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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  Liberty CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD - December 3 - 1:53 pm

  My CRD is a blast to drive and gets good mileage. Just took it in for the first oil change, that was a bit of a shock ($90). The A/C works great. My wife claims to hate the diesel clacking under the hood, but I cant keep her out of it. Fuel economy is good, between 24 and 26 MPG with 4000 miles on it. It is maneuverable and easy to park. Havent towed anything yet but I am sure I will have no problem when I do. It has lots of torque.

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  Fun, Practical, Unique styling - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Herky - December 3 - 1:20 pm

  I wanted to downsize from my 2003 Chevy Blazer 4x4 and found an incredible deal at one of the Chrysler dealerships that was losing its franchise. I liked the funky, crossover design and decided to test drive it on a whim. More than 4 months later I still enjoy this vehicle as much as the day I took that test drive. So far, this is a great little car. My gas mileage is around 28 and Ive got the automatic tranny. The interior is very user friendly, and the seats are firm and comfortable. This thing is agile; handling is great. Engine performance is more than adequate. Overall, Im very impressed with this Compass. Also, I get a lot of compliments on this vehicle.

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  Dont Buy Anything from Jeep - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsucks3 - December 3 - 7:00 am

  Worst new car I ever purchased in my life. Jeep has been in the shop 5 times and only has 2,600 miles.Jeep will not take back the jeep and replace it with a new one(yet).Reason why is the jeep must have the same problem 4 times(which it has)They claim its only been in the shop 3 three for the same problem.Ive drop the jeep off three times and have been in two rental cars,about 15 days without new jeep I paid about $34,000 for.Everytime I pick up the jeep they say the same thing "problem fixed" I heard that 5 times now and its getting old.Ive been calm so far,but enough is enogh.like when my 6 and 8 year boys and wife are stuck in a parking lot because are new jeep wont work Thanks Jeep

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  Not driving my Benz. And dont miss it - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By H.R.B - December 2 - 7:43 pm

  Purchased the Jeep Overland as a 2nd Car to have a spare SUV. My Benz has been sitting in my driveway since the day I drove the Jeep. I am selling my Benz and wont miss it! Every luxury in the world...power...and such an amazing ride. Never thought I would own an American Car much less rave about it. I would buy a 2nd one a 3rd one and a 4th one. Daughter loves the satellite TV and Daddy loves everything else. THANK YOU JEEP.

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  Love My Jeep! (: - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carguru12 - December 1 - 9:41 pm

  I purchased my 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee last year and LOVE it. This is my first car and I got it for a good price. My Jeep has the V8, which is very powerful, and returns good fuel economy for its engine and the type of vehicle it is. My Jeep is loaded and has leather, power everything, keyless entry, the information screen at the bottom of the center stack, 4WD, and I put in a Sony stereo with Pioneer speakers. The Jeep starts up every time like it should and is a very reliable vehicle. Ill always be a Jeep person! (:

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  Still tight and dependable at 133,000 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gregg S. - December 1 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car at the end of 04 with 45k mi for 13 Gs, It is a loaded 4.0L/2WD Laredo. Front speakers were blown, no problem just fade to back, still sounds great and is still like that today. Had a couple of cooling system problems the first year, but the 1st shop didnt fix it right so it should have only been one...$300. Bad coil pack and heater hoses in year 2...$540. Oil changes, tires and brakes years 3 4 5...all maintenance so it doesnt count. The only other cost is window regulators, which to me is maint. too since Ive never had a car where they didnt fail. So $840 in repairs over 5 years...I feel blessed! No rattles, suspension is tight, engine strong, paid off...love it!!!

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  Fun Utility Vehicle! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By 4X4-Roxy - November 30 - 2:56 pm

  We bought our Patriot with the help of Cash for Clunkers and an additional incentive offered by the manufacturer. We jumped on the deal the day the program started and am surprised at happy I am with it. Its quiet, comfortable, good all-season driver, and is great for taking our great dane places. Our other vehicle is a performance car and makes this one feel sluggish nor is it quite as fun to drive. But, its not designed for speed. However, we have no problem driving in the hilly northwest, we dont have to floor it to go uphill.

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  FUN TO DRIVE....GET ONE - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BIMMER323 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Jeep ever. Its a black, soft-top Rocky Mountain edition. Sharp looking with big wheels and tires. Great package! It has great winter capabilities and is fun in the sun. This SUV has it all! Its our family toy. My three sons love it. Having an awsome time this summer. I cant wait to use it in the winter. Should have gotten one sooner. I also drive a 2003 745Li BMW; a great car but lacks the fun,free-spirited feeling you get from a Wrangler. You dont buy for its creature comforts. Its a JEEP.... HAVE SOME FUN!

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  30mpg SUV!!!!!!! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jas - November 29 - 11:33 pm

  I love it. I have had my Patriot for over a year now. Almost 40k on it. Original brakes w/ lots of life left. I have the manual tranny. Did not like the cvt-the engine screams uphills. The manual is easy to control and for a 4 cylinder has plenty of paower. I haul a trailer often w/ a tractor or 4 wheeler and live in the mountains of western md. I cant believe it gets 25mpgs average. Almost always 29mpg on trips!!!! Like the other review said, the seats could be a lttle more beefy.

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  Love my jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By mugsy44875 - November 29 - 4:29 pm

  I have to say i love my jeep and am keeping it till it falls apart. I have owned a 2005 bought used in 2005 with only 5000 miles on it and now has 56000 miles. I usually only do city driving. It wonderful in the snow. The biggest downfall is the mpg. Horrible! That would be the only reason not to buy one. Fun car to drive and small/compact. No major problems at all.