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:

• 

  Loving It! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kristen - January 31 - 9:53 pm

  So after looking at the Chevy Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Mazda5 and a few others, Jeep had the best lease terms and no doubt the absolute best warranty in the business, which led us to lease this truck 1 wk ago. So far so good, its fun to drive with the euroshift making up for its lack of spunk when passing, a little down shifting goes a long way. My own complaints are that its 2008 and you can still lock yourself out of the car with THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION! Ive already done it, if you hit the lock down manually by accident while getting out too bad!! Also the cup holders are in a stupid spot and the tailgate door is super low. Im 510" and Ive hit my head a few times already

• 

  Copper Canyon - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C571 - January 31 - 7:36 pm

  My wife and I just returned from a 1800 mile trip in to Mexico which included the copper canyon. We were impressed with the comfort of the ride and seats and how quiet it was. But most of all its off road ability. We drove almost 100 miles round trip in and out of the canyon, all dirt with steep descents and inclines and in places mud. The hill descent control worked great, and the tight turning radius was great. 15k miles and no problems.

• 

  I have Issues - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By disappointed in WV - January 31 - 3:23 pm

  I very seldom put the back window down or up and the driver side rear window has already been replaced because it would not stay up. The seat cover is so bad to stain even water will leave a spot. Now I am hearing a loud noise from the rear end and was told that people are having to replace the rear end and that all the dealer wants to do is change fluids until the warranty in gone then the rear end has to be replaced. This is not good. Has any one else had a problem with the rear end going out on the Jeep Liberty?

• 

  5th Wrangler & By Far The Best! - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsrfun - January 31 - 5:00 am

  I felt I should write a review for all those considering a Wrangler. I purchased a Sport w/Auto, a fairly extensive list of options and soft top . But the best things about the 2013 version is the MUCH improved engine, the greatly improved comfort of the seats and the premium upgrade top, which is more of a fabric versus the plastic. It makes for a very quiet ride (as much as a Jeep can be.) I drive approximately 30 miles a day and it is a pleasure to drive. It will never be confused with a sedan, but it doesnt beat you up like the old Jeeps. Gas mileage is as advertised, approx 18mpg. The fun factor is great, easy to take down entire top or just flip the top over the driver area. Get one!

• 

  Total Package - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Rhino - January 31 - 1:13 am

  1 year owner and 12,000 miles later. Everything works well with the exception of a transmission noise and a loud thump that comes from the rear when the automatic tranny shifts from 1st to 2nd. Dealer says the tranny noise is "normal" -- funny it was not "normal" when I purchased it.

• 

  Great all around Performer - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By traceit - January 29 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 2006 Jeep Liberty Sport here in Reno on 05-29-2006. It has great performance and handles great as well. It corners well, and has a lot of power for its size. I was impressed with its climbing abilities and the overall smoothness of the ride. It goes everywhere and is suitable for runs to the grocery store, taking the family to dinner as well as all of the outdoor activities that you expect a Jeep to be used for. The steering is a little numb (better keep an eye on the speedometer - youre going faster than you think!) and the 3.7 V-6 is a little thirsty at the pump, but it does have 210 HP and quick acceleration, so the trade off is well worth it. All in all, I give it 4.75 stars out of 5.

• 

  LOVE THIS SUV - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Dianne - January 29 - 9:07 am

  I have never owned a Jeep product. I always stuck with Honda or Toyota. This vehicle tops all of those. The head room and leg room is wonderful, I am 59 and I have lots of room.

• 

  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SweetsCurtis - January 28 - 11:10 pm

  I am very disappointed with my Jeep. After only owning it for 6 months I began to have problems. The air conditioner will only work on High. This has been repaired twice. The check engine light has been on numerous times. There is an awful wind sound while driving. The CD player will not eject CDs sometimes or even switch to the CD player. The car jerks when switching gears. Overall I am very disappointed in the time I have had to spend in the dealership with this vehicle. I do not recommend buying this.

• 

  Best diesel I have had - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Charles - January 28 - 7:20 pm

  This is the most fun to drive of the diesels I have had, with the most power and no stick shift worry about. Better than the VW diesels I have had and the stick shift that you are always thinking - is this the best gear? Now I drive and have fun, not worrying about the power curve and gear best performance.

• 

  Third Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sunman168 - January 28 - 11:20 am

  The Jeep Commander is my third Jeep SUV. I started with the boxy Cherokee followed by a Grand Cherokee and now the Commander. The styling of the Commander reminds me of my first Cherokee which is simple yet very retro. The performance has been great, the ride is excellent, and the features inside are very user friendly. I went with the 6 cylinder to help me with the gas mileage and it is just enough power to haul my family around.