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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  Best Purchase I have ever made - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Baldhead_J - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after conducting extensive research (internet and actual test drives) on all of the vehicles in its class and immediately fell in love with it. The motor pulls strongly and the suspension travel makes you feel carefree in a world of bad potholes and poorly maintained roads. It performs great in the snow and in the mud, I found out the day after I bought it and now find any excuse I can to go off the beaten track. The interior is spacious and very nicely apoointed. On long drives (over 4 hours) the seats remain comfortable and the cabin is unconfining. The controls are easily reached and intelligently laid out.

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  The legend lives on - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By M Mc - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Jeeps latest Wrangler is a fitting addition to a line that can trace its roots back to the Jeep of WW2. You can go anywhere and do anything in this vehicle. Words of warning - its not a car. If youre looking for a car ride and car comforts, look elsewhere. The interior is utilitarian and clean, the ride is solid, and the cornering is much better than I expected for a Jeep.

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  Hot topic - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JayOtto - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Love thecar and the ride.

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  The Jeep for a Family of 5 - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Skylandry - February 19 - 7:30 pm

  I just got the new jeep (9/14) in the 4 door, 4wd X model (loaded). This is my first Jeep only because I needed seating for 5 comfortably. Fun to drive and everyone wants to know what it is. Seats are super comfortable, stereo great, acceleration acceptable and removable top awesome! I drove it 340 miles on Saturday and had no sore backside. I am getting a little over 19 mpg. Everything feels solid and tight. My only complaint is "right foot" space on the drivers side (a little cramped). Everyone one else has plenty of room and the top is so easy to remove. I got "rescue green" and love the color. Havent taken it to our ranch yet but I am not concerned about that - it is a Jeep!

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  Go against the flow! Go old school! - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By skaad - February 19 - 12:32 am

  Our 03 Jeep Liberty was starting to rack up some repairs and then the real kicker was the 12 mpg continual run to the pump. A new car was easier on the budget. I still wanted a small 4wd C/SUV, but with excellent gas mileage. Looking to a balance my need for good cargo space, ability to carry a fair amount of weight and still be economical, I test drove every one of the Asian built tennis shoe/used soap bar shaped AWD vehicles - especially after reading the reviews of the Jeep Patriot/Compass. I did not even bother with test driving this vehicle. Only the Mazda CX5 came close ($$$ and lack of cargo weight). Finally the Patriot - the reviews are wrong! It rocks! It is a dream to drive.

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  Very Surprised and Pleased!! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By sal_the_wop - February 18 - 10:30 am

  I had a Titan and needed something more practical but cool looking at the same time. I researched numerous cars and became drawn to the Patriot. I got a great deal through the internet (dont go to dealer at 1st anymore, call the fleet sales or go to internet) and went to test drive it and check it out. I ended up being very surprised with the overall experience and purchased a black one. The ride is smooth and the features which came with it are awesome. I have the sun sound package and remote start. Inside is nice as well. Nothing too flashy, but very simple and clean. Im surprised with some of the negative reviews which it received. For the price, this is top of the line

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  Can you say "Hemi" - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jakek - February 18 - 1:23 am

  The truck is redesigned to look more square and boxier with a tougher profile and even tougher engine...the Hemi. Ive driven all the suvs in the $35-50K range and you definately get the most bang for your buck in the 05 Grand Cherokee Limited. So much power to spare you feel like your driving a BMW off the line, a lexus on the highway and a rover off- road. Overall, very sweet ride.

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  Dream car really is a dream! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By apenkauski - February 17 - 1:00 pm

  Ive always wanted a jeep ever since i started driving. It was always my dream car and i wouldnt be happier driving anything but this vehicle! The comfort is incredible, the ride is awesome, and the car is well worth the money you spend on it even though i got a killer deal on a used one! Thanks for making the ultimate vehicle for all my driving needs!!

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  Best Midsize 4wd - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Stevem - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my Bright silver Jeep Liberty Sport(cherokee in Australia) 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it! Power, comfort and great 4x4 setup. Destroys ravs,crv, tribute, escape by a mile. If youre looking for a Mid size 4wd that can take the punishement, tow a 1500kg boat like a piece of cake and handle youre day to day duties with ease then look no further.

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  Tough and Luxurious - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By motordude - February 16 - 12:53 pm

  This is the fifth Jeep I have owned and my most favorite. This is the perfect sized SUV. I like this Jeep much better than the 2005 and newer models. The new models have horrible interior materials unlike the 99-04 and the biggest faux pas is that they no longer have that indescribable "Jeep" ride and feel. The 99-04 models have ergonomics that are perfect. Every related function grouped together. All light functions are on the stalk, unlike Toyota for example. Same goes for both front and rear wiper controls; 1 stalk. The heat and air controls are a model of simplicity. 3 round knobs that operate with precision. The best feature is the design and comfort of the leather heated seats