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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  Was a nice car - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Melissa - August 28 - 11:13 am

  Bought brand new at the end of 05, and drove it till my teen wrecked it 2010. They really are prone to flipping over belly up. Had it when it first had 200 miles on it till 49k miles. Only troubles we had was with the rotors. Had them replaced,or resurfaced every 6 months or so. It would shimmy as slowing down from high speed. Never had any other mechanical trouble with it stalling, not starting, it was very dependable. Was a gas guzzler, and for me the the windows and top were a pain to take off and remove. Id still be driving it now, and I miss it.

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  Excellent Choice 2011 Jeep Compass - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By pete131 - August 28 - 4:23 am

  I bought my 2011 jeep Compass 2 months ago. I absolutely love this Jeep. I was looking for an SUV to pull my Jet Ski, and pulls it effertlessly, and after looking at many SUVs in this catagory, the jeep Compass offered the most for the money. Other SUVs were thousands more. The redesign looks awesome. The inside is also very nice. I got the 2.4 L engine with the CVT, and the engine noise is not what reviews say, it is not noisy. The CVT is smooth. This vehicle does have enough power and is great on gas. (27 mpg) highway city is (21). It is fun to drive also. The Cargo area is good also. This is not a sports car or a truck, with that having been said, I love this new 2011 Jepp Compass.

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  I love my Jeep Overland but. - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dcam - August 28 - 2:00 am

  My JO has not caused me any problems. I love my Jeep, but it seems like every third vehicle is a Jeep.I think a redesign is due, because my Jeep just does not turn heads. For $39000, I just want a little more WOW! I know that sounds shallow - but hey. My boyfriend just bought an H2. On the way home, I followed in my Jeep. Folks were constantly looking at his vehicle and didnt even notice the Jeep Overland. What takes the cake is .. a couple of neighborhood kids screamed nice truck to him, guess what I got.I know the H2 is something different and the "wow" will wear from that vehicle. But for now, Im looking into the FX45.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bearcat84 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is our 2nd Jeep. Surprised that fuel economy is 13.5 vs 17 in identical model from 5 years prior. We have it in for warranty work 6-8 times fro things such as quacking door locks (2 different doors), brake rotors (4x), ext. rear view mirror memory lapses. this will be the last American car that we buy.

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  Awesome Overland - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave C. - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I have 28,000 miles on 2002 Inferno Red JGC Overland. No problems at all since purchase August 2002. Absolutely the best all around vehicle Ive ever owned. I drive approx 36000 miles/yr and expect this truck to last 7-10yrs.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By jrortiz - August 27 - 7:36 pm

  This is my third Jeep and my first 4 cylinder Jeep. The TJs ride is a 500% improvement over the YJ and CJ. The interior is car-like and even has airbags. The 4-cyl is definately not for speeding although I manage to drive 70-80 mph everyday to work. Gas mileage is much better going slower (60-65). There are always discussions going on about whether it is worth getting a 4-cyl, having had 2 I-6 I can say it is much better on MPG and satisfactory on the highway (and costs thousands less).

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  HEMI BEAST - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AJ - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Im the third owner of my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi option. At roughly 131,000 miles it still runs like a dream. Its common to hear that these Jeeps run into mechanical issues but Ive had no such misfortune (knocks on wood). What can I say? Its an all around extremely capable SUV. The interior is simple and spacious (Im 66), the only change I needed to make was adding a new Kenwood radio. And for its size and rugged Jeep reputation its an extremely comfortable ride. As the title entails the HEMI is a plus, especially if you regularly tow like me. The only negative aspect of this SUV is how hard it hits your wallet at the pump, its just too tempting to slam that gas pedal at every stop light to hear that big V8 roar.

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  Awesome Ride - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By skeletonkey - August 26 - 1:56 am

  Bought this beauty with 69,500 miles on it and I am enjoying every minute of my 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD! By far the best car Ive owned. Great acceleration, sweet transmission, rock solid inline 6 cylinder. Cant ask for a better 4WD Vehicle. Rugged, great looks, reliable vehicle.

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  Haters gotta hate. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By RPCherokee - August 25 - 6:00 pm

  This is my third Cherokee. Obviously I believe Jeep delivers a great product for your money. There are always going to be those people who hate whatever they choose. You can see one star ratings in every make and model. I have never had any issues with my Jeeps other than they just get to old and worn out. Yes the 2.4L is a four cylinder, what do you expect? A 800hp outlaw dirt track racer. Do your research. If this isnt for you get something else. If the sales numbers come in like they more than likely will, Jeep will have out sold its competitors for the fifth year in a row. My wife loves the new Cherokee. The kids love it. When its time to go somewhere its " Dad can we take the Jeep?"

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By L. Russell - August 25 - 3:23 am

  Since buying my Jeep Compass last year, I have absolutely no regrets. It is the perfect vehicle for young, hip professionals that need more room than a car but dont want to sacrifice style in the process. It comes with a great sound system, comfortable seats, and lots of legroom in the back. Driving the Compass is so much fun! (Get the sunroof- its worth it!).