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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  The SUV you want with todays gas prices - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Eric in CO - December 6 - 9:16 pm

  We got the Patriot to replace a Honda Element. So far, we have mostly good things to say about it. Where we live, we routinely get heavy snows, and even with Freedom Drive I we have no problems. The upgraded sound is amazing, the sunroof is well worth the $800, and the YES! seats are perfect for our 10-month-old. Our big complaint is that theres not very much cargo space, especially with a baby in the back seat. I guess thats what you get with a small SUV, though. I also wish the liftgate lifted higher. Im 511 and I hit my head all the time. So far we get something in the 25-26 mpg range, but we drive up a 2000-foot hill once or twice a day, which kills the mpg. Overall were pleased.

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  Best Jeep Yet - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Tyree - December 6 - 12:23 am

  This is a much better Jeep than in previous years. Engine is powerful and responsive, and the ride is quiet and smooth. Handling is true and the car doesnt wander over the road as my 2004 Laredo did. So far, it has been a quality ride.

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  i love my first jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By c.dartez - December 4 - 10:00 am

  first jeep love it, even if gas miles arent so great ill go back to buying another jeep product, feels just as good quality as my 95 4ruuner if not better

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  Jeep built to Last - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By glhperformance - December 3 - 7:46 pm

  My Liberty gets 20 to 22 mpg; great handling; fun to drive.

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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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  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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  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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  more fun for a great SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luispatroncostas - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee, all of them performed great. Id only add a more sportive transfer case (sequential) as an optional.