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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  First Timer! - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Michael Breiling - October 15 - 4:55 pm

  I went out and purchased a 2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Black Bear edition after driving a 2015 Rubicon for a week. I came from a 2013 Subaru WRX STI which was a great car, but drew all the wrong attention. My Jeep has received more compliments in a week then I ever got from my STI. Firecracker Red is a real looker. To me, the Jeep is just as fun to drive as the Subaru! Its far more comfortable and the technology is much better. Alpine Audio with navigation is a must have and the 6 spd manual is on point. Looking forward to many fun years driving this Jeep. Lift coming soon!

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  Thirsty jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lori w/ thirsty jeep - October 15 - 11:36 am

  I am 5 tall with a boyfriend of 66", we both fit quite well and comfortably to drive the jeep. I have had 2 recalls since I purchased ( no big deal). It drives great, looks good, the interior is designed very well. The 1/3 and 2/3 split back seats fold down easily. Leather seats with heater great. However, my mileage is 13 - 15.7 (15 on highway) per gal. I drive mostly highway and conservatively, no sudden stops or starts. I can see the gas gauge go down as I drive. The overhead says avg mileage stays at 14 - 14.8 MPG, manual calculations show it correct

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  Zippy - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Charlie - October 15 - 9:46 am

  Major parts failed at low mileage. Ball joints needed before 100000. Transmission replaced at 140000.

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  What I really needed - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Funinthesun - October 15 - 12:03 am

  This jeep is a ton of fun. I have wanted another jeep since having a 69 jeep cherokee back when I was young (er). This car is basic, rugged and a joy to ride. Here I was thinking my wife would hate the stiff ride - but she wants to travel everywhere in our little jeep. The extended wheel base sure adds to the ride on long trips.

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  Fills the niche - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By schill27 - October 14 - 1:26 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for a short amount of time but in that amount of time I have come to truly enjoy it. What many consider negative features of the Compass truly dont understand what theyre driving. Yes, from a stand still it takes the CVT some time to get to full highway speeds. However, short of drag racing or awkward on-ramps, how often does someone get on an expressway starting at 0 MPH? Lack of cargo space? Not really. The Compass has adequate space for everyday necessities, and with the 60/40 back seats I cant imagine not having enough room. Id target this vehicle at a younger audience who want nice features with an affordable price tag.

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  it wont Die - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By vtags - October 12 - 11:30 am

  267,000 miles...more worried about the rust possibilities than anything mechanical. It is a dependable tank. Not glamorous, just reliable

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  Fun for the short-term - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By waytac - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my 93 Wrangler in the six years Ive owned it, but its cost me a bit: new clutches, emergency brakes, alternator--reasonably above average in the repair cost/budget. Its a better all around vehicle that might appear if you dont have kids, etc. The *big* problem, which is forcing me to sell it for salvage right now, is hideous premature rusting out of the entire undercarriage (I live in New England, in a coastal region, but...). The entire 1/4" metal underbody has rusted to the consistency of paper, and other Wrangler owners have told me of similar experiences. Just 10 years, 70K miles, and the car has been rendered undriveable.

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  Fun Ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jayrider - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Exceeded expectations in quality and fun to drive. Absolutely stunning good looks. Great in snow and rain with good visibility. Very quick in traffic and solid on the interstate. MPG about what you would expect for a heavy duty small truck.

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  So far so good!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rch - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the overall apperance of this automobile. It is so cute. The interior is really spacious and comfy. I had only owned cars, 3 of them, and was getting fed up with all of them riding and pretty much looking the same. I traded in my 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T, horrible car i was so dissapointed with that car. I am so far very happy with my purchase, i like the ride it drives much better than my old car, and i like the fact that it has very little road noise. Love the white gage faces and love the clean, neat dash fixtures. Jeep is all around so far the nicest automobile i have owned!!

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  Lovely little suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By donny190 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it, the reson why i brought it is because my daughter had it as a rental. we took it for a drive and fell in love with it, it was my wifes desion to get it and are glad we made it. i was it had the trail rated bage because i own the a 2004