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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  Jeep Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John - February 3 - 4:50 pm

  Ive only got 1000 miles on my CRD but know its very solid and rattle free. I also love the ride -- firm; feels more like a Lexus 300 to me. I had an Escape and it was "tinny" by comparison. The Liberty quality is much better than the Escape. Turning radius is unbelievable! My diesel mileage to and from work (mixed highway and town) is 23 mpg. Looking forward to road trip this month.

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  Love My Overland - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By BillF - February 2 - 6:16 pm

  I traded my 2006 Commander Ltd (HEMI) in for the 2008 Overland HEMI. It has all the bells and whistles so I dont see myself trading it in after 2 years like I always do. Got it with backseat TV. Ive driven from NY to VA twice since August. I find that the gas mileage is close to the 4.0 and 4.7 engines that Ive previously owned (Grand Cherokee). I arrive at the Maryland House (I95) with an 1/8 of a tank. Driving in the city and Long Island I do use more gas. Im comfortable while driving. The only problem I had was an inefficient catalytic converter which my dealer replaced and no problems since.

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  Best auto I have ever owned! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By old_marine - February 2 - 4:54 pm

  We leased this car in 1997, drove it till the lease was up then purchased it in 2001. Without a doubt the most reliable car I ever owned. It now has 387,000 miles and running strong. The only things I have had to do to it was the AC compressor which died around 360K, and the muffler/plumbing. Crankcase sensor, had to replace it 3 times, but not for 3 years now. An idiot (last cc sensor failure) convinced me I needed a valve job, so OK, 270K, go ahead. He called me to come look at something. I went, he showed me the clyinders, and you could still see the original cross hatching, and no ridges! AMAZING, that 4.0! PLESE bring it back with the 4.0 and Ill buy till I die!

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  Back in the Jeep family and LOVE it!!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By snowmommy - February 2 - 2:01 am

  I had a Jeep Liberty for 9 years and loved it except the gas mileage. We let my daughter take it to college and we brought a foreign brand SUV. I had a terrible time parking and backing up. We were going to purchase a car when we saw the 2011 Jeep Compass and liked the looks. We took it for a test drive and loved it.....it felt like back home with the Jeep Family. It is a program vehicle with 14,000 miles. We get 24.7 MPG which is better than my 19.3 on the foreign brand SUV. Im happy and when Mamma is happy.....Everyone is HAPPY!

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  LUV it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Joe Camo - February 1 - 12:20 pm

  Unbelievably fast! Love the Hemi. Well built. Awesome interior. 4x4 will go anywhere. Kids love it. Stadium seating nice feature. Hauls just as much as my Suburban. Sound system, navigation and back up camera are the bomb. If you never owned a Jeep this is the one that you must buy if you need to move the family around (in a hurry - if need be). Did I mention the Hemi! Oh, man...it moves!

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  The 08 NOISE! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris - February 1 - 11:40 am

  This is our second Laredo, having purchased one brand new in 98, that we now use as a third vehicle and for the kids to use. Our new one: after driving it for week, we noticed this noise coming from the back of the engine when the radio and everything was off, except the car itself. It is a very annoying noise, clicking sound. We took it back. They pulled another 08 off the lot into the service garage and had us listen to it. It had the same noise! Nothing wrong and nothing they can do about it. Probably would not have purchased an 08 had we heard this before hand. And it says 4wd, when its actually full time awd.

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  solid, reliable, fun! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff - February 1 - 12:03 am

  I feel much safer in my Liberty than I did in my 3 previous Honda Accords. My Liberty feels solid and sturdy. I did replace the original tires after 15K miles because of sliding on wet roads and I am on my third set of brake pads BUT that is to be expected from a 4000 lb. vehicle. Other than that, no problems. After trading vehicles every three years in the past I have vowed to keep my Liberty for eight years. After a good washing it still looks brand new. My Liberty survived a fierce hail storm. I expected the windshield to be shattered but, no damage. Days later I heard advertisements for "damage and dent sales" at many local dealerships. So far Im quite impressed!

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  Reliable...thats it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By TC - January 31 - 1:36 pm

  If your looking for a car with no power and no flash than here ya go. I have the bare bones model because of the price, but wish I would have spent the couple K more for 4WD and added features. The car would be a great commuter and thats it. Far from trail rated (its a Dodge Caliber with a Jeep logo stamped on it).

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  Jeep Cherokee Country - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lightnin - January 31 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive owned. A little wind noise that I would prefer to not have. At 153,000 miles, its worth far more to me than the trade in value offered.

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  Love it, but hate it - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Esaked - January 31 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep, even though the gas mileage is not very good. Its great in snow and rain. Ive had few problems with it, but few too many to ignore. Radiator had to be replaced due to the seam splitting, gas tank sensor had to be replaced, and now my rear hazard signals go on when I put my left turn signal on. I can find a dealership that will can fix, and I called Jeep Customer service and they were no help. I failed inspection because of this and Im at a loss with what to do.