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:

• 

  No Problems So far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Whizzer - October 2 - 10:50 am

  I have had My Patriot for 2 months now and have had no complaints. Handling is a little vague at times and I am still getting used to the blind spot. However it is reliable, comfortable to drive and easy to maneuver. I am averaging about 25 mpg in combination city highway driving. The 4WD does handle well in the snow and I like the stability, traction control and airbag safety features. It is a basic SUV but it serves its purpose and makes a good second car. I would buy another one

• 

  Good Buy - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DG and JM - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have had is the AC, which was killed due to Florida heat. The seats are soft and the interior design is done well. The 4x4 works great. I bought it new and plan to buy another Jeep.

• 

  What Did You Expect? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kevin Lincicum - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a vast improvement over my 86 Ford F-150. I like the nimbleness and its abilities in sand and mud. Ive gone places with it that were bogging payloaders down. The seats (front) are comfortable, though a bit high for my 62" hight. The visor does not allow me to see traffic signals when I use it. Good power. Solid in its feel. Quick handling. Short overhang, front and rear are great. Spoiled by heated seats and side mirrors. Pretty good sound system. I like it better than the Audi at work.

• 

  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joanna Hagerty - September 30 - 12:50 am

  Pros: The 05 is quieter and has a smoother ride than the older models. Cons: The gas tank is smaller than the older models, so Im filling up sooner. Plus, this model is bigger and more square; sometimes can difficult to park because of this.

• 

  Fit and Finish could use some help - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John - September 29 - 11:13 pm

  Overall much improved from previous models in design, comfort, ride and handling.

• 

  Look cool but you will have to suffer... - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By mightymikee - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought 2.5L with softtop initially. While I was doing a long distance trip it had a hard time keeping up 75mph uphill. I traded it in for 4.0L. It has really good power plant; more than anything it has a GREAT low end torque. MPG is not so good for its size and weight. Aerodynamically speaking, it has no aerodynamic considered in the design. Loud, loud, loud. The wind noise is very loud even with hardtop and full steel doors; Hard to carry a conversation on HWy. You will definitely look cool in one of these babies from outside. Definitely for a short term fun.

• 

  Im a new believer in Jeep! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By sasman - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a Jeep Wrangler for years as a second car. I found myself looking for a new vehicle after my overseas assignment and went ahead and purchased a Jeep Wrangler Sport to stay in tune with my new "back to basics" kind of mode I was in. All I have to say is "wow". This is an incredibly fun car/SUV to own and drive. It makes you feel like you can go anywhere...safely. Looking to go to the upcoming Jeep Jamboree this summer to try it out. Im a proud Jeep owner now.

• 

  Third Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mvd2 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This my third jeep that Ive owned in the last 8 years. The first was 1994 Cherokee Sport that I traded on the Liberty and the other is my wifes 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited V8. Im quit please with the build quality. My other car is a Lexus GS300 and dollar for dollar, the Liberty is pretty well put together. Everything works and fits properly. My wife likes driving the Liberty over the old Cherokee, but still prefers her V8 Grand Cherokee. Shes only 5ft 3in tall and finds it easier to get in the Cherokee and likes the V* power. By the way, mine is Black with the Taupe interior (one tone).

• 

  I love my Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Michael in MT - September 26 - 1:26 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Grand Cherokee Overland on this Patriot. I love the old Jeep but, the gas mileage was killing me so I was looking for a smaller SUV. I get 27mpg reliably on the highway and I occasionally get as high as 30mpg on the highway. My Patriot is fun to drive and feels solid on and off road. Wintery drivng is a pleasure with this Jeep - it actually is more effective in snow than my Grand Cherokee. I love the looks of my Jeep, I feel like I am driving a Jeep and not a minivan - like some of the other smaller SUVs in the same class. I only with that the interior was a bit more refined, though, it is a Jeep afterall and the interior suits the vehicles heritage and purpose.

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By InHisGrip - September 26 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car as a single mom with three teens and have loved it. They were never embarrassed riding in it and I have never had any major work done that either wasnt covered by warranty or was regular wear and tear. My oldest son now owns a 2001 and loves his too. I hope to drive it another 100,000 miles. I replaced my headlights this year and it looks new!