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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  Power Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By 2nd Liberty - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  This is my second Jeep Liberty. In the 3 years that I have had this Liberty, I have had the window regulators replaced 6 times. I asked to have all replaced at the same time and was told NO this cannot be done. Its a known flaw with the 2006 and 2007 Liberty and supposed to be recalled soon. In the mean time, if you are experiencing my pain call Chrysler. They are listening to the consumer. The dealers are mere puppets that have no power to do anything other than fix whats broken. Chrysler is honoring their commitment to do right by their customers.

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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Guillermo - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  I just bought my jeep patriot with the C.A.R.S. incentive and the 3500 rebate from the dealer. I had it for 12000 and I cant be happier. It feels very young and fresh. Its exactly was I was looking for. I have the black exterior color with tan color interior. DRIVING IT CANT BE MORE FUN. If you are looking for a small SUV with a sporty design and roomy interior this is the car for you. Mine has a soonroof and power locks and windows. Even my friends that has Hondas and Nissans are very impressed with my car. The seats are very comfortable and the distance between you and the steering wheel and the instruments is perfect. I wish my English was better to tell all the joy that this car gives

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  Compass steers you the right way - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By glenn - November 19 - 5:53 pm

  Fun drive, easy to steer, nice handling, very quiet. Transmission something to get used to. Great vehicle for the money.

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  Dependable and Trouble-free Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By mikeglenn - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be one of the best vehicles I have owned for the money. In 4 years and 75,000 miles, the only problem has been a wheel bearing. It rides a little rough and is noisey, but I can live with it because it has been so trouble-free. I liked my Jeep so well, I leased one for my son a few months after purchasing myne. He drove his for 3 years with no problems either.

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  Wrangler---It IS What It Is - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Carboy - November 18 - 10:00 am

  After looking at Jeeps for years...I finally purchased a 2002 X six cyl with auto transmission. It is a fun car to drive and rides very well. I have 27,000 on the car without a problem. Two areas to be aware of: 1. The part time four wheel drive can not be used on dry or wet pavement. It is not an all wheel drive vehicle. Goiod for off road or in snow only. 2. Wranglers depreciate more quickly than anything I have owned. Paid about $21K and Edmunds says it is now worth about $12K. Ugh!!

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  Sorry I purchased a Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Amber - November 18 - 5:36 am

  I decided to purchase the car because of the style and Jeep name. I received a 3K rebate and was so happy. I had ignored the first Edmunds review re: cheap interior. Car drove fine first few days when I noticed I was low on gas. This continued where I was filling up twice weekly and barely getting 20mpg. My tank would only hold 10 gallons. No one believes this and now I have to go to the dealer to check this out. After reading another review, I now believe this is a malfunctioning fuel gauge. After my purchase I see that Edmunds has updated with a more scathing review of the Patriot. I wish I had read that one prior to purchase. Buyers remorse? You betcha!

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  Descended From Greatness - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 345jeep - November 17 - 3:16 pm

  This is the real deal. It is not a cute-ute. It is not a car on stilts. This is a Jeep descended from the original. What does that mean. It means that the Jeep will not be the most spacious, it will not be the most efficient, it will not be the most refined. But, when properly equipped, it will take four people and their gear through almost all conditions in great comfort. Looking for a family hauler - - look elsewhere. This is not a modern SUV. It is old-school. If you want to really use your roof rack, use your 4wd, and use your hitch, then this is your vehicle. If you want to putter around the mall with the kids, this is not your vehicle.

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  Why did they quit maiking these? - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pigman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car (reliability) I have ever owned. The cast iron inline 6 cylinder is amazing. This is the best snow car I have ever driven. I can do 55 mph on 4-6 inches of snow without even a wobble. It is a true snow car. I do all tune up, oil changes, and all maintenance on this vehicle. It is as simple as a 1960s car. Biggest mistake Chrysler made was to stop building these in 2001. The jeep liberty (successor) does not even hold a candle to it. All SUVs started with this design. It is a true on or off road SUV.

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  Upholstery and Windows! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Ragin Cajun - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I love my Liberty Sport. Two issues: 1) The upholstery stains with just water. Turns out some IDIOT in materials took delivery of something that shouldnt have been used. Solution: periodically (yearly) steam clean your seats. 2) Window plastic support bracket (Piece O $H!#) keeps breaking EVEN WITHOUT USE! Seems the regulators are OK, but the "plastic" bracket needs to be replaced with a metal one for $9.00. Google "steiger performance" for metal bracket and instructions. First one will take patience and time, but the others get easier.

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  4x4 in a small vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By farout - November 15 - 6:00 pm

  Is the Compass a 4x4 or and AWD? Thats a question that is really hard to find an answer to. The Lock in 4x4 is only good up to 10 mph. The Compsss ia a well planned out vehicle, rides smooth, goes up hills good, has great air-conditioning! Seats are easy to ride on and back seat has good room for adults! Lots of plastic inside, but easy to clean. Engine is loud, and has less than expected take off power for a 2.4 L engine. However at 40 mph and above the passing power is really good. CVT transmission is smooth and takes a little to get use to. The fuel MPG is about 23 as an average. Plenty of safety features, and many options. The Compass is rugged and takes hills very well.