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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  RaLLyE - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Rallye - June 20 - 9:23 am

  I just bought my 08 jeep compass 2.4L Rallye Edition in black with black interior and everyone ragged on me about getting a compass until I told them that I was getting the Rallye package. Now people are asking me where I got it and telling me how much they love it! The Rallye package sold me on it. Its no good without it.

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  Jeep Patriot for a Patriotic American - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By zulu45 - June 18 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this to replace a Ford F150, and have NOT been disappointed. I average about 27 mpg with mixed driving out in the country. The acceleration is great, although not really outstanding, it is much more than I need. Overtaking is easy with the Patriot going from 45 to 75+ in almost a blink of an eye. The CVT really does a great job of giving the power when its needed. And though I dont have the Trail-Rated version, even during a major ice storm this past Winter, the Jeep handled inclines and roads that even pickups with off-road packages couldnt handle. Its nimble, and very comfortable.

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  Jeep 2005 Ltd (3.7L) - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mel G. - June 18 - 3:00 pm

  Great vehicle for running around locally in all terrains. Sensational handling. You must stay alert when driving long distances as vehicle needs constant steering. Gas mileage for weight could be better. No driver interior thoughtfulness when designed. No place for storage other than small glovebox, no place for coins. Cargo area for its size is very good with the fold down seats. Gas gauge should be on right side of dash because you cannot see it as it sits behind steering wheel. Also after rainfall, I notice water under the rear door when I open it.

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  If You Can Afford to Run It - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By antbloom - June 17 - 2:46 pm

  In Australia the Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold as a premium vehicle with a price to match. Even 1996 models sell at dealers for over $18,000. My experience has not been a happy one; luckily the dealer gave me a 3 year unlimited warranty. All sorts of rattles, whines and leaks plague this car which the dealer seems unable to fix. My advice is admire someone elses Jeep and buy a Toyota.

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  pleasantly surprised! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By botros - June 17 - 9:16 am

  Purchased used w/ 12k on the odo. So far, its been great. The 4x4 works great and has already gotten me out of a bind. The interior is very comfortable and usable. The 3rd row does not get used much, but its good to have just in case. I got a flat, and while changing the tire was straight forward, the steel wheel spare is way too heavy. Im a big guy that works out 2-3 times a week, and had a hard time lifting it up on the studs. Cant find many other faults. Throttle response is on the slow side, need brighter headlights. Gas door needs to lock when car is locked. Better gas mileage, but it is the V8 and 4wd, so 15-16mpg overall is ok I guess.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By US COMMANDER - June 16 - 4:56 pm

  I have been 2 weeks with my Commander and it has being a great ride so far. Mine is a Limited fully loaded and is really entertaining to drive. This is my third JEEP and it just keep better and better.

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  20,000 Mile Update - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - June 16 - 11:03 am

  I am approaching 20k on my Patriot. So far I have averaged 23 mpg and have had no problems whatsoever (oil changes and tire rotations only). This has been a great vehicle so far. The Patriot could use more power, however it isnt as sluggish as some reviews make it out to be. Many fail to mention that you actually need to learn how to drive the CVT transmission. Honestly, I disliked the vehicle the first time I test drove it.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Deb - June 16 - 9:33 am

  I bought my Jeep in Jan 07, and wanted to drive it for awhile before reviewing it. So far I am very happy with it. I live in the snow belt and drive a lot for work, it handled the snow with no problems. I always felt like it was holding the road and it went through anything I asked it to.I have no idea why the window controls are in the middle, and wish the cup holders & shifter were reversed but not a big deal. I looked @ Toyota, Honda, & Chevy but think I made the best choice for the money. My husband bought a Ranger but now wants my Jeep, we race for the keys. Over all I cant find anything I really dont like, & my next one will be the new model with the huge sunroof. Great little SUV.

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  Really Like It!!! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By lshlsh2 - June 14 - 1:10 pm

  Bought used and have had for a little over a year.Have put over 26k on it and had no problems. Ride is good for a truck with 2 axles. 4wd is great and have never been stuck. I-6 is strong but thirsty.One note I have added K&N filter system and have noticed a big improvment with fuel economy. Town went from 17 to 19-20mpg. Highway went from 19-20 to 22-25mpg. Might want to consider adding one to yours. Back seat is small and I have to watch my head getting in. After a local hurricane drove through about 20 inches of water no problem. No problem towing my boat. (1800lbs)

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  2002 Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crhoof - June 13 - 3:05 pm

  I bought my Jeep a little under a year ago an Ive already up almost 20,000 miles on it. The truck now has 147,000 miles. I paid $5000 for the car and Ive already almost put $3000 into it in work. The truck has no, NO, resale value.. NOT worth the 12.5 MPG I average.. Terrible jeep customer service, and no worth while recalls. Ive had several wheel seals, drive shaft seals, speakers and heated seats replaced and Jeep says these are "not" common problems. Its pretty and comfortable but not worth time/money.. Save yourself and your money