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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  Dont Buy One!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dont Recommend One! - September 17 - 11:40 am

  I have owned numerous Chrysler products and this is the last one! Chrysler will not stand behind their vehicle as I have had the Jeep in four times for a surging issue which they cannot fix. Chrysler does not seem concerned to make it right either. The last three Chrylsers have ALL had transmission issues and this Liberty is no exception. If you buy any Chrysler and have any problems, do not expect the company to stand behind their products....because they wont!

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  Needs a little more design work - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By fredkell - September 7 - 2:16 pm

  A little tight after driving a Dodge Caravan for almost 6 years. Interior storage does not compare nor does console design. Brake and gas pedal are too close to each other, could easily depress gas while using brakes. Thirsty at the pump does not say enough.

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  SUV for the younger set - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By thomnla - September 7 - 5:03 am

  This is my first SUV. While I like sitting up high, a major feature of this vehicle, there are numerous drawbacks. Gas mileage is awful -- and I do lots of freeway driving. Leg room on the drivers side is cramped. Lots of plastic on the interior. The glove compartment is well-named; thats about all youre able to store. The ride is extremely hard. Little give in the suspension system. On the other hand, it is roomy for passengers.

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  Unsafe GAS GUZZLER - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ebenezer - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Shock tower bolt on right front was not tightened down at factory, this caused a clunking sound at any speed and wandering.I wonder if any other bolts or nuts are loose??? This Jeep drinks gas like a miniture Boeing 747. I will trade this unit off next Spring and the word JEEP will never be on another title of mine!!!!of

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  DONt BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 32 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in July 2001. It took 3 trips to fix the vehicle from pulling to the right as yoy dive. I has been in for 3 times because of no heat. 1 time they said a hose was put on wrong at the factory the other time they said there was "air" in the system. It is now having a problem with the air bag light statyin on. They say it is a seat belt clip that neeeds to be ordered and then It will have to go in to be installed and they are not sure that will correct the proble, So now I am driving with no air bag protection. Not to mention a recall. In short DON"T BUY ONE!

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  2011 Jeep Compass Quality 180 deg off - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By faultycompass - August 31 - 8:32 am

  We have been loyal Jeep customers buying new Grand Cherokee and Compass Limiteds for years. When my wife saw the 2011 Compass redesign advertised on TV she had to have one. We traded our 2007 Compass in on a new 2011. Then the troubles started showing up. The key fobs would not work, then the TPMS system failed on the freeway. The first attempt to repair resulted in a 3.5 waiting room stint with no idea how to fix it. No loaner cars. I left the car at another dealer for a week and still not able to fix it. After 3 weeks of ownership we are totally disgusted. It appears that we now have a safety systems related lemon. Chrysler Customer assistance is of no help and unsympathetic.

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  The sound system - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Pattie Vandling - August 31 - 5:10 am

  The sound system in this vehicle is comparable to my first car, 1975 cutlass supreme! Absolutely awful, the most generic sound system I have heard, and I have a 2016! I will never lease or buy another jeep product, so so disappointed!

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  Cheap for a reason - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fervidmuse - August 31 - 5:04 am

  What we dont like about the Jeep is the fuel economy, sound system, climate system, and reliability. With mixed city/highway miles we average 14-15mpg which is what the vehicle is rated for in city-only driving. 250-300 miles at most per fill-up -The climate system has been replaced yet the floor vents never shut off no matter the setting. -The sound system has too much bass even when completely turned down. -After the transmission fluid was flushed twice, the car still had problems shifting so the transmission was replaced around 30k after arguing with the dealership. -Both of the oxygen sensors failed before 60k miles and the whole exhaust had to be removed to replace them.

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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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  tired uphill climber - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cman - August 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine 3 years ago, and liked it to begin with, I always wanted a red grand Cherokee. Now that Ive had it, I dont think Ill be getting another. Atleast not one like mine again! The inline 6 engine is a sorry little fella. If you get stuck behind that rv going up the mountain, good luck getting around him on the straight away! And once again this winter (as per every winter Ive had it) it left me frustrated and stranded in the cold once already. Starters, ignition rotors, neutral safety switches, fuel pumps, this thing loves to find a reason to quit running. Also, nasty squeal when air conditioning is on. (common) and when it gets cold- my doors wont shut! (also common)