because I have had every thing replaced in it. Some very common problems are fan relay, rotors, window mechnism, interior lighting, rusting, hydrolics to hold hood and hatch door, wipers. I also have had problems with parking gear, reverse transmission, front axle, radiator, all bushings are rotten, air bag mechanism has malfunctioned, CD player makes clunking sound, turn signalling system has malfunctioned, has lot of air noise, a/c is smelly, all shock absorbers have been replaced, brake claipers have jammed front wheels. Dealships are bad, expensive, non-courteous, time consuming. Will never buy it again, will not recommend anyone to buy.

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rocks - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Car now has almost 60,000 miles. No problems except toe-in/out requires monitoring and adjustments every 20,000 miles or so.Gas mileage on a 1000 mile trip decent, 22 mpg. city driving 17 mpg. Color being stone white doesnt show road dirt, easy to clean. Very comfortable seats.Visabilty very good.

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  Excellent - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Patrick Mauricio - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Good, much more than I expected, better than I was thinking

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  You get what you pay for - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Ryann - August 12 - 2:16 am

  I got this car after driving a Honda Civic. I didnt have a lot of money, and it had a great music package available. I wanted an SUV, and have actually noticed very little difference in gas mileage after my 03 Civic. I havent had any major issues, some lights turned on for no reason, and my drivers side window controls have been replaced, and have to be replaced again. Also, cruise developed a habit of turning off. It is very comfortable, and with the music package and price is great for young people. It is small and roomy. It is a bit unconventional looking, which I dont enjoy, but you do get what you pay for.