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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By devilinblue - April 29 - 1:03 am

  I got this car because I wanted to go off roading, and found that it runs great on the road as well. I have stopped using my primary vehicle (05 Trailblazer) for long trips in winter weather.

• 

  a predicatable 4 Cylinder Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Matt K - April 26 - 8:00 pm

  Overall a very nice car. I enjoy driving it around places and it is very rugged. Gone over some medians in some midnight runs and it handles them like a jeep should. (haha) Gas mileage is around 19MPG for me in the city with the AC always on frozen. I really hate the small 13.5 gallon tank for gas, the Honda CRVs tank is 2 gallons bigger! The CVT makes some noise during hard acceleration but overall fairly quiet. The car pulls pretty well around 4K RPMs (torque curve). I dont drive like a grandma which could also point to the less than standard gas mileage.

• 

  2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 75th Anniversary v6 - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By James Gardner - April 26 - 8:56 am

  I set up test drives for both the Jeep and a Mazda CX-5 for the same day. My fiance and I drove the Mazda and we both really liked it. We went into it with a Mazda bias, and were only testing the Jeep to say we compared the Mazda to something. We finished the test drive and absolutely fell in love with this car. Im 66" and am coming from a 2003 Kia Spectra, so this Jeep is a huge step up for me. The particular Cherokee we got is a 4x4 Limited 75th Anniversary Edition with the optional V6 engine and a moonroof. I wasnt sure the V6 was necessary, but Im so glad I got it, because it is an absolute blast to drive. The fuel economy isnt the greatest thing in the world, but we went in knowing that. Im also new to the area, so when we have a little extra money, were going to spring for the Navigation system. I have only owned this Jeep for about a month now, but I dont have a bad thing to say other than the gas mileage isnt that great. But considering thats because Im accelerating around people with a V6 all the time, I cant complain too much. Love this car!!!

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Mark - April 24 - 5:52 pm

  I bought my jeep one year ago and put 12000 Miles on it. I was looking for a 4x4 vehicle under $20,000, the jeep patriot was the only new 4wd or awd vehicle I could find. With automatic and air I paid 19K out the door. I live in northern California and dive on dirt roads and in the snow. The jeep has excellent road feel for off road not the feel of a car made for the road with awd. I see the pro reviewers give the patriot low to average score but compare it to a cars that cost 10k more. I give the patriot 5 stars because it just gives the most bang for the buck, sure an awd car that cost 5K more has extra comfort on the road but the Patriot has adequate road comfort and is far superior off road. I have had no problems with the Patriot and my only complaint is the gas tank could be larger. I average about 21mpg and get 26mpg on long trips. If you drive an SUV in a big city the patriot is easy to park in small spaces and has an outstanding turn radius.

• 

  The Best Grand Cherokee ever? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ray - April 24 - 8:16 am

  Jeep really knocked one out with this Grand Cherokee. Every aspect of this Jeep is notches above the model it replaces. Most impressive is the trucks ride and handling. Smoother and less body roll. Makes you believe youre driving something alot more expensive.

• 

  LOVIN IT! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By RMICHELLEB - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Jeep and so does my 3 year old son, her name is Libby. We have driven a lot of highway miles and even though the gas mileage is only about 17 mpg, its a fun trip and we dont want to get out.

• 

  New Jeep is nice - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bcat - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really like the towing power on the weekends and the sporty feel driving to and from work every day. The size of this SUV makes parking and backing up easier than the bigger trucks. Like my last Jeep, I can tell that when the newness wears off Ill still have a tough and rugged vehical.

• 

  2012 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Auto - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By tj65 - April 22 - 4:11 pm

  I took delivery of my new 2012 4 door Sahara Automatic about 3 weeks ago. I have about 1000 miles on it and the vehicle is fantastic. Jeep has really done a great job with this car. It is quiet, smooth riding and responsive. The new 6 cyl is the best thing Jeep could have done for this vehicle. I have had 2 jeeps previously (98 and 07) and this one is by far the best put together Wrangler. My mileage is about what the sticker says----16 city and 20 mpg on the highway. My advice to anyone who reads this review is test drive the vehicle youself. Most of the reviews by the so called experts give the Wrangler a BAD rap. Try it yourself and ignore the so called experts!!!

• 

  jeep is good! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By chipper - April 22 - 2:03 pm

  Once upon a time, I was anti-SUV. I drove cars (sport, muscle, compact) & borrowed trucks. No more! I LOVE this Jeep - I decided I wouldnt buy it unless I did. I researched many cars, trucks & SUVs - this one won me over before I even drove it. The drive sold me - the manual tranny & the car-based chassis help it to handle like a sports car (vroom!), but with great gas mileage. Im more confident in the snow, can see better in the dark, & have plenty of room for myself, my dogs, whatever. Ive had fun seeing what I can haul; I even transported two giant spotlights & other equipment with ease. It looks great & I like the plain-jane interior...its a Jeep! Happily ever so far! :)

• 

  Good Vehicle - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pat DOnahoe - April 22 - 6:13 am

  Greatly prefer the Cherokee to the Blazer.