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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  Nothing else ever will compare - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By IMChad - June 23 - 4:10 pm

  I love this jeep. Im on my 4th year of owning it and cant say enough. Ive put around 80,000 miles on it and at 150,000 it still runs like brand new. During the winter, we had 24" of snow and it was below zero and it was nice being the only one in the neighborhood who didnt have to shovel the drive. When the plows came and buried the drives, I just climbed over it. Fuel mileage really does stink on this one though. I drive like an old lady mostly and I get 13 city and 17 highway/interstate. But, my wife gets 30 in her car and i still pay more a year keeping hers on the road. Ive not changed anything but a wheel hub, tires, UV joint and battery. Not bad for 4 years of heavy driving.

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  A smooth, comfortable and delightful SUV - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By insmanblue - June 22 - 4:03 pm

  One of the things that really sticks out is how quite and smooth the vehicle is. Its almost like riding in my Acura TL. There is no squeaks or rattles unlike my TL. The GC has many techy things like backup camera, auto dimming headlights and auto wipers that I think are great. I like the new HID lights that really light up the road and adjust automatically depending on road/load conditions. Build quality overall is an 9 overall. Some door panels do not line up. Also the drivers seat bottom needs to be replaced because of a pucker in the leather.

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  Its great for what it was designed. - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By btflmtnhgr - June 20 - 3:46 pm

  I had a 1967 TLC wagon (rebuilt with bored out engine), lots of torque, tons of gas pulls Jeeps out of the ditch, traded an Audi Allroad wagon for the Compass and it gets better gas mileage and feels safer, is quieter to drive than my Sportster. People are complaining because its not a luxury vehicle and not an off-roader...ya think! Ask Jeep - thats the point of the Compass.

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  Peppy n Fun 2 Drive - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By juice_weasel - June 19 - 11:37 pm

  The prosumer review was all negative. Blah blah! I got into a near the bottom of the line model and still impressed. The 2.4 when mated to the 5M is fun to drive. Much quicker than a Mazda 5 and Rav4. Best part is for what I paid I am not hesitant to take it off the road. Taking a $30k Subaru or Rav4 offroad? NO way. Another thing I like was availability of the manual trans. The others dont offer that. Every other sensible suv out there has gone up-market the Patriot stays true. Manual everything if you want it that way. Its lighter and faster. So name your poison!

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  Fun in the sun - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dennis Rooney - June 19 - 9:50 pm

  From the dealership to the road, my experience has been excellent 5 star. This is my first Jeep and I have always wanted one. I wasnt prepared for the lower gas mileage, however you dont but a Jeep for aerodynamics. Its kinda like driving a brick through a wind tunnel. However you can rest with confidence, that this is a serious off-road vehicle. You may find yourself driving down the highway and by impulse making a right turn into the woods. This vehicle has incredible off-road capabilities. Ive found some really good fishing holes. If you buy a Jeep Wrangler, you will find a camaraderie on the road which was quite unexpected. Wrangler owners smile and wave at each other knowingly.

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  My Last Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dparker - June 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third, but last, Jeep. This one has been a disappointment from the beginning. In 56K miles, its had two power window motors, two automatic door lock actuators, a water pump and thermostat, and 2 brake jobs. Jeep admits problems with the brakes via a technical service bulletin, but are unwilling to assist owners in fixing the problem. My dealer says the complete brake fix will cost around $425. The water pump and thermostat, and one door lock actuator already set me back over $500. The window motors and one lock actuator were covered under warranty. The two brake repairs (re-surfacing the rotors) cost around $75 each.

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  simple and fun - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By ron - June 17 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased my Jeep used about a month ago and I would have to say that it has been fun to drive around; everywhere i go other people with jeeps are always waving at me. That being said there are a couple things that they could change. The shifter needs to be 3"-4" longer and i have the half doors with zip up windows and it stinks when you are on the tollway and have to pay a toll. they should have an option of upper sliding windows from the factory. You cant even find them in the aftermarket. The paint isnt that great, already starting to show some rust on the exposed bolts and door hinges; but thats to be expected.It also needs better speakers. All in all it is what it is; its a Jeep.

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  Still Not Sure - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By us6inks - June 17 - 3:36 pm

  We bought this car for my son in High School. Within the first week we had 2 windows go bad. Something snapped and they fell down. $450 to fix each one. I have brought it to the mechanic for other "squirrelly" moves as someone wrote earlier, I guess thats just a Jeep thing. I talked my husband into buying it as it was a good deal, it only had 62,000 miles on it for 7k. He will never let me live it down. The car clunks when you almost stop and start again. Had that checked, they could find nothing. The car vibrates and knocks when reversing. This will be our only Jeep. A/C is currently having problems, will be in the shop soon.

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  New purchase - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By FJ - June 17 - 3:30 pm

  I have heard reviews of vehicle being sluggish. I am not having a problem with that. With this vehicle you have to be careful you are not running in low. If you knock the shifter in error you may be in low and not realize it which will cause it to be sluggish. (cvt models) This is a very stylish, comfortable, nice riding vehicle. It feels heavy and not chintzy like some vehicles, I test drove. I think I made a great choice.

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  What A Truck - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - June 17 - 12:20 am

  I love this thing. It has a good amount of power and fun to drive. It is incredible off road.