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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  Great all around Jeep - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By zsundsten - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Looking for a dependable, strong, go- anywhere fun Jeep? This is it. I opted for the 4 cylinder because it has plenty of power with better fuel economy. Wranglers are for adventurous people who want to have fun - not for people who want a comfortable cadillac. Since the Jeep is not the most comfortable - but does what it is supposed to excellent.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By witchspawn - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive had everything from a mustang to firebird and back to a chevy pick up. This has been more fun than all of them together. I drive to the mountains a lot and often pass 4 runners that are stuck in the snow. The performance of this thing is more than I ever expected and has been a very good experience.

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  the best SUV on the market - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mangray - February 5 - 2:00 am

  its luxurious, fast, good looking what else can you expect from a SUV. It goes 0-30 mph in 2.3 seconds that is comparible to a high performance sports car. I know that is enough for me!!!

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  bad to good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nattasha - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 jeep cherokee sport, last year made,poor quality... could tell it was one of the last. Had a 1998 and the quality was much better. The liberty has a much more sound build. Things seem to fit better together. The comfort of the seats are also better. Gas, ulk I really thought it would be a little more efficient than it is. I really like it.

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  So disappointed - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Riggadeaux - February 4 - 10:53 pm

  We tried to buy a Patriot during cash for clunkers but couldnt find one with 4wd anywhere in the country so got the Compass instead. BIG mistake! I have to put a cushion on the seat because it is too narrow for my wide load and the seat belt digs into my right thigh when driving. The rear-view mirror gives a tiny view through the small back window but worst of all, I cant change lanes because the high seat backs in the back row completely block my view of the next lane. Dangerous! Handling is fine, looks are great, and fuel is okay. Im getting about 24 on mostly highway. I just dont think I can stand the discomfort so Im considering selling or trading this in now.

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  Jeep Unlimited - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ty - February 4 - 2:03 pm

  The brand new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is wayy better driving than the shorter Wrangler. The Unlimiteds longer wheel-base provides a more stable drive and more comfort. A slightly larger interior gives people more space to do whatever, and everything locks when the top is down. This vehicle is only made as a secondary car, not a primary mode of transportation. It is a whole lotta fun to drive, but a hardtop is a must for the winter!

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - February 3 - 7:36 pm

  Bought this 2.4L, 6 speed manual brand new and have driven 103k miles in 4 yrs. I love driving this Jeep! It is a tough little 4WD - not to be confused with AWD. The 4 cyl is not fast but is very strong. 6 speed transmission gives good control of power. Great tight turning radius; I can bang U-eys anywhere! Seats do stain easily, but interior finish and quality is very good. I like having power window controls on the center console. Excellent visibility. Also like having a rear window that flips open. Would like to buy a new Liberty but they are bigger, pricier, automatic only, and 6 cyl only, so Im sticking with my funmobile.

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  The Most INCAPABLE Sport Utility ever - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Edgar Gonesh - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Unless you have money and time to waste I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. Besides numerous recalls this vehicle (or at least mine)is plagued with tons of failures ranging from window mechanism failures to complete engine failures. If you are in the market for an SUV go look somewhere else.

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  2002 Jeep GC Limited best vehicle ever! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary Mitchell - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this new Jeep, 8 months and 8000 miles and so far perfect in every way shape and form. Perfect finish and fit, well-thought out interior. Powerful engine. This is a very fun vehicle to drive, high speed or low. Over 100mph smooth as silk, no vibrations or rattles.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By MAG - February 3 - 7:06 am

  I bought my Patriot because I wanted an SUV for the space and 4WD, but didnt want to get anything too big. I went with the Limited - completely maxed out (nav., DVD, 30Gb mp3 storage, uconnect). Its been wonderful to have such a practical car with all the bonuses as well. I do find the CVT a little tough to get used to, and wish it came in turbo or 6cyl. as it seems like the pick-up is very slow. But, I still cant believe all that I got in this car for the price!