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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  LOVE IT !!!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JENN95 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I OWN A 2000 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND I LOVE IT!! HOWEVER I TOO HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDOW MOTORS GOING OUT. IT IS A COMFORTABLE VEHICLE, HOWEVER THEY ARE OVER PRICED.

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  Very Satisfied - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Scootie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty Limited for just over a week now and I absolutely love it. The ride is smooth (especially compared to the Cherokee Sport that my boyfriend has)and I love the added headroom and overall roomier feel than the Cherokee. The leather seats are quite comfortable too. I originally wanted leather seats to make it easier to clean up the dog hair generated by my 3 terriers...but now I love my new Liberty so much that they arent allowed in it! We are only getting flurries today but Im eager for it to snow so I can test out the 4wd!

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  Jeep Liberty 2003 Sport - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By GeneEsposito - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent choice for a smaller SUV. Coming off a Montero Sport the Jeep handles well even if its taller. Great display panel and having the radio,CD,&casette controls on the stering wheel cant be beat. Love the quick flip rear glass window and the side pull door. This won out the selection process over the Madza Tribute, Outlander, and Freelander.

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  2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tds/Indiana - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is a pleasure to drive; with all controls easily accessable to the driver. Handling and response is better than the Cherokee, which it replaced. The four-wheel Select-Trac is superb, and the short body over-hang front and rear allows for steep entry and exit angles when in hilly terrain.

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  Far better than expected - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan - May 21 - 3:34 am

  The 2010 model has less sound deadening than later models, but more than earlier models. I put a lot of miles on a car so it doesnt have much resale value when Im done with it. After wearing out my fourth Audi, I decided to buy an inexpensive commuter car instead. I didnt want the look of an economy car. Had to have 4WD, and Ive always preferred a car with a manual transmission. A cute ute seemed like a good fit, but only Jeep had the combo of a manly disguise, stick shift and reasonable price. Being the most American of all cars you can buy hit me right as well. My Patriot has 200,000 miles on it today. In that time Ive spent less than $500 on repairs, and can burn regular gas at 28 MPG. It cost just under $25,000 with the upgrades I ordered, and retains 30% of the original value. love the way an Audi goes down the road, but numbers like this are sure a relief from what I was accustomed to. It feels like its just getting broken in.

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  Nice 2nd jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Ron - May 20 - 2:03 pm

  Bought this Compass few months back used with extended warranty, now I have 42000 miles on it and the only thing that has been done is oil changes, rotate and balance tires. No maintenance issues at all. Easy to park, get in and out of Im 61", best rear leg room for small car, fun to drive, I own 2 Wranglers 97, 04 they are my real 4wd. This fwd Compass is a real jewel, average mpg 25.

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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kori-j - May 20 - 10:00 am

  The body is rugged. The interior of the Jeep Liberty Limited is comfortable, but can be a little small for anyone over 510". It offers power heated seats as well as heated side view mirrors and engine block.

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  5.7 hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wilmccrmck - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have the 5.7 hemi engine. the car is wonderful to drive. It is much better than my 2001. the ride is much better and the car has lots of pep. it also runs on regular gas.

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  King of summer - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith - May 20 - 12:20 am

  With the top and doors off, driving in the summer and on the beach, the Wrangler is second to none. This is purely a second car for fun because when youre on the highway, the noise level is high and you feel EVERY bump on the road. The 1995 S is very basic, which is what a Jeep should be. You can tweak it to your liking. Its a blast driving around town and in the sand on a hot summer day.

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  great suv - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By kjs jk - May 18 - 11:36 am

  I bought my Jeep Wrangler to drive in winter. Although I have not driven it in poor weather yet, I really love my Jeep! It is so much fun to drive. I sit up high but do not feel at all like it is a big car! The controls are very convenient and easy to use.