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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  jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chuckles - July 22 - 2:00 am

  great 4x4

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  Love it! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carguy - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had this truck for about 6 years, and yes..the HVAC doors broke once, the rotors do warp if you are rough on the truck. between me and the wife..about 30k between rotor cuts. Not too bad considering. All of the electronics are great, including the seat heaters, and the 10 disk changer. Lots of power, and has been a very reliable vehicle for us. Tows a 5000 lb boat like it isnt even there. The Quadradrive is amazing, you cant get this thing stuck!

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  Its been good to me - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By tinocco - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for more than 2 years, I got it when it had 21,000 mi. Now it has 55,000 mi. Ive had two problems so far a sway bar link no big deal. But I got a problem with the power steering is leaking and I havent fixed yet I just put some liquid sealer and I hasnt leaked since. I got around 24- 26 mpg on hwy 19-21 city not bad. Over all Im happy with it.

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  "old brown shoes" - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By rkcohen - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Zero problems with this 63,000 miles Jeep. Routinely get 21-22 mpg back and forth to work, same on the highway - a little touchy at highway speeds, but great to drive to the beach, top-down!

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  My 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TEA - July 20 - 9:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee and the first two passed the 200k mile mark without any major issues. I drive a lot and drive pretty hard (NE winters/construction sites). This one (04 GC Overland) is about to hit 100k miles and I replaced brakes and tires at 70k miles and a water pump at 80k. Other than an oil change (including gear and trans fluid/filter) and alignment at around 75k, it has never been back to the dealer for anything (I change my oil and filter every 6k miles). The only minor annoyances include the drivers door armrest is cracked and pinches my elbow (same thing happened to my 2002 GC Laredo) and it is a bit louder than I would like at highway speeds (70- 75mph). I will surely consider a 4th!

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  Pains me to say it.... - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kpn - July 19 - 10:16 pm

  As I write this my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is in the shop for the 8th time in the 2.5 years Ive owned it. Im a low mileage driver 13000 miles in 2.5 years, which comes out to a trip to the dealer every 1625 miles for service - 4 times for the exact same reoccuring issue - absurd! I love this car, the size, handling, handling in snow, features, the amount of options I got for the money, but the reliability, sadly is just not there. Prior to getting married I was a strictly Japanese car owner, but my husband was a Jeep die hard. After driving his 02 Cherokee for a Chicago winter I decided to bite the bullet and get one of my own. Sadly this car has proven Japanese is better.

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  Price + Utility = awesome - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JohnWayne - July 19 - 4:36 pm

  We were originally looking at an "extended sedan" Malibu Maxx. This has almost identical interior space numbers, almost identical MPG numbers, plus two numbers that put the Jeep on top: 4x4. For pennies more than the "extended sedan", we got a vehicle capable of taking on Minnesota winters. Went all out and got the Freedom Drive II, loaded with every option available. We are amazed by this vehicle and couldnt be happier with it. Never would have considered this vehicle until the Unlimited warranty came out; the peace of mind that it comes with is another solid selling point. We own a Ford truck, Chevy car, and Jeep, and this is the most-capable-for-the-money vehicle that I have ever seen!

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  2010 Jeep Compass 4DR 4WD Sport - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By phzzzt - July 19 - 12:45 pm

  Great car for the money. We get 26 MPG on the Xway and 23 City. Only problem is the screws holding the roof rack have all rusted. Im talking about a 16 month old car with under 16,000 miles that is kept in a garage. Since we noticed the rusting we have looked at other Compass parked and noticed they all have rusted roof rack screws. Dealer will replace the screws but not with stainless steel as they should be. Suggest that if you own a Compass. you check for the same problem.

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  What are you waiting for? - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike S - July 18 - 6:06 pm

  This is my first Jeep. I drove a Commander a couple years ago while on vacation and didnt hate it, but wasnt pleased. While researching the Highlander and CX-9, I kept seeing ads regarding the all new Mercedes inspired design and amenities. A trip to the dealer convinced me that Jeep got it right this time! The styling, finish and ride are all top notch. I couldnt be happier.

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  Love my Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Samantha - July 18 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned my Commander for 3 months. I am thrilled with the look and design of the vehicle. I have already taken a road trip with 4 kids and 2 adults; there is hardly any room for "stuff" once the vehicle is full of people. Also the 3.7L v6 engine is a little lagging, I should have gotten the V8, but it has not spoiled my enjoyment of the Commander. I plan on getting another one after this with the 4.7L V8.