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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  They still make Jeeps like they used to. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEP4LIFE - February 9 - 4:56 pm

  Jeep Wranglers rule! I bought my 04 Sahara a month ago, and it is incredible. The only 4X4 that I could find that wasnt made mostly of plastic. They cut all the gadgets and gizmos. I knew going into it that 16-18MPG would be normal, so I cant complain. The engine is powerful, stock suspension is very capable on trails. I found it interesting that people said the freeway drive is too bouncy and noisy. With the hard top on, it is just as quiet as my wifes Integra, the soft top isnt bad either. It is very smooth on freeways. Yeah, when you hit bumps on smaller roads,you do bounce a little, but it is a Jeep! Take it off-roading and you will see what I mean.

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  i love it - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tony d - February 9 - 2:20 am

  excellent vehicle for the money

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  Love JEEP! I have owned 3 JEEP SUV s in 12 years. - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Tony Jimenez - February 6 - 10:01 pm

  Despite of what some people say negatively about JEEPS... in my opinion (JEEP) It is one of the best built vehicles that is made America today. I have owned Ford, Chevy, Mazda and Pontiac, (all American made vehicles) ALL BAD EXPERIENCES. (JEEP) in the other hand, without a doubt has being the best SUV s vehicles I have ever owned till today. My first brand new JEEP i bought, is a "2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo" still own it, still running strong and like a charm. With very little mechanical issues, "if any?" My second brand new SUV I bought, is a "2006 Jeep Commander" still own it, and has no relative major issues to complain about. Both Jeeps I have bought in 10-16 years, have out performed any other American made vehicles that I owned in the past. Every non Jeep vehicle I have ever owned, gave me lots of trouble after reaching the 50,000k mile range. The two Jeeps I own, both have over 170K miles on them, and they are still running very strong. My newest addition to my JEEP collection is the 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude Edition SUV. I have just acquired it from Gray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of the Poconos in Stroudsburg, PA. And so far; I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS VEHICLE. It has all the bells and whistles I ever wanted, and more. ((And Sure! When Compared to my 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, or my 06 Jeep Commander, it is in another lesser power category. It is not in the same league "I do admit". But. It is by far the best vehicle, when compared to any other brand new vehicle of its class and price range. I personally will continue to stand behind JEEP; as long the vehicles I come to own from Jeep "continue to perform as my good as my first two have done so far. My honest advice to anyone considering in purchasing a new vehicle... Try Jeep first before considering any other vehicles. Jeep is a good brand, they continue to make, and have made some of Americas toughest and most reliable vehicles for decades.

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  02 Liberty Sport - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Very solid. Much higher build quality than any of the Cherokees weve owned. No squeaks, no rattles. Absolutely bulletproof so far.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff C - February 5 - 8:56 am

  Ive had this 4 wheel drive 6 years now and plan to keep driving it until it dies. I would buy another one if they still made this body style. It has been a surprisingly reliable vehicle. I have never taken it to the shop for any repairs, just maintenance. (knock on wood) I just checked the milage and got 19 MPG in mostly city driving. I got 65,000 miles on the original tires.

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  LOVED IT - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Sean Jackson - February 5 - 2:58 am

  I had a 2004 Liberty 2wd I purchased in 2007 with 20k miles. Other than the window motors on the drivers side going out all I ever had to do was change a couple headlight bulbs, change the oil, and 2 sets of tires. Never even put a set of brakes on the thing! It handled everything I threw at it and I never once thought twice about driving it across the country. I sold it with 180k miles on it in 2014 and I absolutely miss it. I will be in the market for a 4 door Wrangler soon!

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  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Clarence Larsen - February 4 - 10:26 pm

  Soon after purchase we took a drive around the Olympic Peninsula. We did a speedometer check and noticed that the speedometer was off by 3 miles per hour. It reads 3 mph higher than actual speed. We double checked it with a GPS and the GPS agrees with our findings. During the first visit for its 3,000 mile oil change I mentioned to the sales team and the service tech that this speedometer discrepancy will affect getting an accurate mileage and asked if anything could be done to adjust it. Sales said that it was adjustable, service said it wasnt that easy. It is a beautiful fun 4 X 4 to drive and my wife and I love it, and we will learn to live with the speedometer if necessary.

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  I love my new Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By JD - February 3 - 3:13 am

  I bought a fully loaded Limited 4x4 with the 5.7L V8. Total cost just under $39K before taxes. I was looking at an H3 ( its V6 is a joke, otherwise nice) originally and also considered a Tahoe, Armada and Sequoia. Then I drove the Commander and knew that was the one (although being me I still had to go test drive it 2 more times to make sure). Smooth ride, great acceleration, very beautiful styling inside. 1000 miles on it so far and no complaints. Still waiting for snow to use the 4X4.

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  Nice Car for the Money - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By minime7 - February 2 - 8:58 am

  Picked up our new base model Patriot at NW Jeep about a month ago. Bought the cherry pearl with black interior. Very nice paint combo. Nicely laid-out interior. We paid $13,100 for the base model with air conditioning.

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  Simply Amazing - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By chewmeista - February 2 - 4:04 am

  I have owned 3 different wranglers in my time. This one takes the cake. At first I wasnt sure if I would like the 4 door, but I thought about it for a while, browsed jeep forums and realized that this is the one I need. It seems as though jeep has taken everything into consideration while making the new jeeps. Highly highly recommended.