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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  better than rav-4 & crv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Pam in LA - August 21 - 5:33 am

  My first time writing a review, but had to let everyone know how well the Jeep Patriot drives. I had mine almost two years and havent had one issue to repair or replace. Love the plastic interior as I have two big dogs. Seats are comfortable and easily cleaned. The performance is great. I do a lot of city driving and still average 24 mpg. I couldnt beat the price of less than $13,000! Well done Jeep. With the money I saved not buying a Rav-4 or CRV, I had a great cross country trip in my Patriot.

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  2014 Jeep GC Overland DIESEL - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 14gcdiesel - August 20 - 9:30 pm

  Just traded my 2008 Mercedes GL 320 CDI for this GC Overland Diesel. Wow, what an awesome job Jeep has done with this engine and transmission. I cannot believe how impressed I am with the ride quitness, the engine, and transmission. The ride is much better than my Mercedes. The fit/finish and drivetrain puts my wifes 2012 GMC Acadia to shame! I am hard to impress when it comes to cars. I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, Hondas, Acuras, Volvos, and GMCs, but this diesel Jeep GC is by far my most favorite. (Edmunds did not have the diesel GC model available for review, thus the reason for chosing the V6 option)

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  Too many miles too soon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Hairyt - August 19 - 12:36 am

  Driven 52K since purchase and havent had any problems. Still no tune up, same tires, and no real squeaks or noises. Surprisingly sturdy vehicle, will likely get another.

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  Fun to Drive ....Soldier Toy Car - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Edwin Ramos - August 18 - 10:26 pm

  After been deploy in many locations. I look for a vehicle that was reliable and fun to drive and that vehicle was the JEEP WRANGLER with 2S pack 4X4. The vehicle can climb anything and do anything.I just love it and cant wait until summer comes so i can put the top down. I learn how to drive standard in a Army 1/4 ton JEEP back in 1989. We just have a relationship that have make me fall in love with this icon .

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  Great car - on or off road! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jjddkk - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great family car for a very active family. My kids are now teanagers and we bought this car to replace the minivan. We take it off road camping, drive in deep snow, rain, and have driven accross the country. I still like it five years later! Very little has gone wrong with it. Electric lock on the back hatch failed and weatherstripping on one door came loose. Its a heavy car, so breaks dont last as long as on a sedan. The 6 cyl. has all the power you need. The interior is a little tight for four people with gear on trips, but so much of the driving happens around town I couldnt see buying a larger SUV with a V8.

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  one year later - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rog4kneer - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep now over one year old is running well with no mechanical problems. Find the interior way to small. I tend to get cramped on long trips. Came from a Dodge Durango and wish I had that type of space. Ride a little rough, but handles well. NO regrets, and would happily recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Dangerous on Highway - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By jtthrew - August 17 - 4:39 am

  We had purchase our Jeep Compass Latitude 6 weeks ago. While driving on the freeway there was a loud explosion type sound and then the front drivers side collapsed. Luckily my son was able to safely get to the center divide and stop only to find that the entire front drivers wheel had completely snapped off leaving only the center part of the hub cap bolted on and the rotar filed down. The Highway patrol officer and tow truck drivers had never seen anything like it. However, the dealership is trying to tell us that we must of hit a curb to cause a blowout. How does a blowout cause the entire wheel to rip off of a car? Others are telling us its a possible design defect. BEWARE!

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  Loved it, but too many problems - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By formerjeeper - August 16 - 4:16 pm

  I was really hoping to keep my Rubicon for a long time, but it just had too many problems for only 40k miles. A couple of recalls, ball joints, gasket leaks, power module gone, and on and on. Also, the radio was toast towards the end. Finally, the body was starting to show rust spots, lots of them. Come on. Cars dont really rust anymore.. I enjoyed driving it, and it was great in the snow, but the quality control issues killed all of the fun stuff for me. I just traded it in for a new SUV, as my warranty was off, and I need something much more reliable. This could however, make a great second car.

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  "Salt Life Baby" its a jeep - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By allaboutink - August 15 - 11:43 pm

  Well I have had this for a few months now and was able to take it off road, this is by far the best jeep I have driving. I had a 2002 X series before this Rubicon and it is a night and day difference. The Rubicon is by far the best off road vehicle for a stock off the lot s.u.v. there is no comparison. I was able to go through every place and it did not even act like it was off road. This truck is a beast for sure. It is not a city vehicle if your looking for gas mileage by a hybrid cause you are not passing many stations with this vehicle, but I dont care I love it. I wanted a jeep for the off road not gas mileage.

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  Best Small SUV - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By FirstJeep - August 15 - 9:13 am

  This is the BEST small 4X4 SUV around. With its pure Jeep look to the new interior for 2009. It has CHARACTER compare to the others, but this SUV have to be driven to understand why it is better than its competitors. It handles well in city & highway driving. With its 4x4, traction control, EBD, Hill decent control, & Electronic Roll Mitigation, you can be safe in any driving situation If you are looking for a small 4x4, take a test drive, compare it to CRVs, RAV4s & others; sure you will be sold on the Patriot.