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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  Starting to have problems - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sue - March 1 - 4:26 pm

  We bought our 07 Compass one year ago. We bought it because of the warranty. I loved it in the beginning, but in the year, we have replaced 5 speakers, need new tires (only 32,000 miles)and had a tie rod replaced. Now there is a terrible noise coming from the back rear area when the brakes are applied. Took it to the dealer, they said it was a CD case rattling in the cubby in the back, well I didnt know and took off, and it is still doing it. I am not happy I am thinking there is something wrong, maybe the ABS or something. I am not a happy JEEP person at this point. Anyone else have issues with noises in the back end??

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  2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x, 4dr, V6 - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By M7 - March 1 - 11:43 am

  Hands down best 4x4 i have ever driven. i work in the mountains east of San Diego and i drive it over some really tough terrain (its my work vehicle). it climbs like crazy and i can go places that the other trucks cannot. we beat em up and drive em hard out here, but this thing is solid. even rides smooth on the highway; it feels more solid and stable than the smaller jeeps. i love this truck.

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  Love my Jeep - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Curt. Kenner - March 1 - 11:14 am

  Use True Car,yes I did. I still love my Jeep. I am still finding features that enhance my experience with the car.

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  2008 Jeep Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By GPS Tech - March 1 - 10:50 am

  I have owned a Patriot for one year now and havent had a problem with it yet. I heard people were having problems with leaks but mine went through hurricane Ike last summer and didnt get a drop inside. Replaced the factory tires with yokohama high performance since 99% of driving is city. Now it handles more like a car. The front end is really stylish and the optional foglights illuminate backroads well. Very satisfied with my Patriot and would recommend it to anyone looking for a small suv.

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  I miss my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Johnny - February 28 - 11:36 pm

  Toughest and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, foreign or domestic. Had to sell it at 150,000 miles so I could get my wife a new vehicle, but it was still going strong. Tough, reliable and simple.

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  love my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By G. Carter - February 28 - 8:46 pm

  Ive had the Liberty for 1200 miles and so far really like it. Weve had 3 major snowstorms in Maine recently and the Jeep performed as though there was no snow on the roads. Its comfortable, handles nicely and forward visibility is great. I like that Jeep has removed the spare tire from the rear door which opens vertically with a pop up window. Theres plenty of space for storage when you fold down the rear seats and with my model the right front seat also folds flat for longer items. All in all its a great vehicle especially with all the incentives and financing available.

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  Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By taurus84 - February 28 - 11:53 am

  I enjoy my Jeep but my only problem is the defect in the Windows! I bought my Jeep in 08 and the same year one of the Windows fell just the other day either the same or opposite rear window fell again. They just need to do a recall already!

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  Beware of Transfer Case Problems and Elecronics - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. PM - February 28 - 10:09 am

  I bought my GC Laredo 4.7L used. I had the service 4wd message in the dashboard and took it to the Jeep dealer. The GC had some weird noise in the transfer case area. It cost me $100.00 for a diagnostic to tell me that the transfer case was bad. An a quote of S3,500 for a remanufactured Chrysler NV245 transfer case because Chrysler does not make those junk transfer cases anymore. I went to a transmission shop and they installed a used one from the junk yard and couple weeks after the electric motor of the transfer case went bad. I complained to Chrysler about the transfer case and their response was that after 100,000 I am expected to replace the transfer case. I had 1997 Honda CRV with 297,000 plus miles without transfer case issues.

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  MY WRANGLER - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By DOUG - February 27 - 3:53 pm

  The Jeep Wrangler 2006 with the new six speed is great on gas and has great pick up. This sporty suv is perfect for my bad weather commute from the suburbs of Long Island. Its fun to drive and easy on your kidneys with its 4 wheel independent suspension (coil springs instead of leafs) and 30 inch tires. The sound system is awesome and six compact disk changer is easy to operate and skip proof for uninterrupted listing pleasure. Its so much fun to drive when I get to work I want to keep on going. I am a 49 year old farther of two but when I get behind the wheel of my Jeep I feel like the kid.

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  Only in a Jeep - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Huck - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved Jeeps for years and drove a CJ7 until it rusted out from under me. I bought this Wrangler used in 2002 with 27K and have loved every minute with it. It is rough to ride in, unrefined in almost every way and squirrely above 70 mph, but its a Jeep and wonderful to take off road and on a Summer day with the top down and the doors off theres nothing like it. Its been fairly reliable, but I do take it off road, so it does get a work out. Some repair work, but its not a money pit.