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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  2007 Jeep JK Wrangler Rescue Green - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By skenjr - April 14 - 4:17 am

  I purchased my 07 Jeep JK Wrangler new. It came with a soft top. After 5 years and 105k miles, Ive had relatively few problems. Overall, Ive been very pleased. Its fun to drive, still looks great, & holds its value. My few issues are summarized below: 1.) The highway noise is extreme. To the point, that I cant talk to people in the jeep with me. Its a soft top, so I guess thats expected, and I dont drive on the highway that often. 2.) The soft top leaked above the drivers side door. I took it in and the dealer fixed it. They said the plastic harness warps in the Missouri extreme weather...so they replaced it. 3.) At 100k, its starting to burn oil. No smoke, no leak.

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  2008 Liberty limited is awesome - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By VICTOR - April 13 - 4:46 pm

  I have had my Liberty for a week now, and love it. I was originally going to buy a 08 Patriot, but was not happy with its freeway performance, then I drove the Liberty and I fell in love with it. This is my first Jeep, I have always liked the Grand Cherokee, but never bought one, but you know I sat in one and my Liberty has more headroom and legroom in the back seat. So far in a week, I think its a pretty solid vehicle. There is just a bit of wind noise around the right side of the windshield, Bt I read that is because of the boxy shape. but overall I am enjoying it, there is so much for the price..

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  2009 Jeep Compass Crysler - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By marthah - April 13 - 8:13 am

  after 150 000k; my vehicle kept stalling when it overheated; brought it Crysler service 4x; they could never fix the problem; I do not like it either that I couldnt check my transmission oil; had to bring it to the shop every time; I rate this vehicle close to a 1 I had changed oil every 5000 k; kept it well serviced; it still didnt do the job it should have; I had bought other vehicles from Chrysler; and this is a lemon; I have spoken to to a lot of people who own them and they too have the same problem. They are good for awhile; some go after 10 000 k; motor stopping others like mine go after 100 000. It is too bad; and I did like Chrysler.

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  Work Horse - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepfan67 - April 13 - 3:46 am

  This is the 5th Cherokee Ive had. I pulled this one out of a swamp, 3 feet of muddy water, left there for about 6 months. Had about 5 gallons of water in the engine. Engine was stuck. Unstuck the motor with PB Blaster and patience, replaced ALL the relays, alternator, starter, radiator, numerous other stuff. Runs like a champ now. No smoke, no knocks, very powerful and spiffy, the way they should be. Only problem now seems to be the speed sensor, its not shifting down properly and check engine light is on. Will fix this week. Oh, btw, the AC is ICE cold!

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  Love My Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By MattAllen10S - April 12 - 8:26 am

  It rocks!! Nothing else to say. OK Maybe a little more. I wish it had a little more pickup but it doesnt need it. The interior does scratch easily but it is beautiful.

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  Offroading - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By James - April 11 - 6:40 am

  I have driven my Rubicon through mud pits, up 50 degree slops, up rock banks after driving through rivers and almost nothing has stopped it. Its gas mileage is miserable compared to my old BMW. I get around 15 miles to the gallon, yet its well worth the trade considering the hauling ability. Removing the back seat I was hauling 70 pumpkins in the back and putting my friends F-250 to shame. The reliability is amazing as well, and it is extremely easy to change the oil and do minor work. I love putting all the Hummer owners to shame when they realize they spent 15,000 more on a vehicle nowhere near as good as my Rubicon.

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  2005 Jeep GC Laredo with 4.7L V8 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LarryL - April 10 - 12:30 pm

  This is our fourth Jeep (1997,1999, 2002) and this is the best ride of all. Tight steering, quiet, great acceleration,and very comfortable. The leather seats are slightly harder than the previous Jeep but not bad. The Boston Acoustics sound sytem has great sound. With the 28X package you get most of the options available. After having two Jeeps with the 6 cyl engine and now 2 with the V8 I strongly recommend the V8. Gas mileage is close and if you tow anything you will enjoy the V8. There really isnt anything we dont like about this Jeep. We considered moving to the Chrysler 300C because of its styling but are very happy with the 2005 JGC.

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  Love - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By paradisecity - April 9 - 11:26 pm

  My dad bought this Jeep new in 2000, and loved it. After a few years, the poor baby had to sit for a while so he could drive something that got better gas mileage! I got this awesome vehicle on my birthday 2 years ago. I love it to death, it can do anything! Off road, on road, hauling stuff, this thing is a tank! I would never trade it unless it dies on me....hopefully never. 4LO is a ingenius invention, you never get stuck with that kicked in! And you can pretty much pull anyone and anything out from mud/snow, etc. Currently running with 99318 miles. New brakes after getting her running again after sitting, and new Firestone Destination All Terrrain tires.

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  SAFETY & 09 INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Butterhead - April 9 - 6:50 am

  My wife was in a high speed collision totaling our 07 Patriot. She was banged up but I was very surprised how well this little truck absorbed the impact. Since she lived and we had no complaints with the 07 we bought an 09. The 09 interior is that of a normal car, the 07 (and 08) have an uncomfortable rock hard interior and very little storage room. For anyone who dislikes the cvt when braking, simply leave your foot barely on the gas and it wont bog down like that. Its a small price to pay for the amount of power you gain from always being in the power band with the cvt in addition to having great fuel mileage along with that power.

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  Leaks water - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By R Holland - April 9 - 2:06 am

  Nice car, fun to drive, rough mileage is expected. Main issue is quality control on some models. My Rocky Mountain Edition leaks whenever it rains - fills drivers side foot wells. Has been in three times and not fixed. its a design flaw that needs to be fixed.