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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  FANTASTIC - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jacked up - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2003 Wrangler X. Ive added 35" tires, 3inch body and 2inch suspension lift. This is the most fun I have even had driving. Im barely getting 13.7mpg though. I wish I had gotten one sooner, this is the coolest ride ever!

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  First Grand Cherokee - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt G. - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Great leather interior, all time 4wd provides great grip on road or off. Acceleration could be better, but I would have to pay for the acceleration of a larger motor at the gas pump. The 4.0 is good for me.

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  Great for around town - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rterpren - April 11 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun vehicle to drive and small enough to squeeze into small places. The turning radius is fantastic. No secret that its poor on gas. Its perfect for what we bought it for which is errands around town, bring kids to/from school, grocery shopping, etc

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  Great car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By eholm - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for a year now and it has been thru several major snowstorms (two of which I took off for a 400 mile trip in!) Ride and build quality are excellent. I have only had one complaint and that was a squeak that was fixed by tightenting a minor bolt connecting a hose to the firewall. No other problems. Dealer has been great to work with. Mileage is 17-21 with a lot of highway driving. Car does seem susceptible to dropping mileage when temperatures are low. May be due to oxygenated gas they use in this area in winter. I really like this car.

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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jarred_f - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is everything you want in a Jeep and a whole lot more. I could not be any happier then I am with my Jeep Liberty.

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  Bailout Buggy - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By FlyingElvis - April 11 - 7:06 am

  Two months old and its been in the shop five times and is still broken. I had reservations about buying this government bailout buggy; now i realize my mistake. This will be the last Chrysler product I ever purchase. That being said, the Liberty is one of the last few real SUV type vehicles being made. At least its not a car with a lift kit as are most SUVs today. I see myself enjoying the vehicle more once (or if) its ever fixed correctly.

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  2004 Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dean - April 11 - 12:13 am

  Love the Jeep and dual top group, easy to work on and with the lockers this thing will go anywhere. Lifted it up 6" and added some 35" tires. The new suspension lift actually makes it ride better than stock. The Rubicon is the model to buy. Love the 7 speaker sound system.

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  Jeep Assessment - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Assessment of Jeep - April 9 - 11:30 pm

  I have had my jeep about 10 months. It handles very well in the snow, and is a blast to drive in the summer. The longer wheel base make it a much smoother ride. I have a soft top and have mastered its removal (about 2,5 minutes), but putting it on takes a little longer. I am very happy and look forward to years of driving. The down side is its lack of acceleration and low miles per gallon. I am glad I bought it and recommend one for anyone who wants to have a little fun while driving. It is not a really comfortable car, make your second car the comfortable one. When you live up north, way, way up north, give me reliability over comfort anytime.

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  Better face,wrong shoes - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Schrandt - April 9 - 9:31 pm

  Ive driven both Trailhawk versions of the Cherokee and Compass.The interiors are basically identical,except for the red outlining and hilights in the compass,which really look best with a red exterior,then black,and silver.The huge difference is in the face and tires.The redesigned Compass looks like a smaller Grand Cherokee and a true Jeep.The slopenosed Cherokee does not.The tires and wheels on the Cherokee tho are great.The single combo on the Compass not only look pathetic for a four wheel drive capable Jeep,but no other choice is ironically a and obviously their way to save money by cutting corners.Add to this,the Compass sits lower and will achieve 30 mpg highway,but off road prowess will be less than desirable.The smart camper/hiker will sell the wheels and tire combo on the Compass back to Jeep and have the Cherokees 18 inch combo installed.You can only get the 184 hp 4 cylinder in the Compass which for $31 to $33,000.00 is waay to underpowered.With a max 1500 lb. tow capacity,you should test drive some better suited cars.

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  I would buy another - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wyatt9203 - April 9 - 2:10 am

  This is my 2nd GC, 1st was a 99 Laredo with 6 cyl. This one is a 04 Limited loaded, inferno red. It has all the features, tow package, pwr pedals, nav system, automatic lights,tire pressure monitor, heated seats, climate control, and matching full size spare. I burn midgrade gas in the H.O. engine and it does fine. I get 15 mpg around town and on the road 22mpg, not the greatest but expected from a 4X4 and H.O. engine. I have had it for 14 months and nothing has broken yet. I tow a boat 4500# and get about 10mpg when towing. Tows great. The size of the GC makes for easy parking in a downtown parking garage compared to some of the large SUVs.