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 small family vehicle - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By ek900 - October 22 - 11:08 am

  The birth of our son got the clock ticking on my wifes Mini Cooper, and about a month ago, we traded it on a Jeep Compass Sport (FWD, 5spd., 2.4L engine). While the Jeep was a great value, it really compares well to similarly-sized SUVs (Ford Escape, Subaru Forrester). It isnt a performance vehicle, but some of its features are really well thought out. The rear cargo light/flashlight has already come in handy, and the two-level storage in the armrest is very nice. It also also has done very well with gas. Weve averaged over 26 mpg for the first 2,000 miles, better than we expected. This little Jeep is not the most refined car weve ever owned, but it is an impressive package.

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  Best kept secret out there for an SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jim wilson - October 21 - 4:36 pm

  Everyone is abandoning SUVs because of the bad MPG and costs overall to purchase. So, I figured I would see if there was a "steal" out there in the mass exodus/hype to leave SUVs. And, I found one. I got my Patriot (a complete base model that now in 2008 at least has AC standard) for $12,400 after rebates, incentives and military discount. Just drove it 220 miles across parts of Carolina and got 33 MPG highway going 65 mph. Its manual transmission, which is fine with me. Windows, locks are manual -- again, OK with me. The best thing is the larger engine (4.2) gets better MPG with manual transmission The only complaint is that options add up FAST, which is why I kept it basic.

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  My Second Patriot - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By DJ Ambrose - October 20 - 7:24 am

  I just bought a 2016 Jeep Patriot Sport to replace my 2010 Patriot Sport that I totaled in an accident (my 1st in 37 years of driving) The 2010 held up surprisingly well in the accident and I was not injured; and since I was so happy with the 2010 overall, I decided to replace it with a new Patriot. I upgraded a little, going with the automatic 6-speed transmission, but other than that and the fact that the 2016 clearly has more ground clearance than did the 2010 (which I thought had poor ground clearance) It feels about the same driving and comfort wise. The bottom line with me though is that is that I was able to get BOTH the 2010, and the 2016 for under 20k dollars. And these days, a 4WD vehicle at that price is pretty rare. If the new one is anything like the old one - which only had one minor warranty-covered repair in six years of ownership - I may wind up writing another review someday when I buy what will then be my third Patriot

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  Couldnt be happier with our Trailhawk! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By hsoto - October 19 - 3:57 am

  I went to the dealership with the idea of buying the grand Cherokee. Next to it was the new Jeep Cherokee trailhawk, and I instantly fell in love. My wife wanted a car with personality, character, luxury and lots of technology. It has all of that and more. Weve already taken in offering with my JK to the Southern California desert and it performs incredibly. This car has Fiats interior design touch, which makes it all the better. We took a gamble buying a new model, but we have faith in the Cherokee brand and expect this car to be around for a long, long time. Id recommend it.

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  jeep liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jim - October 18 - 3:10 pm

  most uncomfortable suv on the market today, no power, seats are like seating on rocks, back seat awful, pwr window switches hard to locate at nite, can not dim instrument lites overall rating poor

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  2001 Grand Cherokee limited 2wd 4.7l - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jsn - October 17 - 2:26 am

  This could have been one of my favorite vehicles ever. With all the bells and whistles our limited is quite comfortable and the 4.7l v8 is strong in a midsize suv. Rear seats are cramped for adults but fine for children. Build quality is poor. Ive had $1600 of work to replace all the a/c blending doors. Ive also replaced driver and passenger window regulators as well as one tail light assembly and both headlights due to pitted lenses and driver seat heat element.

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  Death Wobble - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ron - October 15 - 9:40 pm

  I really enjoyed the Jeep for the first six months that I owned it but at approximately 12,800 miles, while driving down a freeway at roughly 65 mph I hit a small bump in the road and the entire front end of the vehicle started to shudder to the point that it was almost impossible to control. I took the vehicle to the dealership and after checking they advised that I had a leaking steering damper which was replaced under warranty. After doing a lot of research, I discovered that this is a condition commonly referred to as "Death Wobble" which appears to be a recurring problem with Wranglers. I dont feel that the vehicle is safe to operate and I will be getting rid of it.

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  Cherokees are not real Jeeps? - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Marco - October 15 - 12:16 am

  I loved my Cherokee of course it stunk on gas, but what did you expect? Its 4.0 w/ 8.25 rear axle, awd transmission, you know what that means? As close to flawless as Jeep or any other car company is going to get. It was perfect in size. The only real flaw was it had leaf springs. If you add a lift be prepared for a bad ride.

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  2007 Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rcb - October 14 - 11:50 pm

  Love the vehicle. Had the same issue with no power to the engine upon acceleration - u0404 code and one other. dealer replaced the suggested parts and works great. better mileage too!

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  3rd X a charm...hopefully: tran trouble - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mimi77 - October 14 - 3:46 pm

  In 2006 we bought an 05 Laredo (18K mi) because we needed a bigger car after having 2nd baby. I had to have it, always wanted a Jeep Cherokee. Not 10 months later transmission had to be rebuilt. 10 months later again, transmission had to be replaced. Both times under warranty, but I have a feeling work was already done, before we got it. 1 year later we are having same problem: leaking fluid and starting to shift hard, taking it in for third time in less than 3 years. Never ever buying a Jeep again, for that matter any Chrysler-Daimler make.