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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  awesome - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By akersey2 - November 15 - 11:23 am

  Ive been reading the reviews that have been posted and I dont know what to say about all the problems that they have been having with the vehicle. I purchased my 1st Jeep Compass in Dec. 2006. The following May I was in a car accident when a dump truck hit my passenger side and pushed it to the drivers side. I was very grateful that the vehicles structure was saved my life. A month later I went out and purchased my 2nd Jeep Compass and have had no problems with it. Ive had it for 2 years now with 34K miles on it. I travel often to Texas from Iowa and have no issues.

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  Better than my Aztek - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By George - November 14 - 1:40 pm

  This is my first non GM car ever. Traded in a 2000 Pontiac Aztek that my wife and I loved. This is a tougher car. It will go anywhere and it is a lot of fun to drive. I only have 2200 miles so far but no complaints. It is everything I ever wanted. It beats the Aztek and I didnt think I would ever find a replacement that I would say that about. Gas mileage isnt as good as the Aztek but I beat the EPA estimates. I am getting 20 mpg all around.

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  Awsome Jeep Wrangler - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Aaron Davis - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased my second Jeep Wrangler. My first was a 1995 Sahara. I loved it and had regretted selling it until I bought my new 2003 Jeep Wrangler Sport. It has the best motor Ive ever seen, the 4.0L I-6, that has plenty of power. A great 4- wheel drive system that has never failed me in snow, rain, mud, etc. It is comfortable, attractive, functional and the perfect size. No land yahct for me, thank you very much. By far the best all-around vehicle Ive ever had. Once you get one you will never want another SUV, or car for that matter.

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  My first Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By wallywow - November 13 - 10:46 am

  I bought this Jeep for the 4X4 capability. In MI, I burned up the trans in my 2000 Grand Marquis because I kept getting stuck in the snow, over 9 years (only 92,000). I have to say that I will probably never own another vehicle, other than a JEEP 4X4. Vehicle paid for itself in the first month I had it. We had one of the snowiest Dec on record, and I was able to go where others got stuck. I have nothing bad to say about my JEEP. I love her. I named her SYDNEY. :-) My next JEEP will be the Limited (maxed out).

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  Jeep girl at heart - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By niiiinamite - November 12 - 3:19 pm

  I drove a Jeep Cherokee as a teenager, and after the disappointing performance of my last vehicle, was excited to trade up. It is comfortable, performs well both schlepping me back and forth to work and tooling through the hills. The technology features are a comfort when off the beaten path, and the panoramic roof brings all of the great outdoors in no matter what the season or weather. For once, I am excited about traveling back and forth between Idaho and Montana this winter.

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  Really Fun Car - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pimpin_Braden06 - November 9 - 8:53 pm

  The car is an over all fun car but lacks on the fuel economy. if you just drive to and from work it is good but driving around all the time not a very good car.

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  Dependable and Fun - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By KulDip - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my YJ for two years now and have well over 120K miles on it and have never had any problems. Fun to drive, especially during the summers. Very rugged and dependable. If you want a cush ride, go buy a Lexus, Jeeps arent build for comfort, they are built for form and function. Overall, one of the most reliable, well built rigs I have ever owned!

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  Love This Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By JeepBeep - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Nobody told me driving could be this much fun!

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  Ideal Island Car - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Clyde Kawauchi - November 8 - 12:16 pm

  My ride home from the dealership, 100 miles was effortless. The ride home was enjoyable, and cant wait to hit those favorite spots. I cant believe that this is a off road vehicle. No regrets in buying it. Glad I live in Hawaii.

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  Best vehicle i ever drove - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By citygal - November 7 - 7:50 am

  I enjoy this vehicle more than i can say;I miss not driving it, I can not wait until lunchtime at work to get in it. I have owned it for three weeks now. I had a Toyota 4 runner before that did not get good gas mileage. It is flexifuel so i can put ethanol (e85) gas in it; that was a bonus for me along with everything else it had to offer. I truly enjoy the my gig system with navigation. I get about 15 mpg in city, and about 19-21 on hwy.