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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  Goodbye Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aikman - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Just based on the brake problems alone, it is time to say goodbye to my Jeep. When htey were fixed the first time, most of it was covered under the warrantty at 30,000. At 60,000, the price went way up and htere was no gaurantee I wouldnt have to replace the brakes again in less then 30,000 miles AGAIN! The AC has leaked twice and the radiator is starting to leak as well. The main compter board went at 9,000 miles on vacation. It took a lot to have Jeep pay for the car rental and delivering the Jeep from Virgina to CT.

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  Great Looking Car, Needs Help - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jcoots - April 20 - 10:12 am

  Leased a 2014 JGC Overland. Had it for a year & just traded it for an Acura. All in all, not a bad car. Comfortable, nice features (when they worked), sharp looking. Definitely opt for V8 or V6 (I didnt - mistake). Jeep has got to focus on overall reliability across the board. In particular is the technology. So unreliable. Would turn on car & no volume, navigation has no idea where I am. Half the time couldnt change stations or adjust volume. UConnect is a waste. You get Yelp & Pandora for a fee (free on my teenagers Honda Accord). Navi input crazy slow. The wifi option is expensive & completely worthless. Transmission stinks. Step on accelerator & stand still for a few seconds.

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  1994 Jeep Wrangler SE Sport, Manual - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By newyorkgiants76 - April 12 - 5:40 am

  Bought this Jeep Jan of 2000 had 44K, and now has 146K still fun to drive and still turns heads. Although gas sucks, 17mpg highway, I would recommend it as a second vehicle for fun. Overall it has been a reliable vehicle. But now Im ready to get sometime for the highway.

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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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  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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  Never should have bought it - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ktme - April 6 - 11:10 pm

  Where to begin... Bought our 03 out of state at Crest in NH with apprx 60 thousand miles on it. From the week we drove it home I had to return it to the dealership 4 times for faulty hoses being put in it. From there we have had the following issues: 1.Radiator replaced 2.Passenger door window mechanism replaced 3.Interior lights have stopped working multiple times 4.AC/Heater only comes out of the window vent 5.Rust coming through on the back wheel well 6.Cooling fan just went on it 7.Hood doesnt stay open 8.Seals on all doors leakes water when rains 9.Shocks have been replaced. IT BROKE DOWN WHILE I WAS TESTDRIVING A VEHICLE TODAY!!! *SIGH*

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  Climate Problems - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Benjamin Hester - April 6 - 1:20 am

  The Jeep Liberty (and other Chrysler family vehicles that share its components) is extremely prone to problems with the climate system. Multiple (FIVE) attempts to fix a problem common in this model where the air simply stops coming out of the vents (despite functional fan/cooling system) due to a faulty valve have been unsuccessful. Multiple Jeep dealers have failed to correctly identify or repair this problem due to the intermittent nature of occurrence (only occurs at high rates of speed, due to loss of vacuum pressure). Extremely disappointed in this otherwise excellent vehicle and in Jeep service - as this problem makes any use of our Liberty miserable in the Texas heat.

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  Engine Problems - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sick in Memphis - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my car for 2 years and Im having to have the cylinder heads replaced. I have 27,000 miles on my car. I would not buy another Jeep!

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  Needs some work - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Monica - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Been driving my 2009 compass for 15 months. Been in the shop 3 times now for different issues/defects. passing is difficult, it has not "get up and go" !Its loud, my breaks have squeaked and ground since day one. It has not been reliable for me, and I will be trading mine in within the next few weeks!

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  Good Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Antoine - April 2 - 7:20 pm

  My Jeep was given to me for my 17th birthday present, I like it a whole lot, accept for the low gas mileage, and the rough ride. My o2 sensors went out and I needed a new caddy converter. One more thing is my seats are beginning to squeak a lot but other than those its a fun car!