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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  Disheartened - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paula - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  I bought our compass 8/30/06. On day 33 my car broke down in the middle of the street. I was able to start it again and brought it to the dealer. Phantom issue I guess because it happens weekly. I get maybe 15 mpg city. I only drive it to work because Im afraid if we vacation itll break down again. This past weekend my husband finally experienced the break down. We tried to jump start it ourselves, the tow co too. Nothing. We tried to go for the "Lemon" law in the first 33 days and then in the first 23 months and were told that there were no service records and we had the burden of proof. its disheartening.The dealers suggests we buy a Preowned and certified from them. No trust!

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  Lots of problems - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Desert Rat - February 25 - 12:06 pm

  The first 36K miles went OK with only one warranty repair. The rear bumper was replaced (It turned a greenish color!). The crappy Goodyear Wangler tires wore out prematurely and I put Michelin LTXs on. The car handles much better and with less tire noise.The problems started at about 40K. First the drivers side window broke. (The dealer told me that this is very common). Next the circuit board in both tail/brake lights burnt out and the assemblies needed to be replaced. (Once again a very common problem). Next the passenger side window motor broke and the window dropped into the door. (Another very common problem). Now the car has a vacuum leak in the brake booster. My least reliable car.

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  Great unexpected buy - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Sam - February 24 - 11:03 pm

  I was really looking for something a little different, but when I stumbled across a 2012 Compass, I instantly fell in love. Ive been calling it my beautiful beast. The seats are slightly narrow, but that doesnt affect my comfort. Despite some of the reviews I read, Im averaging 30+ mpg combined. It costs me 20 bucks to fill the tank and Im good for quite awhile, but it is a manual and Im soft footed (I generally get much higher mpg than suggested). This is my road trip/commuter car. I wanted something that would be great for everyday, plus haul the three dogs across the country when needed. I havent been disappointed yet. Pros Good gas mileage for an SUV, Comfortable, Came with bluetooth/good speakers/sirius radio, the ride is very smooth and quiet, lots of cargo space, only regular maintenance required so far. Easy to get in and out of for taller people. Feels higher end than some of the cars I test drove. Cons The acceleration isnt great, this certainly isnt a speedy SUV. My bluetooth randomly stops or starts (rarely), The transmission seems stiff at times, especially in first and fifth plus it slips out of first gear occasionally (it doesnt always seem to hold first in place well), The seats are narrow so if you are wider it may be uncomfortable, and my knees tap the dash when sitting regularly because Im so tall, but if i pull the seat back then my legs arent close enough to hold the pedals down. I wish it had automatic headlights. I dont like the design of the center console/arm rests, but thats personal preference. Overall its perfect for what I needed, but if you are looking for industry leading gas mileage, or constant off road driving, this is definitely not the car for you. THIS IS NOT A HARDCORE STEREOTYPICAL OFF ROADING JEEP. I test drove a Nissan Versa, a Kia Soul, a Saturn Astra, and a Ford Escape, and they all felt very cheap and noisy compared to the Compass. The Versa and Soul made me feel like I was driving a tin can, there was no substance, to the point that I didnt feel safe driving it.

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  More weight same engine - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By rkr - February 23 - 8:43 pm

  The car is very comfortable in terms of driving, with a better chassis and suspension. Handling is also very controlled and easy for such a heavy SUV. The engine on the other hand is very slow, and the car feels like it drags even when you are flooring it. In terms of fuel economy, it is not the best either. Some exterior details are overdone, and back end looks somewhat squished (done for ground clearance)

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  My review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By A$ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Good car, but the brakes are not as responsive as my former car (Altima- anti-lock brakes). The ride is a little too bumpy for my taste. Any little bump, and your shifted around in your seat. Not meant for around-town driving that I do.

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  Good buy for the money - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jennifer Nelson - February 23 - 2:00 am

  We have a 1988 Cherokee Classic, and the improvements made to the Grand Cherokee rival other boulevard SUVs. With great performance off-road, and competitive handling/performance on street driving, the Grand Chaerokee is a good buy for the money.

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  Nice Ride - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Compass lovers - February 22 - 1:03 pm

  We have had our Compass for 2 months now, and we love it. The ride, the look, the comfort are really unbeatable, especially for the price.

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  Love my Cherokee! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rmcpnh - February 22 - 8:34 am

  I purchased my Cherokee (V6, not 4-cyl) after owning an Outback and I love this vehicle! Its comfortable and fun to drive. Admittedly, I havent had the car long (7 weeks), but to date, I have had no issues and would highly recommend the Cherokee to others. My husband and son are 62" and they both fit comfortably in the front seat and although they probably wouldnt enjoy a long trip in the back seat, there arent many cars in which they would. However, weve had two adults in the back (510"+) who were both comfortable for a two hour trip with the front seats pushed all the way back.

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  Great sales person - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Eileen Weir - February 22 - 4:59 am

  Nice car, Great salesperson

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  Trade it? The Wife says NEVER!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By realmarshall - February 22 - 2:50 am

  Got this SUV with 60K has 125K now ZERO mechanical problems! Ive have replaced brake pads, battery and Tires and changed oil like clock work. Never serviced tranny. The only problems ive had are more like annoyances than problems. I have a light out in my instrument cluster. I can still see everything but the 80 Mph mark is a little dim. At about 115K my AC/Heat fan control started only working on the highest setting and i havent had the time to pull the console apart to find the lose connection. It still works great though it will cook/freeze you. Window control placement bugs cuz its on the door in your other car your hand will go for the controls for the car that your not in everytime.