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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  Disappointed - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roman - September 28 - 4:23 pm

  My previous experience with Jeep has always been positive. However, this extended warranty nightmare is turning me off Jeep products. The first few repairs (note: not covered under warranty) seemed trivial enough, but when the regulator went out I started reviewing complaints online. It seems that the little problems I am having are systemic to Jeep owners in this year range. Compaints: ashtray doesnt stay up, parts replaced: hood lifts, gas cap, rotors, starter, window regulator(s), mirror memory doesnt stay, head lights turn on by themself, heated seat temps too far apart: too cool or too hot, differential leaks. Not too happy.

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  I think the review people dont know - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dee - September 28 - 1:48 pm

  Its not a high priced vehicle, I believe that is a good value for a lower price SUV. I priced several and settled on the Patriot. Its perfect for what I wanted. I have had it 6 months and am very satisfied. If the reviews reflected the value instead of comparing it to high priced (some of which also have very bad reviews) vehicles.

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  A great SUV for town and country - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TommyT - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Weve used this car for over eight years to tow a camper, commute in LA traffic, go to the mountains, and for everything in between. It is our most trusted and reliable car, and the most used. I would buy another.

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  115K and still going - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By KT2003 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for 7 years and 115k miles. Ive been hit twice and it is still going strong. Never had any major mechanical problems.

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  Not carseat friendly! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By msbuz - September 27 - 10:00 am

  It was great until I had a baby. The rear doors are just not large enough nor open wide enough to comfortably put the baby carrier in and out. Many average sized adults have difficulty getting in & out as well. Especially if the front seats are slid back. Not something I acn deal with. I will be looking for something different, especially when the 2nd child comes along. Dont know how I will fit 2 carseats!

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  Year older...no problems - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dmodem - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for nearly a year now without a single problem. Its my third Jeep product and by far the best. The ONLY down side to the current Jeep line is the blandness of the dash. If more of the brushed aluminum was used throughout (rather than just around the radio), itd be a better lookin interior.

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  Love it - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rob9512 - September 27 - 8:26 am

  Bought as a second vehicle for winter/save miles on other car. Love this thing. Fun to drive, full time 4wd, good power, comfortable interior, ect. Probably one of my favorite vehicles to drive. Has been reliable so far, its a Jeep so I expect nothing less than very reliable and thus far is exactly what Ive got.

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  Love My Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew - September 26 - 9:03 am

  I own a 2002 Grand Cherokee Limited Edition with probably all the bells and whistles of the Overland Edition. I have the POWERFUL 4.7L High Output V8 engine that literally throws passengers heads back when you punch the gas. I have the Quadra Drive 4WD system with 3 well placed skid plates in the front, middle, and rear of my Jeep and I am able to go most anywhere I want to whenever I go onto the trails. Yes I said trails, dont be fooled, just cause I have leather and heated 10 way power seats with dual climate control and every creature comfort possible in the cabin, as well as an amazing sound system, I can still take my Jeep out on the weekend and tear up the trails.

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  Decent 4x4 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ash - September 25 - 1:23 pm

  Not a bad Jeep. Good update of the classic Cherokee. Great 4x4 capabilites. Good for the average driver. If you want to take it off road and beat on it than go with a used Cherokee or Wrangler.

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  Great Purchase - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Shea H. - September 25 - 10:36 am

  I have owned my Patriot 9 months and have yet to be disappointed. Its fun, gets great mileage, and is very comfortable. My son is 61" and easily sits in the back seat. Plenty of cargo room in the back. We have taken it on many long trips already. Its great both on trips and around town. I went from a Cherokee to the Patriot. We plan on keeping it for many years. We recommend it to anyone.