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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  My Jeep Hates me - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By enicole - December 12 - 11:00 pm

  When I received this car as a gift, it had 140,000 miles on it. I immediately needed to replace the front and back brakes, which cost over 1,000.00. The transmission then went out around 155,000 miles, and the rebuild cost over 2,000.00. Barely over a year later the transmission went out again and had to be repaired, luckily it was still under warranty. I have spent more on this car than it is worth. Its sad because I LOVE the way this car drives, great acceleration with the V8, and it handles very well for a bulky SUV. Now the power steering needs to be replaced at 177,000 miles. We are good about regular service,but this car will nickle and dime you to death if it has high mileage

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  Money Pit... Eats tires! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ginahweenah - December 11 - 7:27 am

  We bought our Patriot new off the lot with 28 miles on it. Weve put a new set of tires on it yearly as it tears up the inside of the front tires despite getting them rotated every two months. We have had to replace something for the rack and pinion steering on the passenger side and a tie rod twice on the passenger side. Looking to trade in and go back to Toyota. Will NEVER buy a Jeep again!

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  SolIm d, steady performer - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Lisa - December 9 - 9:58 pm

  Not flashy, not fast, this little car is a trooper. Good solid ride. Not a zippy vehicle, but it moves steady. Reliable, fabulous electronics (satellite radio, navigation and Bluetooth, plus all the basic) and comfortable. Design is attractive and timeless, we have a sunroof and really enjoy it. The interior is super easy to maintain thanks to the heavy plastic and solid moulding, so hope to get longer life than the previous leather we had which suffered from sun exposure. We are pleased with this basic vehicle that rocks steady performance. Nice to,have a car we can afford and be proud to drive and be seen in.

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  Jeep Wave - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By VC - December 5 - 7:56 am

  Picked up my 02 Wrangler (4.0L 5-speed) earlier this year. Had about 95k when I bought it and is creeping upon 110k now. This is my first Jeep and I am really surprised how much I enjoy driving it. I also have a 4x4 Ford F150, Dodge Viper RT/10 convertible, and a motorcycle, but I find myself driving the Wrangler most often because it offers a little bit of everything I want in one versatile package.

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  It is OK - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Richard Parris - December 3 - 1:51 am

  The 2004 Jeep Liberty Limited that got T-boned and this replaced seemed to have much more user friendly dashboard control settings. Check engine light came on shortly after purchase at 113000 miles and needed two repairs to fix that the 30 day warranty charged two $100 deductibles for and didnt completely cover other parts of what was only One problem. The steering wheel makes noises when making sharp turns into parking places. The cruise control has to be pushed just right in the lower bottom of the control to activate. And the ride on city streets seems pretty bumpy.

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  Nine years and going strong - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Clarke - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a reliable SUV with no surprises. The car design still looks great after nine years and has held up well. Some rattles around the dashboard and a recent one inside the passenger door - that can all be silenced if I get the time. The body looks great.

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  Grand Cherokee fun to drive - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By daveloveshisjeep - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had a very good experience with my Jeep. I was a little concern about buying a redesigned model in 1999. But I bought it at the end of the model run, and they must have ironed out the kinks because I have had no problems with mine. Very reliable, fun to drive, great acceleration.

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  SAFE JEEP - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By S - December 1 - 4:10 pm

  I was in two accidents in my Jeep Liberty and we came out with little to no damage. It kept me safe and held itself up. I will continue to buy Jeep.

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  Its a Jeep thing - you know! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AJeepThing - November 27 - 5:43 am

  I was lucky, my 94 JGC was not build on Monday! I got 245K+ miles on it with very little reliability issues. Water pump needed replacement after 160K miles ($450 repair) Transmission seal let-go after 210K miles ($475 repair for a $3.50 seal!). I just loved the interior pillow leather, great stereo system by Infinity and great air conditioning. I can drive for thousands of miles on trips and not get tired. Original engine with no oil leaks, strong compression check, plugs still runs clean after every 20K miles. Cat Converter + exhaust changed at 185K miles. I went synthetic in transmission, transfer case, differential, engine, steering pump. Parts inexpensive for 2 million JGC 93-98!

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  Best SUV for the Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - November 26 - 5:36 pm

  If youre looking for the best value in an SUV, the Patriot is it. I researched buying a car for about 8 months, reading all the reviews, going on test drives, etc. Nothing else could compare to the low cost and great gas mileage: 24 mpg combined average fuel economy in a 4x4 at under 17K. You cant beat that anywhere. Overall, the Patriot is really for people like me who would prefer a no frills, basic car at a great price. If you like more comfort and amenities and are willing to pay for it, obviously this SUV isnt for you.