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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  Excellent value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By oomnopah - July 14 - 8:13 am

  I have the Sport 2.0 L with the 5 speed manual and have had great results. The editors of all the car magazines dont like this car, but they compare it to cars that cost $15K more. This is an excellent working persons car, great mileage in town, and enough engine for highway cruising. In 4th gear it climbs long hills at 55 without any problem. My insurance rate went down by $20 a month because of this cars great safety features. And if youre a big guy like me, it has a lot of room. One caveat, I got the manual transmission because Chrysler seems to have a hard time making a decent automatic transmission, but I like the feel of the manual. One practical vehicle.

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  CRD is perfect - Currently running B20 - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By DucatiGirl - July 14 - 5:20 am

  Love the CRD, bought all options except for the hands free and satellite radio. Wish I would have purchased the hands free cell device, as my cell and radio dont like each other. Love all about it. I run biodiesel B-20 in it, which it loves! Window levers are in a stupid spot, and drivers seat is a little high, as I lose some vision and Im not that tall. Other than that, its perfect! Road noise is minimal, heated seats are wonderful, Mileage is awesome! Would suggest anyone interested in saving money and looking for a diesel engine without spending loads of cash purchase a CRD Liberty 4X4.

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  I love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Selena - July 13 - 12:40 pm

  I walked in the showroom to take care of some business and it was sitting there. I thought I really liked this truck so test drove it. Came back the next day and asked if they would sell it to me. I really love my Compass; nice lady truck - not big and bulky.

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  Squeaky Brakes - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Rhonda - July 13 - 9:36 am

  3 months after purchasing my patriot the brakes began to squeal extremely loud. Mac Haik in Georgetown, Tx says the squalling brakes on the patriot is normal. The General Manager, Eric Stewart will not reply to any of my emails nor will her call me to discuss replacing my brakes. When I express my concerns with my brakes by email, Im contacted by a salesman offering to take my brand new patriot for a used vehicle. All I really want is to have my brakes replaced so they no longer squeal.

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  The most fun car for the money! - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By bu_tu - July 12 - 8:35 pm

  This is my first Jeep, 2013 Wrangler Sport with 6 speed. I have had many new cars over the years, but this one is the most fun car I have ever owned. It is a blast to drive, get 22+ mpg on the highway, fits in any parking place, have about 2000 miles on it now and am really pleased with the vehicle. Good fit and finish, hardtop makes it quiet inside. Have a convertible in the summer, something to go in the snow in the winter, and can go back country also. Nice work Jeep!

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  Best ride out there! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pootie Wango - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 2002 wrangler for the new 2004 electric lime. Jeeps handle the best than any suv/4wd that I have driven and there have been alot. You have the security and fun of the 4wd and the drop top. I will own nothing but a Jeep Wrangler!

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  Jeep Liberty Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Wilson - July 11 - 1:06 pm

  This in one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. The desel allows me to tow a good size trailer and still get good mileage. I usually run bio-diesel that is an outstanding value. All in all, this is a great car and I would buy another one, if Jeep was smart enough to keep making them. It is a perfect size.

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  After 23,000 miles... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Alex - July 11 - 6:06 am

  Love this Jeep!!! After 23,000 miles it drives like new! Im still smiling! Not a single problem since I bought it new - knock on wood. Have had bmw, benz, jag before so first American vehicle and very surprised and amazed. This Jeep does have some engineering from Benz though which is a bonus! I believe this is the lightest CUV out there and handles beautifully around corners. Salesman said there is not much get up and go from start, only highway speeds was great but I found out both to be great! The lightweight really comes through here and CVT tranny does a great job at keeping shifts very smooth. Dynamics of vehicle is very balanced. Outside size is deceiving to how roomy it is inside.

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  High Performance SUV - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan - July 10 - 10:46 pm

  Mine is the 5.7L Hemi Limited model, and I love it. VERY quick! The combination of Quadra-Drive II, stability control, traction control, and 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS is great ... it always goes exactly where I point it, with no drama at all. Interior is very comfortable and looks great. Lots of useful feature that dont get in the way of driving and give you the option of using them or not (automatic headlights, rain-sense wipers, automatic climate control). Smaller cargo area than some other mid- size SUVs, but its plenty large enough for my use. Overall a great high performance SUV that has the hardware and technology to make driving on and off road a pleasure.

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  OK for short trips - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By 1stjeep - July 10 - 6:10 pm

  Ive had my Liberty for 1 month and its OK. Gas mileage is OK at 24 mpg. The ride is good, but a little bumpy on rough roads. The seats sit high and give the driver a commanding view, but they can be uncomfortable on longer trips. It does great in the snow, even in 2 wheel. As for convenience features it has a lot to be desired - no storage areas other than the glovebox and a small compartment between the front seats. You have to stretch to reach temperature controls as they sit low on the dash. Its a good vehichle for short trips, but not the best family car to purchase.