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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  Just Purchased 2011 Compass and Lovin it!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By ckeyes3 - April 17 - 2:20 pm

  The 2011 Compass is a great car for the price! I also purchased the excellent extended warrantly that covers everything for as long as I own the car. There is also a decent manufacturer warranty when you purchase brand new. My Compass is loaded with all sorts of cool features to include: Cruise, heated seats, mp3 port, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bose sound system, lighted cup holders, plug-in coverter, TPM system, sunroof, and fold down seats.

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  Upgrading to the Larger Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By From Florida - April 17 - 4:30 am

  We upgraded from a 2008 Wrangler to the 2010 Wrangler Unlimited. No problems with the former except for the lack of a second set of doors. Both models turn heads. Ride quality on the highway greatly improved with the Unlimiteds longer wheelbase, something we were not looking for but very please to discover. The hardtop blocks out most noise and the front seats have lift out panels for an open road feel. I have read many expert reviews that say the V-6 engine lacks power. I put a K&N air filter in from the start and have never had a problem merging into traffic. May be a message in there.

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  Great vechicle - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By First time SUV owner - April 16 - 11:43 pm

  I love the ride in the Cherokee. It feels really smooth like a car. I hardly feel bumps in the road. I love the exterior design of the Jeep.

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  Not What I Expected - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By T Tyler - April 16 - 5:03 am

  I got this 97" Jeep in 2006 with approx 60k on it... with in 6 months I had to have the Rear-End rebuilt... $1600 Water Pump replaced in 2009 for $450 Transmission Rebuilt 2010 for $1600 This Jeep has been leaking Oil from day 1 (Minor Dripping) The front end needs to be Rebuilt also.. but where I live there is no need for 4X4, so it will stay the way it is... I love the interior , look and overall ride.. Just too many issues with me even driving it rough. When I drive, I drive it with care.. Still it seems to not want to play fair and stay repair free... Why me... PS: The Infinity speakers seem to be blown... may be due to the age... oh well

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  great car but one MAJOR problem - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark - April 15 - 2:40 pm

  My 2012 Grand Cherokee overland has been a very good SUV. Drives well, I like the looks, is comfortable and roomy. My issue with the car is that at about 40K miles the dashboard started to bubble and warp. Though I have an extended warranty, the deal (Rairdon of Kirkland, WA) says that they will not fix. So, Im stuck with a car that looks good from the outside and but is hideous on the inside. I would not buy another luxury car from Jeep, they clearly dont know how to make them and are not willing to stand behind their product.

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  Bought American am "Happy"! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom L. - April 15 - 1:00 pm

  We looked at the Honda, crv, to bland, and read about their transmission, and air compressor problems, drove the Liberty and found it to be a great vehicle. Bought for my 20 year old, daughter who attends college in Indiana, wanted a safe 4WD vehicle for her! The Jeep filts the bill. We bought the "Rocky Mountain edition,with the satelite radio, (awesome), and we have a free lifetime powertrain warranty. We also received free oil and filter changes for life. We got total off sticker of $5,135 off sticker. The color is Deep water Blue an option,new Jeep color, the metallic in the paint shines. Looks like it will last a long time, with powertrain warranty we are "Happy"!!!

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  Power and Looks - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Richard Maier - April 15 - 8:36 am

  Recently I purchased a boat which weights approximately 6,000 lbs. I looked at trucks to purchase to pull my new toy; however, a four door crew cab would not fit into my garage. I bought a Limited Grand Cherokee, Hemi engine. Perfect size for my garage and plenty of power to pull the boat up steep mountains. Since I do not need to have a lot of space in a SUV, I am very happy with my new Jeep.

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  There is only one Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By RC - April 15 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Jeep Liberty and bar far the best one. Much smoother handling and ride. Seats are more comfortable. They fixed everything hated about my last jeep. I would buy another and at 19 miles to the gallon for an SUV Im not complaining.

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  Oh What a Mistake!!! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By marie - April 13 - 11:26 pm

  I was so excited to get my good looking red rock 4dr Jeep! It looks great and I purchased it with all the bells and whistles. (navi, big tires hardtop) two days after having it, I stalled in the middle of an intersection. The alarm works sometimes and other times I have to use the key to open and the alarm goes off until I quickly stick the key in the ignition, water pours on the headrest when I am driving when it rains, I have brought it back 4 times and they cannot stop the leaking.. This is not dripping water but pouring water.

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  2005 Jeep Renegade 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Andrew - April 13 - 1:20 am

  I traded in my 2001 Camaro SS for this vehicle. I needed a practical vehicle for every day driving. Its awesome in the snow. I flew by other new vehicles which got stuck in the snow. Its great for when I go shopping with my wife. It has great room and very comfortable. I test drove other vehicles before purchasing this one such as the Chevy Equinox and Mazda 3. The Jeep outperformed both and is much more quiet and smooth on the road. The off road lights are very bright. Forget about xenon lights, these are much brighter! Ground clearance is perfect. Gas mileage is what youd expect from an SUV. As long as you drive it normally its good on gas. I really enjoy driving my new Jeep!!