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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  A GREAT BUY - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JOAN GLOVER - February 26 - 7:50 am

  This Jeep handles like a Wrangler, a little stiff steering, but other than that, it has fair fuel efficiency, great handling, and great creature comforts.

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  GC Overland V8 - could not be happier! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep_owner_mi - February 25 - 11:58 am

  Bought my GC Overland 6 weeks ago and now passed the 3,000 mile mark. It is the V8 version with the advanced technology package. This vehicle is so far pretty much flawless and I am truly enjoying every moment driving it! First, the car is a beauty inside and out, very roomy inside, nice trim, great dual-pane sunroof; second, the driving experience is top of the line - smooth,controlled, quite, and extremely powerful. The 8.4 inch screen is really the right size to have while driving, tons of features on the electronics, and I have yet to find anything that does not work! Seats are a little firm, but the ventilation makes up for it.

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  Needs Improvement - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gilmour93 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Although its a step up in comfort and style from the 2000 Cherokee Sport we owned, it doesnt live up to its nearly $30K sticker price. Acceleration and handling is poor, tons of body roll, even for an SUV. Feels like driving a boulder. Brakes are higly unresponsive. Only thing worth a compliment is the ride quality.

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  Very Satisfied - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Proudjeepownr - February 25 - 2:00 am

  We leased it new. Now were buying it! Weve moved three times and fit lots in the back when the seats are down. Well, now that were buying it, therell probably be lots of things that fall apart, because thats how things go sometimes. Well just buy an extended warranty.

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  Its All Right - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Joel - February 24 - 9:10 pm

  Well to start the Patriot is a nice truck, I do have some problems with the flat tire gauge going on but I have no flat. It should be standard to have the Information Center on the dash I am very disappointed with that mine didnt come with that. I would like to see a Glass Panoramic sunroof too that would be cool and some more interior lighting preferably under the dash, and the tach lighting is dim make them a little brighter white is the new color for gauges. and a wood dash option with black leather, the two tone leather looks tacky.

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  Short drivers avoid! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Cheryl - February 24 - 8:03 pm

  Im in this rental for 3 weeks now. I have bruises all over my right knee. There is a panel under the steering wheel that I constantly bump into. The seats are not adjustable enough. Im unable to sit high enough to see, if I want uninjured legs; pushing the seat back, I sit uncomfortably stretched.

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  my 4th Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By tom polcari phd - February 24 - 4:56 pm

  Im on my 52nd Chrysler product and of those, 4 were Jeep Patriots. Good gas mileage, even in the city. Ride is good, with plenty of interior space. Patriots went thru numerous improvements for 2009- interior design, noise levels, ride upgrades, etc. this year alone, Ive had the orange and the black- one of. my favorite recent Chrysler products. Today. I may buy a Jeep Compass which is the Patriots upscale cousin.

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  Couple of Quirks - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By golf26guy - February 24 - 12:50 pm

  Overall I like it. Power of V8 is great. With Quadra drive, turning tight turns, jumps, jerks etc. from full time 4 x 4. Rear seat leg room could be better. Had a Nissan Murano; loved it, but would not pull my trailer -- this Jeep will with ease. Just hope the tranny and rotors hold up to 100k miles. Ride is a little shaky, not as refined as most suvs these days.

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  What a great SUV - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By jnga - February 24 - 6:35 am

  I did not buy this car for its gas mileage; I bought it for its great exterior. It handles like a suv is suppose to and I have loved owning this vehicle. Just remember that this is a jeep and jeeps are not known for gas sipping. I drive primarily city miles, but on the rare occasion I have needed the "muscle" that jeep is known for, Ive had it. I have a large dog that I like to take to the dog park, but Im also one of those people who like to keep my car really clean. The interior of this vehicle is outstanding! I can take my dog to the park and not have to worry if he is going to damage my cars interior. This suv is the perfect balance of masculinity and femininity; absolutely awesome!

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  Nice to look at, Horrific to drive - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bobsacamano - February 24 - 4:29 am

  The car drove like a dream for the first 500 miles. Im at 8,200 and every mile in between has been a nightmare. The transmission slams up and down, causing a terribly uncomfortable ride-and remember it has 8 gears so it is constantly changing gears. In the morning, the transmission has become so rough I feel as though I am being rear ended. I have had it at two different dealerships to solve the issues and both have told me it is normal-and if it something were actually wrong a fault light would illuminate. I was issued a case manager with jeep corporate. She refused to return calls-I went three days calling her three times before she picked up.