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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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Va-Jeeper - January 11 - 9:26 am

  Test drove Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevy equinox, Ford escape, Toyota 4runner and fj, Mercury mariner, Mazda tribute and of course the Jeep patriot. Jeep Patriot was easy to drive and the seats are comfortable. It is also fun to drive. Of all I test drove the Jeep Patriot was the best of the bunch and at a good price. DonÂ’t forget the great gas mileage. It is no Jeep Commander or Ford Explorer but for a small SUV it is great. It seems bigger than what it is when driving it. Does not feel like a small puddle jumper. When I bought it home and my wife drove it, she wanted me to buy her one, thatÂ’s how good it is.

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  My 2006 Libby - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By suehalen - January 9 - 9:26 pm

  This is my second Liberty. I cried when I traded in my 2002 Liberty. Im in heaven. I absolutely adore it. Its easy to drive and I love how I feel when Im driving it.

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  08 Libertys are Awesome! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Aaron -n- Rach - January 7 - 4:30 am

  My wife and I just purchased an 08 Liberty, and we love it. It has a nice, smooth, quiet ride. The engine has plenty of power, and unless you are standing outside the vehicle, is quiet also. The reversible/ washable cargo tray comes in very handy. The stereo system sounds great, especially if you get the premium sound group option. The transmission shifts very smoothly. The mpg and price is better than previous Liberty models but could stand to be improved a little further. The interior design and placement of controls are well thought out. It could stand to have a grab bar for assistance getting in and out. But overall it is an excellent mid-suv for young couples and small families.

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  The Invincible Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Barbara - January 5 - 11:16 pm

  I have driven Jeeps for over 12 years now, and I have never had to do one thing to the car, except regular oil and lube changes. The car is unbelievable. A great ride, very sturdy, and even though it is the only SUV that really has a truck base, it drives like a luxury car as well. It can withstand rough terrain and roads (the only car the Army used for reliability). I only had to call a tow once, when I ran out of gas. Every other SUV is a knock-off.

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  To Be Driven - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sboyle - January 3 - 2:23 am

  Excellent performance in and out of traffic, Wet road handling 4-wheel part time is outstanding!

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  the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland is excellent - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Correia - January 1 - 6:28 pm

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  Ventnor Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gammon - December 29 - 7:23 am

  This one has so much room--64" and plenty of elbow and leg room--up one weight class from the old body type. The standard shift is smooth and road friendly. Several GSP runs to NYC with comfort and performance all the way. If you keep it under 2000rpms, mileage in 6th gear is very good. The S package, Sunrider top and the 17" wheel options are the way to order this X-model. This Jeep is light years better than my 98 Cherokee 5 speed. There are no quality issues. The V-6 mates perfectly with the 6 speed. The paint, body fit and mechanicals are all German improvements over the last body type. No leaks with the big Sunrider soft top

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  2001 Black Jeep Cherokee Sport - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1980islanders - December 28 - 4:52 am

  I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. I just installed a skyjacker 3" lift and 265-15" bf. goodrich tires and Mickey Thompson rims. the trucks got 96,431 miles on it. Gas is fantastic. Driving is a pleasure. Interior and exterior are in great condition. Color is Black. The only other change will be the the stereo. If anyone can get this year truck, buy it!

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  Great fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By vostok - December 27 - 6:36 am

  I have the 5 speed. This has been a great vehicle to own. I now have over 19k on the car, and its still going great. No problems and it still has that awesome pickup, especially with my 5 speed. And in the snow, this baby goes. Worth every dollar.

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  Jeeps are the best - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bubba200678 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  They are fun to drive. They have lots of power and go anywhere. Theyre nice to go on vacation in because of the smooth ride.