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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  The Good Jeep. - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ziggy - March 29 - 7:53 am

  THIS is the third Jeep for me. I like it. No problems with the other two, both had the 4.7 liter V8. This one has the 5.7 liter V8. I have about 200 miles on it. Im averaging about 14.7 miles per gallon. The ride is a lot better, the inside looks better. In all a great Jeep.

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  Jeep unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - March 29 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days, but have been very pleased with its performance. It is by no means peppy, but seems to tackle California hills with ease. It guzzles gas! But that is to be expected, I knew that when I bought it so I guess that is not a valid complaint.

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  If you are thinking of buying one, dont - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Nathan Griffin - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Engine runs poorly, fuel economy is poor, FWD only works some of the time. The dealer has been very cooperative in attempting to repair it, but MoPar wont help them. We have owned a lot of new cars over the years and I have to say this one is the worst.

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  Heck of a value - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - March 28 - 3:46 pm

  We compared this to rav4, Forester, Mercury Mariner, Kia Sorento, Saturn Vue. This has more features than the others for a better price. Weve had the vehicle 2 months and its great. No problems, fun to drive, controls easy to use. Important to us was the lack of road noise at highway speeds. Others we tested were much noisier than the Jeep. We average 19-20 mpg local, 23 mpg highway only. Much better and quieter than the 05 Mazda tribute we traded.

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  You have to experience a JEEP - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By hxvxm - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Jeeps are incredibly fun to dirve. There rugged and extreme. Ive used my 4x4 to go skiing as well as off roading. The Jeep comes through on all trails. I would recommend finding a stick vs. automatic.

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  yep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sean - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for most all conditions. Summer,top off. Camping,hunting,fishing,exploring the hills of the northwest.

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  yep - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By sean - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle for most all conditions. Summer,top off. Camping,hunting,fishing,exploring the hills of the northwest.

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  Poor Quality - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep owner in Dallas - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had two electric window motors burn out. The cruise has gone out. All kinds of electrical problems. Its like a Jaguar without the charm and looks. Except Jaguars are reliable now. Jeep has produced the most defective piece of machinery running with this vehicle.

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  Second Time Around - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By georgec13 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Had a good 1996 Grand Cherokee i.e. 104,000 miles and second set of tires, just got first brakes, no repairs except cat. conv, why not a new one. Got a 2003. More space in rear compartment. Poorer driver vision on 2003. Lost storage space in front part of cab i.e. console and glove are smaller, also small door compartments. Main problem is that although engine has same displacement as 1996 the 2003 feels underpowered. Never had that problem with 1996. "Any" grade at speed makes the engine strain. Nickel and dime loses from 1996 i.e. no eng comp. light, poor cup holder position etc. In eng comp I found screws just lying around. Wonder where they belong?

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  Dont listen to the critics! - 2015 Jeep Compass
  By brian228 - March 27 - 7:13 pm

  We have had our 2015 Compass High Altitude for 6 months and are very pleased with it. First of all it was a great value-$25,599.00 out the door. This model includes leather and moonroof. We find the ride to be compliant and composed. It is surprisingly quiet and when going 65-70 on interstates its all good. A couple of minor complaints- first, there is no auto lamp feature so have to remember to turn on headlights when it starts to get dark. Also the six-speed transmission sometimes delays shifting into 6th gear longer than seems necessary. Overall we are very satisfied so far. We live on a rural gravel road and it has been great in the mud and also in snowy slippery conditions.