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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  Worth Every Penny - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By the_jeep_now - June 10 - 8:46 am

  I bought my Patriot new. It came w/ CVT which takes some time to get used to, but once you manage it, its a great feature. I liked the selection of trims. You can get bone stock w/ no AC to a fully loaded Limited. I picked a package that fit my needs which includes power locks, mirrors, windows, AC and cruise control. Folding rear and passenger seats provide tons of space to carry oversized items. It has best fuel economy in its class. Depending on the trim you choose, you can get 30+ mpg hwy. Great vehicle for any outdoor adventures! However, it is known for weak/cheap front suspension components which go bad at around 40k+ miles and water leaks. For more info check out jeeppatriot forum.

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  Great Buy For the Money - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By COL Rhino - June 8 - 3:36 pm

  I recently purchased my used, 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport with 67,300 miles on it. So far, it is exactly what I expected, a solid, 4x4, SUV that is great for daily driving. My other vehicle is a 2005 Cadillac STS that I use if I want to have a luxury sport ride. Although it had passed State Inspection, I immediately had some upgrades installed. I had 5 brand new Firestone Destination A/T tires installed, a catback, Borla exhaust system, a heavy duty Interstate 7 year battery, a full set of 4 KYB heavy duty gas shocks and a new heavy duty steering dampener. Everything else was "good to go" and passed State inspection. I enjoy driving it locally every day. My wife enjoys it also.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By commuter11 - June 8 - 11:18 am

  Cherokee Latitude V6 4 x 4 bought early June 2014, currently with 6000 miles on it. This has been a very nice vehicle, keeping my wife happy (replacing a totaled Caravan) with enough space for a reasonable amount of hauling in town. We generally drive it on road trips, also. Dont overlook that this really is a Jeep, a little heavier than otherwise would be the case, but you find the advantages when driving over rough roads, as it just glides along where most cars would be shaking themselves to pieces. MPG is great on the highway, up to 27 mpg, with excellent merging acceleration for on-ramps. Cornering is good, also. The 8.4 inch touch screen is easy to read and works well.

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  Gets dirty....Sees Mud....3rd Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEP78 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 grand Cherokees and I have to say the WJ (99-04) is by far the smoothest I have owned. The ZJ (93- 98) that I owned where nice as well. I recommend to anyone that buys a Grand Cherokee to get the V-8 the difference in MPG is barley noticeable. The I-6 is a good engine but makes noise at idle and doesnt have the snap of the line. The H.O. V-8 is very strong. My current MPG is 16 City 23 Highway. Quadra-drive works great off road and in snow. Off pavement ride is by far the best I have experienced. If you but one take it off road. Will buy a 4th

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  In Liberty I trust!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bigdaddy - sd - June 8 - 10:00 am

  It looks great, it rides great. I just wished I had more time to drive it. Ive only had it 3 weeks, but its the funnest vehicle Ive ever driven.

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  Great little ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By D. Rose - June 6 - 10:23 am

  I LOVE MY LIBERTY! I traded in a luxury SUV (Lexus GX470) for this little baby and I couldnt be happier. While nothing rides like a Lexus, the Liberty is smooth to drive -- not to mention fun fun FUN. The sound system is terrific, there is plenty of room, its sturdy, rugged and has great personality. Makes my day just starting it up.

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  A Sleeper Hit - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By tailgate - June 5 - 6:56 pm

  This medium sized Liberty CRD SUV is a blast to drive. Its quite, gets good fuel mileage, comfortable power range, coupled with a 5 speed transmission, and a seating/steering wheel position that fits me like a glove (unlike my Jeep pickup). When on the highway, I think its best on the open road, then again when driving around town, I think this is its best suit. This tells me just how much I enjoy the Liberty CRD.

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  Almost Bought a Land Rover - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By REM - June 4 - 11:53 am

  What makes the Jeep Cherokee so amazing is how the smooth shifting transmission is combined with a throaty and decently powered V-6. The content and build quality blew the Land Rover LR-2 away. And, the no-nonsense traditional Jeep styling will ensure it never goes out of style. Sorry ladies, but this is the only mid sized SUV that doesnt look like a soccer moms car.

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  everyone wants it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rj7138 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  no promblems ,lots of fun and looks

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  Great first month with Grand Cherokee - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric S - June 3 - 2:40 pm

  Loving it after just one month. Very high quality feel and gets lots of compliments for style.