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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  Amazing car - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By buttered - February 8 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car from my uncle at 127,000 miles. This thing is a beast. iv driven it to 182,000 miles and iv only had 2 problems. i had to replace the water pump and the rear O2 sensor. both cheap to buy and relatively easy to repair you self. i have never had a starting problem, well when its -30 out side in the morning she doesnt want to start, but she always starts. and people who complain about the drivetrain i have never had a problem, probably because i changed both rear and front differential fluid along with the transfer case fluid at about 160,000 miles, AND, i regular grease the drive shafts. All of theses are very easy to do and can significantly increase the live of a jeep.

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  My Billboard - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Little Commander - February 8 - 9:16 pm

  Not that you would, but dont buy this SUV for the third row or fuel economy. You will buy it for power and styling, well at least that is what I bought it for. I advertise my business on it and it has a great shape for this purpose. At least the 5.7 can still run fine on regular unleaded.

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  Big Mistake! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By BIG Mistake!!! - February 8 - 6:16 pm

  I have had to fix the window regulators SIX times in two years. I bought the car brand new and the problem started within six months of owning the car! The dealerships answer to this problem," Buy an extended warranty!" I think that Jeep Liberty owners should file a Class- Action Suit against Jeep-Chrysler! No wonder they are going bankrupt!

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  most reliable & fun car - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mario - February 8 - 8:50 am

  Bought my Jeep used about 7 years ago with 25.000 miles on it. Currently have about 110.000 miles on it and only spent about 300 usd in repairs which were minor ones. This is by far the most reliable and fun vehicle. Use it as a daily driver (about 37 miles round trip to work). Lifted it and put bigger tires on it. Obviously the noise level and comfort are not the best but hey it is a Jeep. Put Herculiner in (carpet out) and can clean the inside with a water hose. Enough space in the back for my big dog. Will keep this car forever and if necessary as a second car. Absolutely highly recommended.

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  Very Happy with 06 Liberty Sport - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By K-Roc - February 6 - 2:03 pm

  The Liberty handles very well on all types of road conditions. It corners well, and the suspension is less "bouncy" than many other SUVs that Ive ridden in. With this vehicle I actually enjoyed driving in deep snow in upstate NY for the first time in 20 years! The Liberty has plenty of interior space for hauling items and is designed nicely. Overall, it is a rugged and fun vehicle to drive. Mileage is actually better in highway conditions (26-27 mpg) than expected.

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  Low cost SUV - 2014 Jeep Compass
  By izaclown1 - February 5 - 9:59 pm

  Never owned a Jeep before, but I bought the 5 speed with the 2.4L engine. I have put 2k+ on it so far. It is a fun car to drive with plenty of room for me at 61".

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  Leaks everytime it rains - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By gimtar - February 5 - 4:31 pm

  I purchased the unlimted sahara in July 2011. This truck is fun to drive but when it rains, it rains inside also. I have the freedom top. I brought it at Bayside Jeep. I have taken it back at least ten times. The problem still has not been fixed. I contact chrysler and I am trying to get my money back or a differnt vehicle. They really need to work on this problem for $40,000.

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  Most Comfortable Ride in its Class!! - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Big Dude - February 5 - 7:55 am

  I am 6 3" and this SUV had the most leg and sholder room and comfortable seat in its class. I test drove all the competition before I bought and the Jeep Compass had the best ride and most room of them all hands down. I am also very impressed with quality and the styling of the interior. The Jeep was also less money with the same features as most of the competition I tested, bonus!!

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  Awesome Power, Overall Great Vehicle! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danny - February 5 - 1:30 am

  I have had my 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD for about a year now and I absolutely love it. The interior is styled great and has all the features that I want in a vehicle, and as for the 4.7L V8 engine, absolutely great. This vehicle has tremendous power and excellent throttle response. The only thing I do not like is the 4WD. It doesnt go into 4WD the way I would like it to. For this to be a SUV, it really doesnt drive like one. It is a very stable vehicle in the curves and also seems to stop really well for its size. Overall I cant tell you all the good luck that I have had with my Jeep. This is the vehicle I have been wanting for a while now and I have finally got it. A+.

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  Wrangler Sport review - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Daedalus - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. Its roomy (Im 64"), fast (but get the stick-shift), suprisingly warm in the winter even with only a soft top, and will go virtually anywhere. The gas milage is not great (avg. 15 mpg), but not as bad as my Durango!! Im pleased I bought the full-doors option with glass windows as the soft top is noisy at highway speeds.