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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  2000 Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By saxd45 - August 14 - 12:20 pm

  This is a great little run around vehicle. Built like a tank. Almost 10 years old and we still can take it to the club without "shame" Seats fold down & we can haul a ton of stuff.

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  Get a clue - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By plasticpro - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great styling vehicle. Rides nice with the unibody construction. Chrysler has NO CLUE how to make brakes. After 10,000 miles all down hill. Dilligently, washed my vehicle every week, however tree sap still ate through my clearcoat. Paint is like butter.

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  Not bad but could much better - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By mrroofer - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is one of my Play toys, and does what needs to do. But my first new Jeep (CJ-5) I bought in 79 was better because of the 304 V-8 power. I get the same MPG it did, at about 15- 17 mpg

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  Unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jones - August 14 - 2:23 am

  Love the Wrangler Unlimited; just wish it had better mileage. That is the one draw back for me.

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  A Keeper! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Honey - August 13 - 8:46 pm

  After driving a van for so many years, I wanted something smaller and more gas efficient. In the city I get 20-21 mpg. I dont touch the "stick shift" and Im fine with that. On the highway it "a dream" I thought that the small engine would sputter, but its "smooth as silk", no hesitation in front of any vehicle!! Once friends and family see the style and learn about the package they are impressed, and want to drive my " Flaming Red Beauty"!

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  Unlimited - its about TIME! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd - August 13 - 6:03 pm

  Its about time Jeep came out with a new "scrambler style" Wrangler. Not only is the cargo storage a plus but it rides like a normal SUV unlike its lil brother the Wrangler. Its quiet and has a much smoother ride. I love passing other Wranglers....they get jealous!

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  Great Vehicle, Excellent Value - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By txoutdoors - August 13 - 5:18 pm

  I got the Jeep Patriot Sport 2WD with the 2.0L engine. I opted for CVT over the standard 5 speed manual. And Im in Texas so it had to have A/C. But I chose to go without power locks, power windows, heated mirrors, etc. Ive had it for six months now and its a pleasure to drive and comfortable to travel in. It handles highways well. Ive done driving on two-tracks and rough dirt roads on government land and it handled them with ease. The controls are large making them easy to see and use. The windows give you a nice sight picture all the way around and the mirrors give a great view to the back whether going down the road or backing into a garage. Overall, I very happy with my Patriot.

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  Love this truck! - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Duane Hartle - August 12 - 7:19 pm

  Originally leased the GC but after a year went ahead and bought it because I liked it so much. Use it to camp and tow jet skis as well as drive to work. Have not had any issues other than some window rubber started to come out on the back doors which dealer replaced. Yes there have been a number of recall issues but none have actually happened to my truck. I for one am glad that they are owning up and taking care of their customers so well. Only regret is not getting the 4X4 version.

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  93 Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rocco - August 12 - 5:26 pm

  Havent had a single problem with it yet. Very impressed overall, but the gas mileage is terrible.

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  Jeep-Chrysler does not care - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad Calgary alberta - August 11 - 10:16 pm

  I was originally impressed with the vehicles fuel mileage and reliability. Then came the first recall to replace the lower ball joints, which was fine, at the same time the torque converter was replaced. This occurred at 12,000 miles, since then the liberty has been back in the shop 4 times, due to the transmission shifting rough, if at all. Each time the shop has failed to find a problem, which is convenient since it is still on warranty. The other major problem, was brake failure. It took taking back to the dealer 3 times before the problem was addressed. And the only reason it was fixed was because the service tech was almost in an accident due to no brakes.