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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  whats it gonna take.... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By emraldeyzcat - August 24 - 1:06 pm

  Other than the window regulator going out on both Windows and the silly cloth staining seats I really dont have any problems with it.... But Im wondering whats it gonna take for this window regulator issue to be put on a recall list... The latest happened on my sons side of the car scaring him and almost injuring him... And me nearly wrecking from the noise it made.... Who knows where I can file a report about it? thanks

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  2.0 CVT Cherry Red - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By elvis765 - August 23 - 11:09 am

  Overall I do like the car. I am with mixed emotions on the fuel economy as it does better on the hwy. than around town as most any car but the numbers vary greatly. I have only 2k miles to date. I like the style and color of the car. The cvt is fine esp. with the option to use it in manual mode. The brakes are good. I did have to get a minor paint issue fixed by the dealers body shop. The car handles well and everything is located where you need it to be. The seats are some of the best esp for the price but would like lumbar support. Time will tell on reliability since it really is a Hyundai Mitsubishi Dodge engine. I have had an issue with the car hesitating to start about 7 times now.

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  I like my Jeep. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aj2003 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Liberty! It has a great ride and responsive steering. Handled great in the snow! Much better than the Chevy Silverado 4x4s I have owned. The only major problem I have had was a fuel pump started failing. Dealer replaced it quickly.

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  Window Regulators - Keep Breaking - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RNewman - August 21 - 12:00 am

  I too wanted one of these vehicles and mine is a CRD - diesel 2006. I loved this vehicle except the rear window regulators broke a year after I leased it. This year both rear window regulators have broken again within 4 months of each other. If Chrysler wont fix it I have no choice but to trade it or sell it and purchase another vehicle.

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  Step up and recall your mitakes - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By t buck - August 20 - 7:10 pm

  I just had 2 window motors go out and they want me to not only fix the motor but to fix their mistake and replace the windows as well. This needs to be a recall. I have owned Dodge product since 67 i have a new challenger and this jeep .My son has a 97 jeep with the death wobble that wasnt recalled. I am a Senior citizen on a fixed income with 2 fairly new cars I bought them not to have these kind of nightmares . Come on and step up and fix this problem. Just like the government did for you. They didnt help you so you could make junk and not stand behind it you want people to buy American then stand up and do whats right!

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  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet Lange - August 18 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. Its peppy and fun to drive. Its good looking in and out. I have always had confidence in its performance when I took it out. It does not ride like a luxury car, but like the little SUV it is supposed to be. I would highly recommend it for the young and the young-at-heart.

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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By SeattleGuy - August 16 - 5:43 pm

  I love this vehicle. So much fun. Going up hills in my hometown of Seattle is no problem. Driving at the beach is a blast and the high profile makes crossing rivers no hassle. It is great to help everyone else out of the sand. ; )

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  Bought as a cheap ride, but its much better - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By arlobigwater - August 14 - 9:33 pm

  Traded under Cash for Clunkers and got one of the few Sport models with the 22 package and the Trail Rated Freedom Drive II. Thats the upgraded CVT. This vehicle is MUCH better thought out than I expected. I have dragged boulders for landscaping, taken it off road, towed a small cargo trailer, and commuted in all weather conditions. I am in CO, and we have had some ferocious snow. This thing is better in snow in some ways than my LR3. It bombs up and down fire roads and climbs obstacles like a champ. It gets about 24 MPG. No rattles, leaks, thumps or whistles. If you need a cheap small SUV with decent off road ability and MPG, but still is smooth enough to commute in, this is the de

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  Love It! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By None Given - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this SUV not because i was attracted to the vehicle, but because i have four friends with cherokees, and they are all satisfied witht he vehicle. none of them have had any major problems with their Jeeps, and i got mine at a steal. i bought mine with 75000 miles on it, it is a 95, and in near perfect condition. i can easily see this car lasting for another 75000 miles.

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  Good Overall SUV - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Oh Shane - August 13 - 12:10 pm

  I purchased this JGC V-8 with 110,000 on it, and have had pretty good luck. Motor is strong and with a class 4 hitch, pulls my ~6000 lb boat/trailer with no problems! Uni-Body construction doesnt look too happy when I hitch on the boat, but the motor/trans doesnt complain. 4WD system has given me no problems either and is very capable, IT IS A JEEP. Only minor problems so far.