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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  Just a kittle more power please - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Daved - December 6 - 2:13 am

  I planned on buying a base Wrangler X and tricking it out myself. My wife talked me out of it a said to get a 2dr Sahara. Thankfully I listened to her. The convenience features are great. The ride is good and the quality is among the best vehicles Ive owned. The freedom top is easy to use. I had the Dual Top Group and have no intention of using the soft top. I sold the soft top to purchase a Banks Cold Air Intake and Cat-back Exhaust. Hopefully, this will add some much needed power. I would buy another one in a heartbeat and recommend it to anyone that is looking to add some fun to their daily drive. I had no idea this much fun could be had on four wheels.

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  Love my Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jo4Lola - December 5 - 9:26 am

  I bought my Liberty when they first came out. I was two weeks shy of getting the 100,000 warranty which really irked me. I love to drive my Liberty. Its great for one or two passengers, but would be too small in the back seat for a larger family. The lack of legroom in the back is my only real issue, but that allows for a lot of cargo room in a relatively small SUV. I have had no significant problems except for two: My radio dies and replacement tires are too expensive!

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  Val misses the old style - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Val - December 3 - 4:26 pm

  I have a 94 Wrangler and LOVE IT; wont part with it, still runs and looks great 160,000+ miles on it. I recently purchased a 2004 because everyone said the 94 was getting too old. I still drive my 94 everyday. Im finding it hard to get use to the new style. I really miss the old interior spread out simple dash; the old style soft top and its Jeep Thunder sound (much easier to use) ; the square headlights and bounce of the leaf springs. The newer style Jeeps just dont have that rugged look and feel about them. They remind me of that junk box Geo Traker that people use to refer to as a Jeep, except for us faithful Jeep drivers. Go back to the more rugged apprearance inside and out,less yeepie.

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  Liberty CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD - December 3 - 1:53 pm

  My CRD is a blast to drive and gets good mileage. Just took it in for the first oil change, that was a bit of a shock ($90). The A/C works great. My wife claims to hate the diesel clacking under the hood, but I cant keep her out of it. Fuel economy is good, between 24 and 26 MPG with 4000 miles on it. It is maneuverable and easy to park. Havent towed anything yet but I am sure I will have no problem when I do. It has lots of torque.

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  Still tight and dependable at 133,000 - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gregg S. - December 1 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car at the end of 04 with 45k mi for 13 Gs, It is a loaded 4.0L/2WD Laredo. Front speakers were blown, no problem just fade to back, still sounds great and is still like that today. Had a couple of cooling system problems the first year, but the 1st shop didnt fix it right so it should have only been one...$300. Bad coil pack and heater hoses in year 2...$540. Oil changes, tires and brakes years 3 4 5...all maintenance so it doesnt count. The only other cost is window regulators, which to me is maint. too since Ive never had a car where they didnt fail. So $840 in repairs over 5 years...I feel blessed! No rattles, suspension is tight, engine strong, paid off...love it!!!

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  Fun Utility Vehicle! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By 4X4-Roxy - November 30 - 2:56 pm

  We bought our Patriot with the help of Cash for Clunkers and an additional incentive offered by the manufacturer. We jumped on the deal the day the program started and am surprised at happy I am with it. Its quiet, comfortable, good all-season driver, and is great for taking our great dane places. Our other vehicle is a performance car and makes this one feel sluggish nor is it quite as fun to drive. But, its not designed for speed. However, we have no problem driving in the hilly northwest, we dont have to floor it to go uphill.

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  30mpg SUV!!!!!!! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By jas - November 29 - 11:33 pm

  I love it. I have had my Patriot for over a year now. Almost 40k on it. Original brakes w/ lots of life left. I have the manual tranny. Did not like the cvt-the engine screams uphills. The manual is easy to control and for a 4 cylinder has plenty of paower. I haul a trailer often w/ a tractor or 4 wheeler and live in the mountains of western md. I cant believe it gets 25mpgs average. Almost always 29mpg on trips!!!! Like the other review said, the seats could be a lttle more beefy.

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  Love my jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By mugsy44875 - November 29 - 4:29 pm

  I have to say i love my jeep and am keeping it till it falls apart. I have owned a 2005 bought used in 2005 with only 5000 miles on it and now has 56000 miles. I usually only do city driving. It wonderful in the snow. The biggest downfall is the mpg. Horrible! That would be the only reason not to buy one. Fun car to drive and small/compact. No major problems at all.

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  Great off road but lacks Fuel economy - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sanders - November 28 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this Jeep in July of 2007 used it only had 48,000 miles and it now has 62,000. At first I was in love with this vehicle being able to just put back the top on sunny days. But then after a few trips with some Jeep clubs, I realized off roading is not good if it is your daily driver.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By astrak1001 - November 28 - 10:28 am

  Ive had my Jeep GC LMTD V8 since 2003. I purchased the vehicle with 79,000 miles and am now turning 200,000 miles with only limited repairs. I have had to replace the transmission once, the alternator once and the power window motor on the front passenger side once. All of these repairs were performed at around 150,000 miles. My Jeep has been all around the country and most recently from AZ to NE and has never broken down. I have had the brake problems, but this was remedied by a competent mechanic in Mesa AZ. Overall I would say this is one of the most reliable, toughest vehicles I have ever owned. I would definitely purchase another one.