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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  Will take you anywhere in style. - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By gerico - April 25 - 10:00 am

  M More trucklike than car. Great field of vision all around the car.No blindspots. The engine is strong &quick. Rear seats pop out for extra room. ore truck than carlike ride.

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  The best toy ever. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Flo Pacheco - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Really fun vehicle. Easy to work on. You can push it hard and gives you everything back. Great vehicle for loading with accessories. Grill guard, roof rack, lift, you name it and this vehicle can take it. It was a solid purchase.

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  Excellent car...but... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jallahansen - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car. I bought it new, and since it was the first year of the "new" style, I would think some problems were to be expected... No show stoppers at all, but changed 6 electrical windows in the first 2 years (yes, you read right - 2 of them had to be changed twice), because they stopped working. Breaks disks tend to warp quite frequently, and hence you should expect some at least minor break problems every 18-24 months or so. Also changed 2 computers. No drive train or engine problems at all though. Very reliable engine/drivetrain.

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  Never buy a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Karen Miller - April 25 - 5:11 am

  The Power Control Module went out on my jeep over 2 month ago. I continue to be told its on back order. I am still making payments on a jeep that I can not drive!!!!

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  4 Door Jeep X with Soft top - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By DadWithAJeep - April 24 - 5:33 pm

  My first Jeep was a 95 Wrangler, and I had to sell because I had a baby on the way. Now that he is 3 years old, and Jeep has a 4 door wrangler I had to get one. After several test drives, and permission from my wife (she is critical of vehicles too), I was able to find one with all of the features I wanted. This vehicle handles great (100% improvement from my other Jeeps), it sits well in corners, and has plenty of leg room. I am 65, and have no issues with room. The design of the vehicle is superb and meets all of my concerns. I am still waiting on impact tests to see how well the vehicle rates. Until then, my son sits in the middle of the back seat just in case of a side impact.

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mark - April 24 - 10:33 am

  I bought my 02 Liberty used. Its a Sport model with the 3.7L, auto and 4WD. The only problem I have had with it is a throttle positioning sensor going bad which was very easy to replace. Since Ive owned the vehicle Ive added 42,000 miles to it along with lifting it, adding aftermarket skid plates, larger wheels and tires and upgrading the sound system. I havent had a bit of trouble with it and it keeps up just as well on the trails with anything out there.

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  2007 Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By K Miller - April 24 - 7:00 am

  I just love my car. We wasnt even looking for an SUV but when my husband saw the new Compass and drove it that was it. I feel so safe in the Compass, I have never had a vehicle that I sit a little higher in and it makes all the difference in the world on how much better you can see.

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  Overall a very happy owner. - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mowog2 - April 24 - 5:44 am

  We have had this vehicle for 14 months and 40,000 miles. So far both the puchase and ownership experiences have been good ones. Power with the V6 requires lots of RPMs as a small V6 is propelling a 5000+ pound vehicle BUT, the upside is that same 5000+ pound vehicle getting on average about 23 MPG at 70 MPH on the highway. A downside is the navigation system which is near useless and best plan on having a Garmin mounted to the windshield...!!! Our only warrantable item was a new seat covering on the drivers seat due to premature wear....quite the hastle getting the right material from Jeep Service Parts and thank heavens for a great servicing dealer in Auburn, Indiana. Happy owner...!!!!!

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  Keeping for the kids - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dad - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this jeep for 11 years and it is the most reliable car I have ever purchased. Jeep only has 70K, but has dents and scratches from trees, rocks, bikes. Always starts, never comfortable. Goes through snow, mud, sand with no problems. Powerful engine, you can hear the frame groan whenever you hit the gas. This is the perfect car for my two teenagers. Never in the shop for any reason, other than normal maintenance. I need a more comfortable SUV but I cant afford a new one. I like the Nitro, but heard many bad things about it- maybe a used Trailblazer?

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  Dont buy one! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By esoxgirl - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Liberty new and within the first year had to replace the back window motors twice. Now, since Chrysler seems to think customer service is not a priority, both back windows are held up by coat hangers. I like to take long trips and it is the most uncomfortable car. I am sad because I owned a Jeep Wrangler in 96 and loved it! I will NEVER purchase a Chrysler automobile EVER!