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:

• 

  Great so far - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By froggy13 - July 4 - 8:10 am

  After driving the 1997 Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L 6cyl. for several years the 2006 does not disappoint. The 4.7 has plenty of power and is smooth as silk in either light to light driving or at highway speeds. The only down side is that it is a bit harder to see out of than the 97 but large side view mirrors help. Also the adjustable pedals are great for keeping the shorter people in your life well back from the airbags which is a huge piece of mind for me.

• 

  Love my Patriot! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By luvmypatriot - July 3 - 8:26 am

  This is my fave jeep - love it much more than my previous Grand Cherokees. It has everything I want in a SUV- affordable, good gas mileage, and style.

• 

  Jeep Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Jerry - July 2 - 11:16 am

  This SUV is a good mix of Man Car plus luxury. Leather, Sirus Radio, black interior, Sun Roof, Reasonably sized width, sun roof, 4 wheel drive on fly, and fold down seats for the dogs and gettaways. Im excited. Bought lifetime bumper tp bumper warranty. I will drive this vehicle till Im 70 (12 years) before I get the comfort vehicle. Jerry R.

• 

  Just Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By speaktrue - July 2 - 1:13 am

  After 33,000 miles, I traded in my 07 Caliber for this 08 Patriot, so I was used to the interior layout (though the Jeep is a little roomier) and the CVT. I agree that you sacrifice some "get up and go" for the gas mileage, but in these days of $4.00 a gallon gas, I think the trade off is well worth it. Prior to the Caliber, I had an 05 Equinox. The Equinox was a little too large for my needs, and the Caliber was a little too small, but the Patriot is just right! I feel like the Patriot fills a niche that no other compact SUV does - its an SUV, just smaller; not a "cute ute" like everything else in its class.

• 

  MY RED BABY! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepdate - June 27 - 1:56 am

  I love this JEEP. Have owned it for going on 5 years now. Bought it with 27k miles on it, and have never ONCE not ONCE had it in the shop. It is built to drive. It is built for hauling (hauled my bass boat with it), and it is built to last. We have to sell it soon to accommodate our growing family, and I am just bummed that Jeep has decided not to make the Cherokee Classic style anymore. If you get a chance to buy one - DO IT!

• 

  My Jeep Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By McGoo - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only put 2000 miles on my Rubicon, but it has exceeded my expectations. Its been 15 years since I owned my last Jeep which was a CJ-5 and engineering advancements have really come a long way.

• 

  Jeep Has Built A TRUE WINNER - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Trekkie - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for 6 weeks, and have already put 3,800 miles on it. Im extremely impressed with the solid, durable build quality of this Jeep. It has a powerful V6 engine, and it is simply a joy to drive... Its a bit of a gas guzzler, but thats the trade-off for the superior suspension and durablilty. Dont expect a "car-like" drive out of the Liberty. However, I must say that it handles itself quite well when cruising at 80 on my long drive to work... Weve owned Wranglers for a long time, and this is the first "non- Wrangler" Jeep that weve purchased. We couldnt be more pleased. GREAT JOB JEEP !!!

• 

  What I expected - quality - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ron_dar - June 23 - 8:50 am

  We just returned from a 2147 roundtrip and averaged 26.7 mpg including four days in Denver. Our Overland has just over 3000 miles on it and I fully expect the gas mileage to continue to improve. My wife wanted to wait for the new diesel, but I did not see paying $4500 extra was justified. A cruising range of over 600 miles for a gasoline V6 SUV is exceptional. The Overland comes fully loaded and is by far a much better than the ML320 CDI we previously owned. It is also a much better value than the MD ML. We put on over 500 miles per day to and from Denver and we were very comfortable in the Overland. It is quiet, powerful, comfortable, economical for its size and a joy to drive.

• 

  Better than Expected - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Henry - June 22 - 10:40 pm

  wanted to get the diesel, but couldnt since I live in New York. I strongly believe gas mileage should be improved; other than that the truck is a blast to drive, love the stereo and the leather interior, but would have picked a different color for the interior, if it would have been available.

• 

  2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bwill9126 - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  I have owned 3 cars and all have been the Jeep brand. I purchased the Limited with Lux II package and couldnt be more happy with the build quality, extra features and fuel economy (as compared to the Wrangler). My 30 mile/day trip averages 19 to 20 mpgs, but is up to 21-22 on highway driving. A tank of gas will last me two weeks with my standard driving routines. I have read reviews regarding problems with the UConnect system (the screen going blank or slow to no response), the electronic shifter being difficult to get used to, and the panoramic sunroof leaking. I am fortunate to have had none of these problems.