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:

• 

  About my Jeep experience - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Squidley2303 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My experience with my Jeep has been for the most part everything that I expected. But it has a poor fuel economy.

• 

  Best transportation - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By thepatriot23 - May 16 - 2:48 am

  This SUV is beast! This is my 4th and favorite vehicle. I chose the older 2007 model because I like the rectangular shape of the interior better then the circular junk in the new models and it has that classic look. Mine came with leather seats, heated seats, aftermarket radio, sun/moon roof, nice rims, and dark tint. What more do you need? This car is just fun to drive. The ride quality is very smooth and can compensate for any crappy roads. Its nice to have that little extra clearance to go up a steep area which you cant do in a car without scratching the front end. Over all this car is just great and the best transportation to beat around in.

• 

  Johns 2007 Jeep Compass Review - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By John - May 15 - 7:06 pm

  DISLIKES: CVT at startup in cold weather is balky. Engine is noisy during acceleration. Highway mileage is not what is expected. The Ipod/phone holder is inconvenient to use while driving. You have to turn and look back to see it. Cant use arm rest with holder open. The center front armrest is too far back to be useful. Rear window wiper is too small. Trip odometer control is hard to reach. Location of cruise control is inconvenient. Standard CD player lacks compression feature. Standard sound system bass is poor. Location of rear defrost control is small and inconveniently located. LIKES: Heater warms up fast. Handling. Folding seats. Style.

• 

  Mixed Feelings..! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Carlos A. Gonzalez - May 15 - 5:53 pm

  Love Jeeps have own three over the years. The Commander is by far the most

• 

  Power Window Issues - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Power Window Issues - May 14 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased my Jeep in October of 09. Its an 07 model and in three months of ownership Ive had my jeep into the dealership four times for repair to the power windows...specifically the Drivers side window but Ive had problems with the passenger window as well. It appears that the issue is not with the dealership making the repairs, but with Chrysler supplying inadequate window regulators and plastic parts that dont hold up. Ive written Chrysler with my concerns and have not yet received a response. Im wondering if others that have experienced these window issues have been able to get corrective action from Chrysler? DK-

• 

  Best car I ever had - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cherokee Mo - May 14 - 12:00 pm

  I bought it used as I did not care for the body style of the new Jeeps. This car has far exceeded my expectations. I have had it for over 3 years with very little mechanical problems. Mostly only normal maintenance. The car is fun and fits me like a glove. This is my second Grand Cherokee and it wont be my last. I have done a little off roading in it and it handles great!! Very good in snow and ice.

• 

  Run Run, Fix. Run Run, Fix. - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JimR - May 14 - 9:06 am

  Love this car. 4th in a series of Jeeps, 2 CJs, 1 Cherokee, now this one. Driven hard all its life. Lots of highway miles, some city driving, long vacation trips, on the road, in the dirt, everywhere. Plenty of power from the 4.7 V-8, lots of comfort from the leather seats, lots of room for all the junk we carry. List of items fixed so far, starter, radiator, fuel rails and fuel pump, three injectors, drivers seat floor mount, steering box, power steering pump and hoses. Not cheap to fix, but with 118,000 miles and counting, its cost less to maintain than some of my past autos. What happened to Jeep after 2004? I guess my next car will be something else. To bad.

• 

  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jkmckiniry - May 13 - 4:16 pm

  Engine light and tire light on all the time. Transmission failed at 3500 miles. Currently at dealer.

• 

  Love the Diesel Power - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep Owner - May 13 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Jeep (Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.0L Diesel). I am extremely happy with the Grand Cherokee and look forward to driving it to work every day. After driving a reliable, but small import car the previous eight years I chose the Grand Cherokee because of its size and because the (paved) roads where I currently live have so many potholes it is almost like driving off-road. The Grand Cherokee handles great, has great visibility, and I dont have to wince each time I hit a pothole like I had to with my small car. The Grand Cherokee also looks great inside and out (silver) and has adequate power for my needs. I was extremely and pleasantly surprised to get 26-27 mpg!

• 

  Manual -5 speed - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dave - May 13 - 12:43 am

  Im just wondering if the stiffness and stickiness in shifting gears is normal or is some thing wrong? Otherwise I am very pleased with the car,and my gas mileage on highway is about 33-35 mpg. Thanks!