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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  4x4 jeep - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By abster - August 7 - 1:30 pm

  I bought this 96 Cherokee back in 2006 with 70k. I have replaced a couple of sensors-1 was causing the car to die intermittently. It took about 4 different trips to the mechanic before they figured out what was wrong. They thought it was the o2 sensor but it wasnt. It was the-hmmm...cant remember sorry. I have also replaced the water pump, radiator, starter, brakes and had a couple of flushes. It has been running great since. Great 4WD & good pickup. Bad gas mileage- about 14 mpg. Took it up to 100mph+ & got some intense shake. The doors and locks could have been designed better. Had problems w/the a/c-vents stopped blowing due to a broken lever inside. Very bumpy ride.

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  SWEET RIDE FOR AN SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brad - August 6 - 6:43 pm

  Great buy, love the quite ride. Gas mileage is a concern but understandable with a HEMI. It is my first owned SUV, but more comfortable ride than Ford Explorer or Chevy TrailBlazer. A few interior concerns that could be changed but overall still a great buy.

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  Biggest Fan of Jeep! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Katherine - August 5 - 10:31 pm

  My first Jeep and Im a huge fan! I love the Jeep Cherokee 2016. Its a sexy, sporty, modern, SUV. Anyone every age can feel comfortable in this car. Im young and didnt want an SUV to look like it wasnt my style. I like the key fob push button for engine start up, the rear camera, automatic back door push button opens and closes by itself, the black matching rims, the black Jeep logo, matching the black grill, black tinted windows on stock. Comfortable seating, quiet engine, quiet brakes, easy to drive just like driving a car. I get so many compliments. Interior stitching similar to the lexus is 250. This car beats all other SUVs in its class!

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  Could be worse... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jolly James - August 5 - 4:40 pm

  My wife and I have owned four other Jeeps prior to this one, all of which we were very pleased with. We bought this one and also bought the extended warranty. We have many mechanical problems with this one that we didnt have with the others including new transmission, fuel pump & regulator, axle bearings, taillight assemblies shorting out, warped rotors, calipers that stick, and wind noise. Fortunately, everything has been covered under the warranty. Overall, it has a rock-solid motor, good styling & good value. I am not unhappy with the car, but I would be if we didnt have the warranty. Our warranty runs out in two more years, and we will probably sell it just before that.

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  2 Jeep Family - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Marco Mary - August 4 - 5:16 pm

  This is the 2nd Jeep weve purchased used. The Liberty is quite an upgrade from our 97 Wrangler - Its a Jeep. You know it when you see it. It drives like a Jeep, not a Cadillac! From the test drive, I knew I wanted it, as it drove just like our older Jeep except with leather seats. Its fun, dependable and built like a tank. Yes, you do sit up high which gives you a commanding vision of the road. My 6 foot tall husband has no problems getting in, out, or driving it for business. He loves it! 2 years left in another lease car and soon our family will be a "3 Jeep Family" - If youre looking for a luxury suv, go pay 3 times more, if you want good looks and dependability, pick a Jeep Liberty!

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  Classic Jeep looks - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve - August 2 - 8:27 am

  2016 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5Manual) with Power Value Group and air conditioning.The Patriot feels solid and well built. I have no problem reaching freeway speeds or traveling over the mountain passes in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It has very comfortable front seating with excellent head and leg room. I received a great price on this smaller SUV. The Jeep Patriot is the best value for your money in this segment of the SUV market. Test one for yourself and see if it fits your lifestyle.

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  First Jeep GC - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimsjeep - August 1 - 3:19 pm

  Didnt even consider a Jeep when I was looking at new SUVs. The limited model was very smartly styled, black with chrome accents. I wanted a V8 w 4WD, with Nav, bluetooth, memory and heated seats. The 5.7 hemi is terrific, getting 15 mpg city and 17.5 hwy over first 10K miles. steering is precise, suspension is firm but sophisticated, not like a truck (or our 2000 EB Explorer). Brakes are the right balance of pedal pressure and stopping distance. I havent found anything that the 4WD couldnt handle on snowy mtn. roads. The Navi/radio/bluetooth system with voice interaction is very smart and responsive. This car is definitely smarter than I am . This car has been flawless.

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  well I love it but..... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By hmm - August 1 - 1:00 pm

  I love my patriot but, I am disappointed in its lack of of road ability. Let me explain. I bought my Pat brand new and at 3000 miles took it into the mountains of Colorado to go fishing. My clutch cylinder exploded climbing a steep hill. My faith in Jeeps legendary reliability off road has been shaken. Why even call it a jeep? Dont get me wrong I love my Pat, but calling it a Jeep is huge stretch. It is agile on the highways, gets great mpg, does amazing in snow, sand traction is good too, and it looks great. But low clearance, no crawl gear, and a lack of power cause it to die trying to navigate steep slow moving trails. Buy one, love one, but dont expect to keep up with its brethren.

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  Maintain Your 1993 - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chuck Zellers - August 1 - 1:56 am

  This vehicle overall has performed just above average. The JGC is a high maintenance vehicle, that is I feel to reduce problems I have over the life of the Jeep had the front/rear/transfer case and transmission fluids changed several times. Also, the transfer case viscous couple was replaced (under warranty), fuel pump and filter, major tune up at 96k, replace injector. The Jeep rides well, interior and exterior parts seem to hold up well.

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  My Smartest Buy Ever - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jppatriot - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Just put 10K on my Patriot and love it. The CVT took about 2 weeks to get used to. Now I enjoy the nice smooth ride the CVT offers. I have a Sport model w/ few options, but its a Jeep... Who needs options. The interior is simple but very functional and easy to keep clean. The back seats are large enough for my kids 2 car seats. The back seat floor boards are also very deep! Great for that tall friend riding in the back. The storage in the back is a little small but adequate for day to day use. The fold flat seats are awesome. Great for the random Home Depot runs Ive made. Can you say MPGs!! Averaging 22-25city and 24-27hwy!