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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  Jeep - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By RC - January 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the only Vehicle I will ever Buy

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  awesome!!! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bk - January 12 - 2:00 am

  great car

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  1st Month - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By woody27 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving Jeeps for the last 8 years and have never had a bad exoerience with any of them. This is my first small size Jeep and so far all is well. The liberty really handles differnet from the Grands Ive driving in that the wheel gives you strong response to any movement. This is something I had to adjust to.

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  Terribly Disappointing...Major Problems! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By atay71 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  At 3,900 miles the transmission failed due to rusted-out connctions, transmission fluid leaked, and acceleration was horrible. Next... at 8,000 miles, the transmission failed again...same problem, same symptoms, same solution...spent four days at the shop. Next - 13,000 miles and the same problem, plus it wouldnt accelerate over 60 MPH without high engine revs and a burning smell. The car also lurched forward violently whenever shifted into drive. It also buzzed and moved forward slowly when put into neutral! When shifted, the transmission sounded like stones in a blender. My Liberty looks great, but is plagued with problems.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Va-Jeeper - January 11 - 9:26 am

  Test drove Hyundai Santa Fe, Chevy equinox, Ford escape, Toyota 4runner and fj, Mercury mariner, Mazda tribute and of course the Jeep patriot. Jeep Patriot was easy to drive and the seats are comfortable. It is also fun to drive. Of all I test drove the Jeep Patriot was the best of the bunch and at a good price. DonÂ’t forget the great gas mileage. It is no Jeep Commander or Ford Explorer but for a small SUV it is great. It seems bigger than what it is when driving it. Does not feel like a small puddle jumper. When I bought it home and my wife drove it, she wanted me to buy her one, thatÂ’s how good it is.

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  Jeep needs to get it together - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By jason - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my 2008 wrangler x unlimited. Until Jeep gets there act together and builds a quality, fuel efficient wrangler, I wont buy another Jeep product. I loved my Jeep but the fuel economy, power, and build quality far outweigh the good things about the car. I live in Florida where the roads are flat. Getting 16 mpg at 70 mph on the interstate is unacceptable. Also, I feel like the lack of power can be dangerous sometimes when merging onto an interstate or pulling out in traffic when you need power. The Jeep hesitates and doesnt move. Get it together Jeep!

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  My 2006 Libby - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By suehalen - January 9 - 9:26 pm

  This is my second Liberty. I cried when I traded in my 2002 Liberty. Im in heaven. I absolutely adore it. Its easy to drive and I love how I feel when Im driving it.

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  Jeepster - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By shane gipe - January 9 - 3:43 pm

  My Jeep has been reliable and fun to drive but it is too small for hauling my tools for work and also my three children. One downfall I have found with my 93 Jeep is that the frame around the driver and passenger side windows (the doors) is rusting away. These frames are replacable but why are they rusting so bad.

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  Nice But Little Things Add Up - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By chesshorse - January 9 - 5:42 am

  I bought the top of the line Sahara with every option available thinking all will be great. Within literally 100 miles the engine started knocking, the driver seat squeaks so bad, the A/C is luke warm, the driver side windshield visor pops off, the painted hard top has haze marks all over it, the windshield makes a whistling noise, driver seat seatbelt area rubs and makes a load noise, and the driver side seat adjuster is making a rub mark on the leather to list a few! Now it has 3,500 miles and I still am trying to make an appointment to get it looked at. I have canceled many appointments because of my work schedule and the service department have limited hours! I am defiantly disappointed!

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  Value and Performance for the Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Ron - January 8 - 7:33 am

  I traded in my Expedition on the Hemi as my teenagers are working their way out of the house (the third seat in the Ford was no longer really needed) and I wanted a smaller vehicle. I still needed a high tow capacity truck and the "if you need it, it is there" third seat. In short, the vehicle was a great buy with the rebate and had quite a few features that my Expedition did not have. Lots complain about gas mileage: I get 17.2 hwy (better than the Ford). The ride and comfort are better than the Expedition. It is also quieter. The interior needs some refinement - fit & finish is good but style could be improved to give it a higher end feel (it is slightly tacky IMO).