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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  Great car - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Chrys - December 1 - 3:56 pm

  Good car. Runs well. Have more than enough space. Have had 4 boards and 4 people in the car at once. Have been able to put 10 boards in the car.

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  Jeep Specifics - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JBemery - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 ltd is quite masterful on sloppy roadways (mud, snow, rocks, debris in general) HOWEVER.. I would recommend purchasing and utilizing the "Full-Time" 4WD option in any rainy conditions. I have found the notable weight and high center-of-gravity can easily cause a slide on curves at "reasonable" speeds when in 2WD mode. My only other issue was at around 1800 miles a speed sensor fried and intermittently would totally screw up the transmissions functioning. This took 3 trips to a dealership and the involvement of a Chrysler Tech.(via phone) out of Mich. to run down the proper diagnostics. EverythingÂ’s been cool since the new sensor though.

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  2012 Patriot 4x2 Latitude - Altitude Edition - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By bmckeeman - November 25 - 9:41 am

  I have been considering purchasing a Patriot since they first came out, and since then they have made tons of improvements! I test drove a 2010 did not like it enough to make the commitment. My last vehicle was an 03 Corolla, so it was quite a change for me. I wanted a car with lots of cargo space and decent mileage, so I looked at some smaller cars like the Fit, Impreza, and XV Crosstrek. I found the Patriot to be the best combo of style, utility, mileage for my tastes. I have wanted a Jeep ever since I was a kid, and the Patriot delivers! I finally chose a White Altitude Edition, which is an amazing color combo! LOVE my Pat!

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  Last Chrysler product I will ever buy - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Keith Cywinki - November 23 - 10:00 am

  The hinges on the jeep have already began to flake and fall off, and when it was taken to the dealership for repair, Chrysler denied the claim. This has been a problem with jeeps for years, and they know its a problem, but continue to ignore the problem. So, much for spending money on the extended warranty. There will be no more Chrysler products in my drive way. At least GM stands behind there products.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By broncman - November 22 - 5:30 pm

  Like several of the reviewers I had some problem with the slickness during the rain. The answer is different tires. I got a set of Goodyear Fortera Triple Tred. Made all the diference in the world. Otherwise I am happy with this vehicle.

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  could be better - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mario - November 20 - 11:20 pm

  Fan belt broke in 6 months after purchasing the Jeep, heater control panel broke down after a year, the brake pads broke within a year. When I keep bringing back my Jeep for repair, the service department is not very receptive to customers.

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  2 weeks behind the wheel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rent-o-Jeep - November 20 - 9:36 pm

  Im at the end of my second week behind the wheel of this small SUV and I must admit I love it! Ive never had an attraction to any SUV until I drove this one. The handling and ease of parking are better than my Jetta. If MPGs are important though, you may be disappointed with 16 mpg.

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  Need to improve several problems - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dguill - November 19 - 7:56 am

  This car has several issues that they should recall. My particular problem has been with the power windows. First you hear a popping noise, then down your windows go and dont come back up until you get them fixed. Ive had to replace two at over $300. I also am having the brakes act up now as mentioned on previous reviews. I like the car in general but improvements need to be made.

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  Need to work out the kinks - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sbinoc - November 18 - 2:13 pm

  This is my first JGC and I really enjoy driving it. It still looks great and the engine runs like a champ (4.7 V8). However, the little problems have added up and it may be time for a change. I have replaced door locks, power seat motors, a water pump, and multiple sets of rotors (brakes are below average for such a nice SUV). My biggest disappointment has been the A/C. It goes out intermittently and the service department cant seem to find the problem. Ive heard other Jeep owners mention similar issues, so I think the company needs to address these things.

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  Whyd I Wait So Long? - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chad - November 18 - 12:53 pm

  I love my Jeep. I bought it in June 2005 with only 6k miles. So far Im at 15k with no problems so far. Road manners are much better than I ever expected. Not nearly as loud as I thought it would be, especially with the hard top on. Not the most roomy and practical vehicle on the planet but then again who buys a Wrangler for space, fuel economy, or practicality. Its a lot of fun to drive & customization options are endless with all the aftermarket items available for Jeeps.