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:

• 

  extremely pleased - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By regor - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Went from Dodge Durango to Jeep Overland. Well satisfied with interior design and comfort, as well as quality of vehicle inside and out. Short legs so pleased with adjustable pedals, as well as memory adjustments and GPS. Performs better than my 5.9L Dodge. Ride is more like car than truck.

• 

  Love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By john c - June 27 - 1:03 pm

  This is my 3rd one. I had a 1988 Comanche 4x4 then a 1996 Cherokee. Now a 2000 classic. I love them. Theyre very reliable and fun to drive.

• 

  Its a Jeep Thing. . . - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJs TJ - June 27 - 6:16 am

  Before I bought my 02 Wrangler Sport, I used to see the slogan "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand." Since owning it I do understand. Nothing compares to going off-road, climbing over hills and rocks, plowing through water or mud that is fender high, just to commune with Mother Nature. One thing I will say, the more you want to play, the more you pay. The acronym fits JEEP - Just Empty Every Pocket, but its been worth every penny.

• 

  The ONE and only...Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steven - June 26 - 6:46 pm

  In the past 25 years I have driven a lot of different makes and models of other brands of cars, but I have always owned a Jeep Wrangler as my second car. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited seems to continue with the tradition of past Jeeps of being reliable and dependable when other cars seems to fail. The longer wheelbase of the Unlimited makes for a smoother ride and the leg room in the back seat has increased, making it easier for the people riding in the back. The acceleration and handling of the Unlimited continues to impress me by its quick response in and out of traffic. The fact that the Jeep is sweet and simple to operate and drive makes it one of the many reasons the Jeep tradition lives on!

• 

  2007 Jeep Patriot 100 mile trip daily - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By bmillsxt6 - June 26 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased an 07 Patriot a couple of months back. I do like the fuel economy! getting around 29mpg with 89 octane 2.4 litre engine, 5speed, 2wd. I am impressed with what I got for the money so far, The surf blue clear coat paint is beautiful! and I like the convenience of the vinyl interior. This is the 5th Jeep vehicle I have owned and although its not the toughest off roader it suits 100 mile daily highway trips just fine. The center console is kinda awkward though, the armrest doesnt seem to meet up with your elbow just right and the cup holder is on the floor board pretty much. Other than that it is a blast to drive and mine has no power options, no cruise no fancy things period

• 

  Best Mothers Day Gift - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mindi Lassiter - June 26 - 3:06 pm

  The best Mothers Day gift I ever received besides the love of my Children. Only problems I have had was the Factory installed windshield was done incorrectly so when I had the window replaced due to a crack the entire frame had to be redone - the dealership was great in handling this. I have been experiencing a slight loss of power when turning street corners. I thought it was me but my brother in law and husband noticed the same thing. It is in the shop right now because yesterday my instrument panel went wacky and lost all control of gauges off and on during my interstate drive. I am sure this is minor though. My kids hate the seat belts. They are hard to clip with a booster seat in place

• 

  Grand Cherokee Overland: misery loves company - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By scaredofmyjeep - June 26 - 7:20 am

  Thought my problem were so unusual that I would get support til I read these entries. Transmission:Routinely refuses to change gear. Have to shift it into Sports mode and then back into regular mode to get it out of 1st gear; b. has started popping out of gear into neutral while the car is in motion and will not go back into gear. 2. Cruise Control doesnt work. 3. Engine light remains on all of the time. 4.FCW cruise control and Select Terrain dont work even after module replaced 5. navsystem wanders off road constantly, 6. USB plug inop 7. phone periodically disconnects w/service alert 8.locked itself with key(and dogs) inside Ready to sell at a $10k loss. piece of junk.

• 

  Great at first - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By htanner - June 24 - 7:22 am

  I bought my 03 Jeep Liberty used. It was only a year old and I loved it! I wasnt concerned with gas milage back then so the average 19 mpg highway didnt bother me. Drove great for the first 5 years except the blower motor for the heater went out several times. In the last few years of owning it I started having problems. First my water pump went and then the front drive shaft blew up. I went without a drive shaft for a little while (no 4 wheel drive for me) until winter and then installed a new one. That one lasted 2 uses and then blew up as well. I got one more installed and that one lasted 1 use. I heard that this was a problem in these models. I have since moved on.

• 

  Great Jeep - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By eraseraj - June 24 - 2:39 am

  I bought a 2011 white Liberty Limited in December of 2010. This is my 3rd Jeep, my last two jeep vehicles that I owned were a 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo loaded with all the extras. I was a bit worried about quality not buying another Grand Cherokee but the dealer gave me such a good deal on this liberty I could not pass it up. Over 4 months of owning it and I love it! The 18 inch chrome wheels make the white stand out. I got the model with the dark brown interior and the black dash panels along with a light headliner combo, Jeep really did the color combination in this car right. As far as the mechanics go, the engine runs smooth; the transmission shifts smooth, the command track II 4 wheel drive works great just have to remember to turn it off when you get to dry pavement; the system performs like a diff locker so it does not do well with turns on a none slick surface. The Jeep I think has a lot of power for a V6 itÂ’s never going to be a race car but it gets the job done. I am so happy once again with my purchase that I will be buying another Jeep in the future.

• 

  jeepers creepers!!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By fmjumps - June 23 - 10:06 pm

  From most of the previous reviews owners either rave or rant about their patriot.I have found the vehicle to be trouble free in the 11 months/ 17K of driving i have owned it. The gas mileage is as advertised in 50/50 driving. at 63" there is plenty of room in the vehicle. It handles great, has plenty of power for merging without redlining it, the only caveat to this is when it was fully loaded. I have only needed the 4x4 a few times in a record snow fall season in upstate ny. The vehicle is very surefooted and stable in all kinds of weather. the only fit/finish issue i have had is the fan/air direction knobs do not line up with the symbols on dash, small annoyence. Would purchase again