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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  Almost perfect - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jim - March 21 - 10:26 pm

  If the front seats were built better, this would be the perfect vehicle. It is the perfect size, gets about 25 mpg which is good for a 4wd, has great visibility, and well designed flexibility in loading the interior. It is a real blast to drive, and getting used to the CVT transmission didnt take as long as I expected. So far, I have not discovered any factory defects and this Jeep really seems tight - no squeaks or rattles. This is built much better than other Chrysler products that I have owned. However, the front seats are thinly padded over a hard shell. There are no springs and, consequently, no give in the seats. Bumps telescope directly to your spine through your tail bone.

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  IMO Best Compact 4x4 on the market - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jbusc - March 21 - 12:14 am

  This is my third Liberty Limited all equipped with the 3.7 V6, automatic transmission and select-trac 4WD system. This Liberty is also equipped with factory navigation and a 6 disc CD changer. In my opinion the Liberty at least the 2002-2007 models are the most rugged compact SUVs available. Mine gets reasonable mpgs - 18+ overall and low to mid 20s highway. Much better than any of my Wranglers did. I find it very comfortable, and it meets my needs of a growing family perfectly. I find the styling attractive both inside and out. I love the heated leather seats and thoughtful touches such as the rear grocery bag hooks.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Lots2Luv - March 19 - 7:23 am

  I have had the Compass for 2+ years. This coming year I am approaching the end of my lease and I am on the fence about keeping it. I have all the bells and whistles you can ask for in a vehicle that, I feel, is good looking to say the least. Leather Int.,satellite radio, 6cd changer, moonroof and more! I havent had any problems except one minor one. after a while of sitting in the garage nose in without use the battery went dead (quick fix no big deal) couldnt push car when in neutral to get a jump! Weird right? Anyway, not sure of the overall long term quality and looking to compare but really, really have enjoyed my Compass up until this point!

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  VERY Pleased - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeper05 - March 19 - 6:04 am

  I bought my 2005 Jeep back in october of 2010 with only 31,000 miles on it. the previous owner had this vehicle LOADED and we got a great price for it. it has been nothing but PERFECT for us. the only thing it didnt come with was the tow package so we bought an aftermarket hitch receiver (Curt) and it looks wonderful and works amazing. we have not had a single problem with this vehicle. the ride is smooth which is something i didnt expect. the gas mileage is to be desired, but its worth it for the ride and functionality of the 2005 JGC!

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  Still a champ in my book! - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By babsj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Limited 4WD is still going strong @ 57K miles and Im very happy with my purchase. No major problems, regular maintenance is easy, and the vehicle has been pretty trouble-free. I now use RXP fuel additive and get an extra 1-2 mpg and peppier performance while burning cleaner than ever! Window regulator replaced under warranty, new thermostat last year, battery, tires, 1 headlight. 1 tiny crack in leather seat which is easy to fix. No brake problems but will replace them soon per normal wear and tear. 17 mpg in city, 20 highway. Love my Jeep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Leaks water, Lemon-Beware! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By J.Nield - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Renegade has water leak discovered with approx.300miles, to many unsuccessful attempts by Chryslers five star dealerships to fix leak. Service depts. quality lacking, anything from "we couldnt find a leak" and they left the carpets soggy to Scratched paint and interior parts damaged (by different service depts.)Chrysler factory reps. unresponsive, Chrysler unresponsive they just take your money and run. Chrysler Finacial is no help just dont miss your payment on your lemon, I wouldnt buy a Liberty or Chrysler.

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  Nice SUV for good price - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cory Wise - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice look love to drive rides smooth and has a nice 3.7L V-6 under the hood for the price better then other small SUV out there.

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  Florida Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By TOOLMAN - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Brought it home and removed the top on New Years Day...still topless! Only way to go. Surprised on how nice the ride is compared to the older models.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Shaggy - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive always had a soft spots for Jeeps and this Wrangler outclasses any other Wrangler Ive ever had!

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  Love our Jeep Wrangler SE - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve and Karen - March 19 - 2:00 am

  My hubby and I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler SE for several years. The van we had was totalled 7 months ago...so we thought..what the heck...best decision we ever made. Its true...when you drive down the road...other jeep owners wave..its so cool...we love it :)