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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  problem from the start - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By patriot is a lemon - September 26 - 6:00 pm

  I bought my Jeep Patriot in April 2008, i have had problems ever since i drove it off the lot. To date the electronic clutch has been replaced, the master cylinder and booster has been replaced, the windshield has been resealed, front power windows dont stop when button released, right rear hub and bearing assembly replaced, basically this jeep has been a nightmare we traded a very good mini van for this jeep and Im left with a lemon and cant make lemonade, I asked the dealership to take it back when they told us two months after we bought it the type of repairs needed, the said THEY WERE NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF RETURNING VEHICLES, well Im not in the business of buying lemons.

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  Keeper - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bumski - September 26 - 4:30 pm

  This is my third Jeep, first Rubicon. If you are looking for a child hauling, store stopping SUV look somewhere else. This is the ultimate factory Jeep. Designed to go anywhere and return. So if your looking for an SUV for adventure, look no further! This is the perfect vehicle. It has taken me rock climbing, mud bogging, trail riding, and some fun in the snow. Never stuck, nothing broke. Ill pass this vehicle on to my kid one day.

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  Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Elias - September 26 - 3:56 pm

  I have owned it a couple of weeks and I love it. The only drawbacks are gas and the rear view window. The rear view is mostly covered up by the 3rd row seat. But overall I love this SUV. I switched from my mid-size Camry and so far I think I did a great choice.

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  Jeep SRT8 Incredible Performance! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brett - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Grande Cherokee SRT- 8 two weeks ago and havent stopped grinning since. The engine note and power is incredible. The seats are really comfortable and really hold you in place. The exterior styling is just right. I also have a BMW X5 4.8is and havent started it since I bought my Jeep Grande Cherokee SRT-8. This vehicle is a screaming bargain.

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  Its average - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By adrian - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned it for more than a year and no problems with the powertrain. Little things break all the time, door molding fell off and roof molding which was held on by double stick tape.The truck squeaks like its 20 years old and the dealer cant fix it been there 4 times for that and it wont start sometimes have to keep playing with key in the ignition.

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  BAD Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By B Harris - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Wife needed a new car get her through the snow. If you lived on the east cost last winter you know that a VW Beetle would have been useless. Highly upset with Jeep. We have had this car not even a year. It has less than 45,000 Miles on it we replace the front driver side 3 mos a go. This week we had to replace the front passenger side and on the way home from the stealership the back passenger side broke. Stealership hit me for 400 bucks, I called the Jeep headquarters and complained they were looking into getting me some assistance on getting the back window fixed--I want my money back.. this car sucks gas and your time

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  Jeep 4 Me - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By JAS - September 26 - 10:00 am

  First off, let me say that I am really impressed with this Jeep and I do not regret buying it. I wanted a basic four-wheel drive vehicle with true off- road and towing ability and the Liberty fits the bill. I love the ride height, the driving position, the AUX plug-in and the rear seat room. It is a lot bigger on the inside than you would think. I can handle the lack of cruise control, the so-so fuel economy and not having tinted windows or a roof rack. What I do not like is the light gray inserts on the seats (stain magnets) and the cheap hinge on the center console. That is gonna need a fix in the future Im sure. So far reliability has been excellent.

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  Would Not Start - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 1 week ago but is in shop today. Wont turn over; dead - nothing. All dash lights and power windows worked. Dealer has not found the problem. My waiting continues. Jeep has only 31,700 miles! I have and have had other Jeeps. Not sure about this one.

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  3 Months now, and Love it - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Benbklyn - September 25 - 9:40 pm

  This car is Perfect!. 2nd gen Compass (My Latitude is 9 speed auto with many other upgrades) So fun to drive, great looking in and out. The Detailing in the interior with it curves and chrome accent gives it a solid expensive look and attention to detail look. Everything appears to be laid out perfectly. Best handing car I have drove so far. Very smooth ride on highway, and excellent on turns. Lot of technology and electronics in this car. Too soon to see how they all hold up. Very stylish exterior with nice curves with no wind noise. This is my first 4 cylinder car, and I have to say I am impressed! Power and acceleration is just enough even with 5 people in the car. I don’t know why people are complain about this, lets get real, this is not a sports car where you going to feel a gravity pull when you gun it. I think it’s plenty for a 4 cylinder and size of the vehicle. I am averaging 20 MPG, I kind of expecting a bit more since its rated 23 city and 30 highway. But its way much better than all my previous cars. The "Stop start and Go" can get annoying, however it can be disabled by a push of a button. If this car holds up as is, i just might buy it at end of my lease. Love it!

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  Love my Jeep, hate my windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By SSchulz - September 25 - 7:20 pm

  I love my little Liberty. Its fun to drive, very comfortable, and is handles very nicely. That said, I hate that both rear window regulators have gone out. I currently am holding them up with tape as money has been a little tight. They stopped working within 2 months of each other. They could at least make it where they get stuck closed. I worry someone is going to either rob my Jeep or take it outright when I park it somewhere.