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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  Very nice vehicle - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By John M. - May 3 - 3:48 am

  We have had this 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2-4L fwd for about a month now and have already put 1800 very pleasant miles on it, through a combination of mountain, freeway and city driving. In all conditions it handled very nicely. Going uphill was never an issue. Its power was more than enough to help us up the hills at a nice pace, and its handling made it unnecessary to use the brakes except on the sharpest turns. On the freeway, there was no trouble merging at the right speed. Acceleration was always just right. Very smooth ride, even at highway speeds, and also very quite. Interior is great.High quality materials made it feel almost luxurious. Very comfortable seating for 5. Plenty of leg and headroom. We really like the front grille and the daylight running lights too. I was really pleasantly surprised and would recommend it to everyone. If you dont need 4wd, the 2.4L is really great, and along with the 9 speed transmission it provides a smooth very quick way to arrive at your destination, relaxed and refreshed, no matter how long the journey.

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dave - May 2 - 7:20 am

  Was looking for a small SUV. My wife and daughter both drive Honda CR-Vs. I was looking for something a little different. I found it in the Jeep Patriot. Drives very nice and is loaded with features. Love the Satellite Radio. Drives very smoothly and feels well built. I have a little over 3000 miles on it and no rattles or noises. Getting about 25 - 26 miles per gallon. Not bad for a 4X4 automatic. I am pleased with my Jeep!

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  Love my Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By happy jeep owner - May 2 - 1:33 am

  Ive only had my Jeep for 6 weeks, and I love it. Traded in a 2001 VW Jetta for my Jeep, and I couldnt be happier. I know a lot of people have been bashing this SUV, and I have no idea why. Even my mother, who was reluctant to let me buy it, likes the vehicle. It drives great, very comfortable, and I like the height, it makes seeing the road very easy, and it has a very good crash rating. Also, it has a great sound system.

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  GREAT GRAND CHEROKEE - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WRHALLJR - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I LEASED MY GRAND CHEROKEE OVER TWO YEARS AGO. I HAVE NEVER OWNED A BETTER VEHICLE IN MY LIFE. I HAVE HAD ONE SERVICE VISIT BESIDES REGULAR MAINTENANCE STOPS, AND THAT WAS TO FIX THE ASH TRAY. IF THEY ONLY CAME WITH AN OPTIONAL 3RD SEAT AND WERE A LITTLE BIGGER I WOULD NEVER OWN ANYTHING ELSE.

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  Bulletproof! Best purchase ive ever made - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeeperTJ97 - April 26 - 2:50 pm

  I bought this 97 TJ Sport 4.0 in August of 07 with 205k on the odometer. Its my daily driver and weekend getaway vehicle. I have a 4" lift on 33" tires and average 15.2 mpg not bad. It fires up every morning, has all the power you need. Most capable stock vehicle ever produced. Solid front axle, strong drivetrain. Built to last. I now have nearly 215k and its perfect. does not leak or burn oil, very strong engine, trans, and tcase. Have been on some harsh trails, deep mud and snow and have not even come close to being stuck. This is my 2nd wrangler

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  No more trucks - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By weemer99 - April 26 - 8:56 am

  I owned a 78 CJ 5 and loved it. Have had trucks every since. All have been 4 wheel drive. My new Jeep has been a joy. Mileage hasnt been an issue since I have driven 4 wheel drive pickups so the 22 I am getting is a plus. Not a speed demon by any means but I am not into raceing. The thing will turn on a dime and handles great. Serves the purpose it was purchased for. It really does turn heads. Stereo is nice addition. Love the 3 peace top. Have had no leaks and wont have top on much in the summer. Heater doesnt keep up with the low single digit but its a Jeep. Will go anywhere.

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  It had me from hello - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Bearcat Poon - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97 wrangler that had to be traded in for a more family friendly car. When I saw the new Liberty I really wanted to trade my piece of crap Mazda 626 (even with the negative equity)in for it. Much to my suprise my wife liked the look of it. We decided to take one for a test drive and 2 weeks later bought the Liberty. The ride is very smooth compared to the Wrangler I had as well as the 4-runner my wife drove. Handling is quite impressive. The gas mileage stinks, but the 4-Runner was just as bad.

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  MARCH TO THE SUMMIT - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael Mangone - April 24 - 3:42 am

  So I looked at about every SUV out there and anything that came close to the Summit in terms of the quality and quantity of features was significantly higher in price and also imported. The only other candidate I really liked was the Explorer and it really could have gone either way. The color combination of the Summit as well as the overall reputation of the Jeep brand was really what pushed it over the top. This one was the premium white with the sienna brown interior. I only wish that this vehicle came with the V8 option at less than extortionate pricing. The V6 pulls and runs really well but there is nothing like the grunt of the Hemi. That being said it wasnt worth another $5,500.00 being added to an already fairly significant sticker price. So far I absolutely love the vehicle and dont yet have one thousand miles on it. There is a long way to go.

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  Great Vehicle - Glad I bought it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Vince - April 24 - 1:13 am

  Let somebody else pay for the depreciation. When my $40K plus Chevy Avalanche was totalled by an 18 yr old slamming into my wife, I knew I wanted another 4x4. A new Avalanche was simply too expensive. After trading my interim used car, I found the 2006 Commander (certified Pre-Owned)at a local dealer. Getting it was a very smart decision. Very comfortable, gas mileage for the 3.7 liter is exactly as stated. Power is good. Design is great. I dont tow anything, and filling the SUV with 6 people proved no problem. Having the base model (doesnt mean stripped) gives me a clean pallet to customize without the huge new car or dealer premiums. I love this thing.

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  1-year Patriot review - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By MI guy - April 22 - 2:20 am

  Just passed a year since I bought a 2008 Jeep Patriot with 2.4-l, 5-speed manual. I have put 9700 miles on it, probably 70% city driving and 30% towing my fishing boat, a 16-foot boat weighing about 900 lbs. During this time, my grand average MPG has been 28.3. I have only driven out of the city twice without the boat in tow, and both times my MPG has been over 30. My worst tank of gas was in December during near-record snowfall when I was running a lot of third gear, and got 25.9 MPG. There have been no automotive problems with the vehicle. It has good heat and good A/C. The underside of the car looks very good after one winter.