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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  Go against the flow! Go old school! - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By skaad - February 19 - 12:32 am

  Our 03 Jeep Liberty was starting to rack up some repairs and then the real kicker was the 12 mpg continual run to the pump. A new car was easier on the budget. I still wanted a small 4wd C/SUV, but with excellent gas mileage. Looking to a balance my need for good cargo space, ability to carry a fair amount of weight and still be economical, I test drove every one of the Asian built tennis shoe/used soap bar shaped AWD vehicles - especially after reading the reviews of the Jeep Patriot/Compass. I did not even bother with test driving this vehicle. Only the Mazda CX5 came close ($$$ and lack of cargo weight). Finally the Patriot - the reviews are wrong! It rocks! It is a dream to drive.

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  Very Surprised and Pleased!! - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By sal_the_wop - February 18 - 10:30 am

  I had a Titan and needed something more practical but cool looking at the same time. I researched numerous cars and became drawn to the Patriot. I got a great deal through the internet (dont go to dealer at 1st anymore, call the fleet sales or go to internet) and went to test drive it and check it out. I ended up being very surprised with the overall experience and purchased a black one. The ride is smooth and the features which came with it are awesome. I have the sun sound package and remote start. Inside is nice as well. Nothing too flashy, but very simple and clean. Im surprised with some of the negative reviews which it received. For the price, this is top of the line

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  Can you say "Hemi" - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jakek - February 18 - 1:23 am

  The truck is redesigned to look more square and boxier with a tougher profile and even tougher engine...the Hemi. Ive driven all the suvs in the $35-50K range and you definately get the most bang for your buck in the 05 Grand Cherokee Limited. So much power to spare you feel like your driving a BMW off the line, a lexus on the highway and a rover off- road. Overall, very sweet ride.

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  My $33,000 piece of junk! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By natalie - February 17 - 11:05 pm

  I currently have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 and it was the biggest mistake and waste of money! I have had nothing but problems with this Jeep. It has stalled numerous times, I have smelled a burning smell coming from my dash, my touch screen radio goes blank, my turn signals get stuck on while I am driving, my dash flashes and I have no idea how fast I am going, my shifter gets stuck in neutral, my transmission jerks, my back tires kick, sometimes my keyless entry works and sometimes it doesnt. I have never written a review about anything before but I also have not been this disappointed about anything in my life! My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the biggest mistake I have ever made. Do not waste your time or money. They are not safe. If you are like me and unfortunate enough to have one of these do not bother calling FCA with any complaints! They will ignore you, make you think you are crazy and then ask you to stop calling them about your problems! Do yourself a favor if you are looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee and stay far far away from them, trust me if you dont you will regret it just like I do.

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  Jeep CEO Doesnt Respond - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Henris Hemi - February 17 - 9:46 pm

  54 year old Wash, DC granny loves power and stares of Steel Blue Hemi. Nav screen is huge and awesome! But should work as a front DVD too. Open front doors during rain to exit, allows water to pour onto control panel. I fear what thats gonna cost. 3rd row seat is a joke - leaving no room for even 2 grocery bags. Overland is the elitist of Jeeps and should come standard with mud guard mats to protect carpet year round. Suede seats should be optional. 3rd row head rests are too BIG and block 85% of back window so I ran into a Toyota while backing into a handicap space. Front slide moon roof is too small compared to my 1989. Back moon windows should open. Rear DVD cover always falls off.

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  Dream car really is a dream! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By apenkauski - February 17 - 1:00 pm

  Ive always wanted a jeep ever since i started driving. It was always my dream car and i wouldnt be happier driving anything but this vehicle! The comfort is incredible, the ride is awesome, and the car is well worth the money you spend on it even though i got a killer deal on a used one! Thanks for making the ultimate vehicle for all my driving needs!!

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  My Wrangler - 1991 Jeep Wrangler
  By joehelmet - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Not for everyone. Look for one w/hardtop. New hardtops are ungodly expensive in retail aftermarket ($1600-$2K+). Get it with the jeep - figure out how to take it off later. Conversation at highway speed w/o hard top, forget it. A/C, forget it. Dont get too excited about a stereo system. A Jeep is a big vibrating square metal box & you fight road noise too. Recommend a bra/guard up front, or the Jeep grill gets all chipped up. Not for extensive traveling, OK for day trips. Can really have fun & trick it for 4-wheeling. Lots of fun stuff to buy. Watch the tranny with the 6-cyl., esp the 3-spd auto. But you still got to stomp it!

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  Jeep-Head Jack - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep-Head Jack - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Jeep. I bought after my 1992 Cherokee Laredo finally gave up the ghost after 396,724 miles. Yes, Virginia, Jeeps DO last more than 30,000 miles. My wife has a 2001 60th Anniversary Edition Cherokee and loves it. Solid, rugged, fun to drive, reliable and popular - thats what has turned me and many of my friends into "Jeep-Heads". My next Jeep will be a Wrangler of some sort.

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  Own one and youll understand... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepinKansas - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle from a Jeep dealer at 90K miles in 2001,It now has 100K and Ive mostly LOVED it.I have the Q-Trac/V8 Setup and my trans vibes a bit when shifting to 3rd,the rear end is also very NOISY(growls).80% of Grands experience the rear diff bearing problem.Mine was even replaced in 98.That aside,I fixed a $90 IAC and now my Catalyst and Steering Dampener need replaced.Not bad for 100,250 miles. Biggest complaint? Interior Quality.These vehicles arent cheap and dealing with such a spotty interior is rediculous.Was going for a 99 or 00 but they have SEVERE problems,perhaps a 98 5.9 Limited will fit the bill,or ill wait for the 02s to come down.

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  Best Midsize 4wd - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Stevem - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my Bright silver Jeep Liberty Sport(cherokee in Australia) 2 weeks ago. I absolutely love it! Power, comfort and great 4x4 setup. Destroys ravs,crv, tribute, escape by a mile. If youre looking for a Mid size 4wd that can take the punishement, tow a 1500kg boat like a piece of cake and handle youre day to day duties with ease then look no further.