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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  Great Car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kopie - April 1 - 10:00 am

  My jeep is so great. I have never had a problem with it. I reccomend this SUV to anyone looking.

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  Its a Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By moneyshot - April 1 - 3:46 am

  I purchased a brand new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for my wife. She loves it and so do I. This thing is incredible in the off road department. It is virtually unstoppable. On the road, it is very nice. I will not be an idiot and compare this vehicle to a Cadillac, or expect this thing to get 100 miles to the gallon, and perform like a Ferrari while doing it. That is not what this vehicle is about. I will say this. The styling of this vehicle is great. The simply stated "RUBICON" words on each side of the hood let people know it isnt a regular 4x4.

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  My Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matthew - March 30 - 5:46 pm

  I have been very happy with my Jeep... 4 sets of tiers..Just did the brakes the 3 time...3 belts...1 water pump...& a new Manafold...Oil & Gas that it...Hit Wood!! Needs Tranny work & a new Muffler

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  Nice Ride - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JS - March 30 - 9:43 am

  The 08 Grand Cherokee Laredo equipeed with the 26X package has a nice ride and an exceptionally high build quality. No squeeks, no rattles and the fit of parts is virtually perfect. Gas mileage around town has been 15.2 mpg.

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  JEEP LIBERTY SPORT 4X4 COMMAND TRAC - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By WILLY - March 29 - 11:53 pm

  Just purchased; more room inside than I had imagined, needs hooks for jacket, and move mirror adjust -- a little cramped to get at. Four wheel drive is the easiest I have ever used; just finished using it this afternoon, no binding - easy steer - no fuss. V6 a very strong engine; plenty of power good torque. Too many controls on stalk. Many neat features; CD is great, radio could use some more watts (power output), six speaker system best I have heard in standard radios in a long time. Enough; still new to this Jeep but like it very much, will rate after owning it for awhile.

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  Cant understand the negative reviews!! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By RS - March 28 - 10:38 am

  As a rental car, I had a Jeep Patriot Sport with power windows and AC while my other car was in the shop and I fell in LOVE with it. Warm and comfortable with a solid feel and GREAT visibility. When I got my car back I drove to a jeep dealership and looked into owning one. I ended up with a 2016 Jeep Patriot High Altitude with leather seats, AC, 4WD, 2.4L 6 speed automatic, Navigation, Uconnect system, Sirius satellite radio, back-up camera, seat heaters and cargo cover in a beautiful deep cherry red with dark gray interior. Mine actually has 2 USB ports. One is in the glove box as another reviewer pointed out, but the other is right on the front of the radio itself. It also has an outlet in the center console that is easily accessible. It is a beautiful car with a much higher end feel than you would think for an SUV. The sound system in mine is great also. I have been paying attention to gas mileage and it is actually doing better than my 1.4L w/Turbo that I traded in. Maybe it has a larger tank, but my fuel costs have not increased with this car. It has everything I need/want and skips the overwhelming extras. I am not the person who needs to download the latest Android apps onto my car. This car does speak to a certain personality type I think. It is stylish and well equipped and no-nonsense. It doesnt have the Turbo feature or blind spot detection, but you dont feel like you need it because the visibility is excellent all around. I personally love the look of it - reminiscent of the older Jeeps. I hear that the Compass is essentially the same car with a different exterior - I preferred the Patriot myself. I also heard this will be that last year of production (2017) for the Patriot. Will be sad to see it go. I look forward to getting behind the wheel everyday, which is so important when most of us live our lives depending on our cars.

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  My First Non-Honda - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Doc - March 28 - 3:10 am

  We have owned at least one Honda in our family since 1978. When it came time to buy an S.U.V., we naturally looked at Element and CR-V. We also looked at Jeep Liberty. Friends are amazed that my steadfast consumer loyalty was upended by a Non-Honda. We are finding the Jeep Liberty to be fun to drive, a tough performer, and of course one of the cutest vehicles on the road. 6 CD changer, Infinity speakers, moon-roof, Command-Trac. Options all well worth it. I only wish I had gone with the upgraded wheels. Not as economical on gas as Honda, but hey...what price beauty?

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  Outstanding car - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Blake Etem - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1993 in California. I drove it all over the southwest. We moved to FL in 1996, driving the Jeep across the US loaded down with bikes, bags, pets, kids, etc. - then we drove it all over the southeast until we moved to Italy in 2000. The car has never left us stranded or really given us any problems at all. It has 135000 miles on it now and we are hesitant to sell it even though we just bought a new VW Passat - we just love this Jeep so much. It is fun to drive, realiable and a very practical car for kids, pets and all terrain and weather.

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  First Jeep! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nodj - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I would never have shown up for this unless my Dad had bought a 300 and had a great experience. Well, yes the front discs have been replaced - no problem. I hit an 8 point buck with it when it was 2 months old - 7k damage but it did not even spill my coffee. Repairs by dealership were absolutely to as new. I love the motor sound of the V8. The stereo makes supurb music. The gas mileage is +2 over a V6 Explorer. All features are well thought out and work!! I have towed and it is immpecable towing. I live in bad weather and it is unfaltering in snow and ice.

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  Good SUV, but ageing fast - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alexRohner - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The GJC has an extremely nice styling and is still the best looking SUV out there. The engine is powerful and responsive. Gas mileage isnt great, but not excessive compared to other SUVs. Reliability is high (that might be because they assemble the European versions in Austria), I have not experienced one single problem in 3 years. Inside is prctical, nice, though not exciting. Road holding qualities are below par even though one can reach quite high cornering speeds. There is too much body roll! European SUVs (VW, BMW) are at least one generation ahead in this respect.