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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  They Got It Wrong Again! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Mr. Naselroad - May 19 - 3:11 am

  First off, forget everything you just read!! The reviewers get their kick backs from the auto industry anyway. Was looking for a compact SUV/Crossover for the wife. Found this little gem and 7 months later, we couldnt be happier. We purchased the 2015 High Altitude Edition with 2.4 and 4 wheel drive (actually just transfers to AWD but jeep calls it 4X4). Main reason for purchase was price, but so much more to this vehicle. In FWD mode, we are getting 23/24 mpg in town and 28/30 highway mpg. I cant really tell you mpg in AWD because we rarely use it, even during the last Indiana winter. The FWD pulls the nibble, light weight body through almost anything on the road. While it is a compact SUV, the interior is very roomy. We have friends and family who own both the Ford Escape and the Honda CRV and they feel cramped in comparison to the Patriot. The heated leather seats are extremely comfortable and fit both our larger frames without feeling "wedged in". The cargo area is large. While its Cubic volume may be smaller than some of its competitors, due to its shape, it will hold a lot of items and appears larger. As a matter of fact, my brother purchased the Cherokee and the Patriot cargo area is more useful and appears larger than its big brothers. Lets talk about ride comfort. The Patriot is no Cadillac by any means, but we feel it has a smoother ride than any SUV/crossover we have owned/driven (GMC Jimmy, Toyota 4-runner, Ford Explorer, Dodge Journey)! While the interior is sparse, it is well thought out and very ergonomic to the driver. All controls are easily reached and simple to operate without distracting the drivers attention from the road. The handling is very responsive and doesnt have that sluggish feel as in some other vehicles in its class. The 2.4 4 cylinder is not going to throw you back in your seat, but has more than enough power for interstate driving, actually you will surprised how easily and effortlessly the engine gets up to speed. As for the tranny, unlike the article states, the 2015 Patriot comes standard with a 6 speed transmission not the CVT. The CVT is an option, but you would be hard pressed to find one on the dealers lot! For $21,000.00, out the door, we have a vehicle that has all the bells and whistles that would have cost us 10K more in any other vehicle. Do yourself a favor and go drive this vehicle before you buy into the crap written in this article! Options included for 21K purchase price, heated seats, leather seats, power sunroof, remote start, custom 17" rims, 2.4 liter with 6 speed automatic, 4 wheel drive (AWD transfer lock), leather wrapped steering wheel, and heated outside mirrors! Find that in a Ford or Honda and youll pay upwards to 30K! Most of all, my wife loves it!

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  2011 Laredo X 4X4- perfect vehicle!!! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dmaccioc - May 18 - 3:49 am

  I traded in a 3-series after realizing it wasnt as practical as I needed it to be. I havent missed the 3 at all since getting the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep is about 5x more comfortable, with plenty of space for my 64" frame. Never having owned an American car before, I was blown away by the build quality, comfort, ride, and complete absence of noise, vibration, and harshness. I did not buy this to drive fast and the V6 has enough overall power, though there are times when you can feel that its moving such a heavy vehicle. Best highway mileage has been 23.8, not bad with less than 900 miles and 2 adults/cargo/ac doing 80mph!

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  Love this design - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Linda - May 17 - 6:33 am

  I looked at many other SUVs, but keep coming back to Jeep. I have owned 4 others and love the new design. It is fun to drive and the comfort is great. It looks good coming and going and for the price it was a wise decision. There are many mopar accessories you can buy (which I have already) to make the exterior even better.

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  Michigan/Wisconsin Road trip - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Joe Merriman - May 16 - 8:43 am

  We took a 2163 mile road trip and couldnt believe how smooth the ride was in such a small vehicle. The seat are at just the right height for age 65 to get in and out of. The best mileage 29 least 24. The MPG computer was very accurate. I compare each fill up and follow the mileage. We never felt the transmission shift when going up and down hills. I could see the RPM going up but could not feel it shift gears. Amazing. It fits in the garage better and handles the roads with ease. This is my wifes car. Think I will get me one. I have to 2.0 engine. It has fine pickup.

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  daves review - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By david - May 15 - 8:26 pm

  very nice and quite fast

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  Best SUV on the market!!!!!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shockey5 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The brakes need alittle touch-up, but nothing to worry about.

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  Enjoyable - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike1 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I have put 2500 miles on a new GC and no problems, I traded a 99 GJC Laredo for this one. The 04 has the H.O. V8 it is great for passing. I like the 6500# tow rating. The GC is just the right size for what I use a vechile for. Im using high test gas in this one even thought the factory says engine will run okay with 87 octane. My is inferno red.

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  Dont Buy One, Buy Two - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jacks Mom - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This is more of a short story than a review, but I was dead set on buying a Land Rover when I got a Jeep as a rental on a business trip. I drove the rental through Houston and for an hour outside of town on country roads and almost cried when it came time to turn it in. My husband and I both had Hondas that needed replacing and after test driving the Jeep he decided he had to have one too. Actually, my husband did have an older Cherokee in college and never had a single complaint about that car (unlike the 2 Hondas we had). Anyway, weve just been driving these new Jeeps for a week now, but its hard to get out of the car, we love driving them so much.

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  the real SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jvp - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep is my 3rd and by far the best. It has plenty of power and a nice ride. The only complaint is the sound system is weak.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle. The interior is amazing. High end luxury is a capable off road vehicle. They got this one right.