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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  Nice for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeep lover - August 17 - 10:33 am

  I bought mine used with 21000 mls and i now have 41000mls in it and I love driving it. Mine is a blue 5 speed standard transmission. It is fun to drive easy to park has lots of get up and go. I love the fact that the rearseats fold down for more cargo space when needed. After a fresh rain it always looks like it came right out of the car wash.The interior could use some work. I have on piece of plastic interior that keeps popping out. I have an Ipod holder but you cannot use an Ipod when your model has the 6 cd changer. Love the sun roof, but the overall ride is rougher than I would like. gas mileage should be better for a standard 4 cyl. The four wheel drive works great use it lots in PA>

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  Door harness quality!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobberg1 - August 16 - 3:37 pm

  Door harness done three times. Once @ 35,000 miles (warranty), at 70,000 miles ( They covered it although I didnt have a extended warranty ) and again at 117,000. I had to pay for this one at $780. Had ten problems resolved under the warranty within 36000 miles, including replacement of alumium wheels,rear seals as mentioned in various reviews and tape deck. Went through three sets of Goodyear original equipment tires in 75,000 miles, despite having the alienment done every 6000 miles. I love the car for the ride but the cost of maintaining leaves much to be desired.

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  2004 Jeep Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disnygrl25@aol.com - August 16 - 5:23 am

  Overall truck is good, great deal when bought with all the rebates. However truck needs more power if you have the V6, but if you get the V8 you pay for it in gas!

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  Southern Jeep - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Southern Jeep - August 16 - 2:26 am

  I bought my 98 Jeep used in 2000. Its the best money I ever spent!! This bad boy has NEVER seen the inside of a garage. Just minor repairs from wear and tear (and too much 4 wheelin!!). I have 187,000 miles and it purrs like a kitten. The only way to describe thos model Jeep is unbreakable!! I would not even consider selling it. Liberty, Commander, Compass, yeah righ. These models cannot begin to fill the shoes of a 4WD 98 Jeep Cherokee!! Bad move discontinuing this model Jeep.

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  Jeep Needs Help - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bluewater - August 16 - 2:00 am

  4 motor mounts (one per year), 1 cv joint, and at 135,000 4-speed automatic transmission quickly ground to a halt and cant be repaired. Ill never buy another Jeep product.

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  Jeepin!!!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bodencak - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Not yo mommas station wagon. As an owner of a 2003 X and former owner of a 74 CJ 5, I love the better ride quality. Until you find a bump. Stock off-road ability is good. Good crisp, tight steering. All around fun to drive.

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  2008 Liberty Ltd - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By cr - August 15 - 5:00 pm

  I have 1500 miles on a new Liberty. Good interior space and design. Ride is quieter than expected and smoother than the Wrangler which I traded in but a little bumpy on rough road. Decent power. I like the "mid-size" size as well. The internal storage better than most vehicles. Good sound system and satellite radio. Cargo space excellent--the upright, square design gives a lot of usable cargo space in back. Rides well at hwy speeds and in windy conditions. Have not tried the 4WD yet. Adequate back seat space.

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  SWEET - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By StlJeepgrl - August 15 - 5:06 am

  I have had the Liberty for 3 years now, and am very happy with it. If only the gas companies would lower prices! :) I am thinking that the next one will be a Grand Cherokee with a diesel in it ... due out within the next few years.

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  First Jeep and Love It - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By tcchadwell - August 14 - 10:13 am

  Bought used, fully loaded Limited with 4.7 L V8. Rides like a four door sedan unlike my old Explorer or Durango. Very quiet on the highway too. Smaller V8 provides plenty of performance. So far I have found no problems with it. Third seat is split with straps on the back to pull up and fold flat. Daughter loves to sit in the third row. Nav system is a must although touch screen would be even better.

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  New Jeep isnt bad! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepJK - August 14 - 7:26 am

  This was my first jeep and I had done a lot of reading. The new 4 door jeep is really a nice vehicle and so far I have had no issues. I dont agree with those saying it is underpowered - while any vehicle could use more power, I dont have issues. Gas mileage is about 17MPG.