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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  My Second Patriot - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By DJ Ambrose - October 20 - 7:24 am

  I just bought a 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport to replace my 2010 Patriot Sport that I totaled in an accident (my 1st in 37 years of driving) The 2010 held up surprisingly well in the accident and I was not injured; and since I was so happy with the 2010 overall, I decided to replace it with a new Patriot. I upgraded a little, going with the automatic 6-speed transmission, but other than that and the fact that the 2016 clearly has more ground clearance than did the 2010 (which I thought had poor ground clearance) It feels about the same driving and comfort wise. The bottom line with me though is that is that I was able to get BOTH the 2010, and the 2016 for under 20k dollars. And these days, a 4WD vehicle at that price is pretty rare. If the new one is anything like the old one - which only had one minor warranty-covered repair in six years of ownership - I may wind up writing another review someday when I buy what will then be my third Patriot

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  Couldnt be happier with our Trailhawk! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsoto - October 19 - 3:57 am

  I went to the dealership with the idea of buying the grand Cherokee. Next to it was the new Jeep Cherokee trailhawk, and I instantly fell in love. My wife wanted a car with personality, character, luxury and lots of technology. It has all of that and more. Weve already taken in offering with my JK to the Southern California desert and it performs incredibly. This car has Fiats interior design touch, which makes it all the better. We took a gamble buying a new model, but we have faith in the Cherokee brand and expect this car to be around for a long, long time. Id recommend it.

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  Cherokees are not real Jeeps? - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Marco - October 15 - 12:16 am

  I loved my Cherokee of course it stunk on gas, but what did you expect? Its 4.0 w/ 8.25 rear axle, awd transmission, you know what that means? As close to flawless as Jeep or any other car company is going to get. It was perfect in size. The only real flaw was it had leaf springs. If you add a lift be prepared for a bad ride.

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  Best Jeep weve owned - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By John - October 13 - 4:56 pm

  Excellent interior design with a very comfortable ride. It quickly and easily converts from 5 to 7 passenger seating. The 4.7L V8 flex-fuel has plenty of power, and having the flex fuel option can help your pocketbook at the gas station. The only negatives to the vehicle are that the gas mileage drops about 25% (not just a mile or two per gallon but the highway mileage drops from 20 to 15!) and one annoying design flaw is that it is easy to strike the key with your knee which actually turns the vehicle off. On a recent trip I actually did this twice. The jeep is as good off road as any Jeep Ive owned and the Quadratrac II works beautifully.

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  Sahara 2007 - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joy - October 12 - 1:30 pm

  Fantastic car! Have always wanted a Jeep, but did not purchase one several years ago due to the rough ride and noise. The new Sahara is awesome, rides like a dream, very comfortable with a lot of new safety options. The new hard top makes storing much easier with the cool benefit of having 3 pieces. Smooth enough with great amenities to be used as a primary vehicle.

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  Best Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Cherokee and its the best vehicle ive had with 57000 and no problems i will be driving it for many years to come

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  Do Not Buy!!! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By badness - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy a Jeep Wrangler! Most importantly, do not buy an X model with half doors! Especially do not buy one in silver with black soft top! And do not even think of buying the Columbia Edition! Its all mine and you cant have any! You would be happier with an SUV of some sort (its a jeep thing).

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  Cool Truck - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NV - October 8 - 8:56 am

  I just got this Jeep about a month ago with 150k miles. I had to have some long needed maintenance done, but aside from that its been great so far. It has about a 4 inch body lift with mud terrain tires and nice rims. It also has great power and it does extremely well offroad. Gas mileage is bad, but that is just a price you have to pay. Overall it seems great and handles well.

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  Pleased - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramboxman - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Moving from a cadiliac eldorado, Ride is confortable and visablitiy is great. Drives much smoother than Fords SUVs. Infinity sound system could use a sub-wover. Air condition is by far not cool enough. Lots of complaints about A/C also could definetly use rear vents like every other SUV. Other than that very fun to drive Quada Track is very responsive as well. Tried my hardest to get wheels to break and could not. Locking gas cap could be nice as well.

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  Fun SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Becky R - October 7 - 6:00 am

  I have only had this =SUV for 2 days but I am already in love. I have never had an SUV but I was never very impressed. To be honest, I purchased this vehicle strictly on the great styling inside and out. Ours is a 4x4 Limited and I love the ride, the handling and the looks. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever had.