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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  Love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sgleo01 - August 5 - 3:10 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty Sport for a few months now and I really love it. Its fun to drive and excellent on gas. Great deal!

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  How many people have Trans Problems? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeplbrtyrngd5 - August 4 - 2:56 pm

  I have an 05 Liberty Renegade. I have been having many problems and googling out of curiosity led me to this site. I had no idea my issues were so common. I so far have fixed both upper and lower arm joints(rear), ball joints, new brakes front and back (twice), rebuilt transmission, new AC cooling system, new trans hoses, new starter, new alternator, and have had continued lights going out esp. rear lights, my cds also get stuck and refuse to come out, and my belt makes a squeaking sound which is a constant annoyance..

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  Crap - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By outdoorlady - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I hate this car. Bad gas milage. Its very uncomfortable and it looks like a cheap car.

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  Stiff backs and Caddilacs - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By yawlhangon - August 4 - 10:00 am

  Because this was my 1st Jeep (congradualations) (thank you very much) I did a considerable amount of research before making the purchase And from all ive heard I expected to get in this thing and feel like I was laying on a bed of nails during earthquake A lot of people are really overdramatizing the supposable lack of comfort in a Jeep. I realize that its all in the eye (or back) of the beholder but these people must have back trouble or somthing. Sure its no Buick Regal or Pontiac Bonneville but I dont see no call to exagerate. Sure it may not be as comfortable as a luxury sedan but its certainly not uncomfotable. Jeep does a fine job.

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  Good Value - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By OpenRoad - August 4 - 7:00 am

  It appears Jeep/Chrysler put a lot of thought in to fuel economy vs performance, Offroad capability vs Onroad handling. It is very well balanced. Its not the fastest but you reap huge rewards in fuel economy. Great Onroad handling and foul weather confidence. This evening I was driving on a dirt road that turned into a mud bog. I was worried that I would have to get out and push or hike out of the wilderness for help. I have a new appreciation for the patriots capability (I didnt have to jump into the mud). For those wanting more extreme offroad capability jeep offers a trail rated package. The vehicles to compare it to are Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV. Once you try the Patriot you will buy it

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  I dont recommend the Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By CRGray - August 3 - 7:00 am

  I specifically purchased the Patriot to help save on fuel costs. I should have stayed with my old car. It costs a little more to fill up per week but had a bigger tank. When merging into traffic, I always need to look over my shoulder to check traffic due to the blind spots. There are only 4 cup holders in this car, and no coin holder. I feel like they didnt think anything through before getting this car out to the public. I wouldnt recommend this car to anyone. I have always had Jeep Grand Cherokees in the past, but I would never get a Jeep Patriot again.

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  Do your research first - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Henry Reed - August 3 - 3:57 am

  First of all after purchasing this car I feel like the stupidest person alive. I assumed there would be a spare tire or at least a donut which there is none, all you get is a tire pump filled with a one time use sealant where the spare should be. You think i wouldve checked before buying. The Uconnect voice commands only understand you 5% of the time, worthless. I purchased the Lifetime Warranty, which i assumed would be forever as long as Im in ownership of the vehicle and breathing. This is not the case the Lifetime warranty becomes void as soon as the repair cost becomes more than the vehicles value at the time, I figure 10-12 years according to what i see on Blue Book Values, not to mention deductibles on warranty repairs which greatly affects warranty price. Last but not least, bring a calculator with you on any new car purchase and take the time to recalculate the dealers figures, mine offered me $1000 trade-in on my hunk of junk without even seeing it, which now that i think about it. He probably gave me nothing and made it seem like he did. Live and learn. I have only owned this for 3 days, so i dont know very much on performance and reliability, but from what Ive seen so far, I think im in for a very bumpy road ahead. My first choice was a 2016 Hyundai Tucson, shouldve went back.

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  Dont buy a grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sabriew - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2001 brand new and Ive had so many problems ranging from my moon roof not working to my transmission being replaced to replacing my heated leather seats. I dont recommend this product to anyone!!

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  A good ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Rak - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I just got my 03 Jeep Liberty Limited a week ago after ordering it around 10 weeks ago. I chose the Atlantic Blue exterior color, light/dark interior and added ABS and side-air bags too. The interior of the jeep is top-notch, the leather is fine grain and i love the overhead console and also the audio controls on the steering wheel. The sound system is decent and the seats are pretty comfortable too. Ride wise, its comfortable but the steering can sometimes feel heavy and it does not always take corners smoothly.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carlos M. - July 30 - 1:33 pm

  Ive owned 2 Mercedes, a BMW, 2 Hondas, GMs, Fords, and a partridge in a pear tree ... I test drove the Avalon, Chrysler 300 Touring, Acura TL, and Infinity G35. This Laredo RWD 3.7 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best vehicle Ive owned or could even buy for $10,000 more. We bought a *2nd one* for me after just 2 months after getting the wifes 05 Laredo! Power is great, handling as good as my E300, library quiet, turns on a dime, comfortable and supportive front seats, gray plastic dash reminds me of "das hinterland" but is durable, incredible standard stereo, ultra solid and safe feel, total driver control, MUCH more value than the dollars I paid. I cannot see forking over $35k when I got these for $25k each.