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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  Great Gas Saving SUV - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Nancy - December 2 - 8:36 am

  As a mom I love this SUV. It’s easy to get in and out of with little ones. The gas mileage is nice for an SUV. The floor boards are very deep which gives great leg room in the back, however it does make it hard to pick up anything from the front of the vehicle that your little one throws. Over all I say go for it- great vehicle. We love it.

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  Coast-to-Coast Jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rob 87IROC USMC - December 2 - 2:50 am

  I have driven this Jeep from Oregon to North Carolina, spent a year here running it through some of the most horrible mud in the country, endless standing water, and narrow ATV trails, drifting it sideways across sandy plains and jumping it with 8 total passengers. I have caked it inside and out, had muddy water pour into the dash, killed the motor with the exhaust 6 inches below the water line, winched and pulled full-size Broncos and Dodge Rams, and next week I will confidently drive it on my return trip to Oregon, this time pulling a trailer.

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  Not what everyone else said - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By crashgordon - December 2 - 1:07 am

  After reading several reviews by other owners Im reassured about my purchase decision. I bought my 2007 Patriot new in September 2007, soon after the lifetime warranty was offered. I opted for a manual transmission because I wanted the better gas mileage and was unsure about the CVTs. I wanted to wait until the CVTs had been in service for a few years before I bought one. Also, I was unimpressed with the CVT when I test drove one. With 65,000 miles I have had two warranty issues - the shift boot split and the switch on the cruise control needed replaced. NO other issues. I also bought a 100,000 mile service contract for the car, but have never used it. I have had no complaints.

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  HOT LOOKING, BUT SMALL - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By outwardlycheap - December 1 - 1:35 am

  This car is one of the best looking on the road, but the drivers area is severely cramped, no room for the right knee, cannot steer with right hand because armrest is too far away, and no matter what anybody says, the engine IS noisy! I gave it to my wife.

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  Never Again - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By colorado_4x4 - November 30 - 5:52 am

  The most frustrating ownership experience in over 50 years of car ownership. My Grand Cherokee is a 3.0 diesel. Minor irritations would include the frightening suspension clunking when the ride height is set to maximum, but my major issue is service. Or to put it more plainly, the terrible service. Like other owners, I am constantly required to go to the dealer to get the computer scanned. The number of codes is always overwhelming, and the dealer is ALWAYS at the mercy of the factory for instructions as to how to correct the problems. I never get my car back the same day, Sometimes it is two weeks, or more.

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  mid size mid review - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By cathy johns - November 30 - 12:29 am

  didnt want all the bells and whistles then have too many issues with them love the plain jane

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  Still testing - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By thoughtvirus - November 29 - 12:14 pm

  I have had 2 Jeeps in my life. My first one was a 1985 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer with the 2.8 liter V6. I loved that Jeep. So when it came time to get a new(er) vehicle, I naturally gravitated toward the Jeep. I found a 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade for sale at a local dealership. My wife and myself felling in love with it during the test drive. We bought this vehicle 7/12/2014 and I am hoping I have a good one. I have read the reviews and they make me edgey.

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  great city ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By s1iron - November 29 - 11:13 am

  Very pleased and at 63" 250lbs, plenty of room for 4 golfers and clubs Coming up on 4 years and 95,000 miles, went cross country and every day driving exceptional. Fuel economy could be much better but utility, reliability and fun cant be beat. Lived in NYC 2 years with it and so easy to park and maneuver. One set of brakes and change oil religiously. Made a mistake on second set of tires, should have stayed with originals. I would recommend, no worries Just lost A/C compressor other than that has been very reliable. Finally, will purchase and turn over to daughter. had Grand Cherokee and Durango previously.

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  mmmmmm.......Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By matt - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  My fiancee and I bought our Patriot in March of this year. We love the fact that it meets or exceeds the gas mileage on the window sticker every time. Another great aspect of the Patriot is the utility. The fold-flat passenger seat and the 115 watt inverter along with the Yes Essentials seats and rechargeable flashlight are priceless. We have a small family and a limited budget and couldnt have spent our money more wisely.

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  Love My Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By shaneyusa - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used with under 12,000 miles. Have had some small annoying problems, but nothing that would make me buy something different. Nimble sports car like handling for a SUV. Power when you need it. Great looks. When it gets too many miles I will definately look at buying a new version of this vehicle.