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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  First Jeep owned - recommended by my son. - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David Dorsey - November 28 - 6:33 pm

  Averaging 21 mpg on highway -- very pleased with that. Our Jeep is very easy to slip into -- not like other SUVs we looked at. We dont need running boards or a ladder to get in to our Jeep. Ride is perfectly acceptable -- quite smooth in fact. Heated seats do not cycle on and off in the heat mode -- steady warmth -- nice here in Wisconsin. Killer stereo system! We were very happy to find ours with every option imaginable expect for a sunroof which we did not want anyway.

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  Jeep recommendations for improvement - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By cindy reed - November 27 - 3:13 pm

  Love the style, ease of handling, value for money. Diesel fuel could be cheaper and Im not sure we are getting the fuel efficiency advertised. We only get about 420 miles per tank as of now. I believe the advertised 500 miles per tank is misleading.

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  Practical and fun jeep - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Andy - November 27 - 7:36 am

  This is a great jeep product. I have manual transmission, 4X4 FDI drive model. It drives great, engine is very responsive (manual transmission), 4X4 is great just like i would expect from jeep. Hwy fuel economy is 29-30 and in town 23-25, of course it will be different for automatic. freedom drive I an Awd/4wd drive system which detects traction loss under normal driving conditions and transfers torque to where it is needed and 4wd system is 50-50 system for light offroading , if you are a serious off-roader then consider FDII or even better wrangler.

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  My Liberty Rocked! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Racheal - November 26 - 6:43 am

  I bought my 2003 Jeep Liberty, because it was cute, inexpensive, and had plenty of power. I disliked the gas mileage, I expected better mileage out of such a small SUV. I never had any mechanical problems out of it. Easter Sunday 2008 my 9 year old and I were hit on the driver side, we flipped and slid upside down for 75 yards. I fell in love with my Liberty when we both walked away without a scratch! The adjuster came out to see my Jeep and was amazed with how well the Jeeps top stood up to the wreck!

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  Room for 5... - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - November 25 - 4:23 am

  The little lady always wanted a Wrangler, but it just wasnt practical with the old design. With the 4 doors and 3 seats across the back it now works for a family of 5 (small kids 12 and under). The middle seat has a shoulder harness as well. I was amazed at the cargo area in the rear... almost as much as a minivan.

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  Love my new Laredo - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vickylpt - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have put almost 5000 miles on this new jeep and I love it!!! I had a 2000 Cherokee Sport that I thought rode like a wagon, but this GRAND LAREDO is a very nice, smooth ride. My mom has a Trailblazer and I like my Jeep FAR, FAR better!

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  TJ-8 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By eatjeep - November 23 - 6:06 pm

  Room for a weekend trip without a top rack, cant wait for the aftermarket to catch up. Removable rear seat is a snap. I wish the hard top was easier to take off (heavy). Im hooked, and Im keeping this baby.

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  Love it - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Guillermo - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  I just bought my jeep patriot with the C.A.R.S. incentive and the 3500 rebate from the dealer. I had it for 12000 and I cant be happier. It feels very young and fresh. Its exactly was I was looking for. I have the black exterior color with tan color interior. DRIVING IT CANT BE MORE FUN. If you are looking for a small SUV with a sporty design and roomy interior this is the car for you. Mine has a soonroof and power locks and windows. Even my friends that has Hondas and Nissans are very impressed with my car. The seats are very comfortable and the distance between you and the steering wheel and the instruments is perfect. I wish my English was better to tell all the joy that this car gives

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  Compass steers you the right way - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By glenn - November 19 - 5:53 pm

  Fun drive, easy to steer, nice handling, very quiet. Transmission something to get used to. Great vehicle for the money.

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  Really Impressed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Michael - November 14 - 1:56 pm

  Looked at just about everything else in its class. The Commander just seemed like the best deal at the time. So far I am really impressed with the Hemi. H3 and BMW and Lexus had nowhere near the options that our Limited came with at even a $12K difference. We are truly in love with the versatility and comfort.