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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  Love mine - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Shane - September 8 - 6:29 am

  Love the handling

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  120,000 miles going for 200,000 miles - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve abraham - September 7 - 11:04 pm

  I have a gray 2006 Jeep and I love it. I have put it through a hard life, driving upstate, and in NYC, in the worst weather and in blistering heat. This Jeep always performd well and is still a very comfortable ride. I had several repair issues, but after 100,000 miles they are expected. new radiator, battery, starter, all standard stuff. The engine is strong, tranny is tight. Darn oxygen sensors have to be changed and they are costly, but it is better than having old carburators. I love my steel colored jeep and I hope to make another review here at 200,000 miles. ps I bought this off lease at two years old, with 18,000 miles, for about $18,000.00

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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By tr1741 - September 7 - 7:49 pm

  For the money, I just donÂ’t think anything can compete with the new 2011 Patriot. I purchased a sport 2WD model with the 2.4l upgrade and power package with a manual 5spd for under $18 grand. Now I understand that I am not going to be off-roading or rock crawling with this vehicle, but as a very nice small hauler and weekend fun machine it fits the bill perfectly. Now I would definitely recommend the manual, because the CVT transmissions really suck the fun out of the vehicle. However the 5spd with the 2.4l is peppy and can easily handle highway merges and quick maneuvers. The vehicle feels competent at speed and never seems to want for power even when overtaking.

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  Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ken H - September 7 - 6:06 pm

  This Jeep rocks! It handles the rough roads in and around New Orleans as easily as smooth Interstates. Comfy interior, quality design and materials, great fit and finish, smooth quiet ride and V8 Hemi power with a classic Jeep look. Too many features to praise including the auto a/c, which took a bit to understand, but now absolutely love it! The regular gas does help mitigate the v8s thirst, but the Jeep is so fun to drive I dont even worry about the gas. Such a quality ride. Keep placing the design and quality of this Jeep into all of your Chrysler , Dodge and Jeep products and I think youll have no problems selling vehicles.

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  Jeep Got it Right - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew - September 7 - 8:00 am

  My 2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited 5.7L with chrome rims, back-up sensors, back seat entertainment, satellite radio and 7500 lb. tow package has proven to be great fun to drive, comfortable for my passengers, and eye catching. The separate climate controls with duel infrared sensor works very well creating two separate environment. The MDS 5.7L engine mileage is 13 to 19mpg with smooth power delivery to all four tires. The tire pressure monitors (also in the spare) is comforting because Jeep displays the pressure for each tire right on the instrument panel. Jeep has integrated Bluetooth, CD, DVD, Sat Radio, and GPS on a single intranet bus. The IgKey is a small computer. It is my work horse.

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  Great Little 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Sara - September 6 - 8:03 am

  I brought the Patriot home about 2 weeks ago. Came off a Grand Cherokee and a Cherokee Sport before that. The ride is smooth and gas mileage has been what I hoped for so far 28-29 mpg with 5 speed manual transmission. Seems like it is going to be a great little 4x4. Jeep makes a solid product.

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  Love the Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By taz - September 4 - 11:43 pm

  I just got a 2007 Compass and just love it. My husband saw it, drove it and within 3 hours bought it for me. I just love the room in it and it drive great. My husband is 65 and has lots of room in it. I am going to enjoy my new vehicle.

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  OUTSTANDING Built Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Klementovich - September 4 - 9:26 am

  I never thought I would buy American again after a wonderful run with my 95 Toyota Corolla with over 200,000 on it and still running strong...i needed a stronger motor to pull a motorcycle trailer and I test drove a X-3 BMW and a honda C-RV and this Compass blew them both away. The most outstanding thing about this vehicle is the way it handles...IT handles like a sports car!!!!!!!!!! No Kidding. Tight package. Comfortable seats...and an EXTREMELY quiet ride even at 70-80mph!!!!! I also work on my own cars and plugs and oil must be easy for me to get to and this engine is laid out simply and very clean design...Pulls my trailer with my 650 dirt bike with ease. FANTASTIC

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  I love my jeep :) - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By amd8153 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Before buying my jeep I was a bit skeptical as to how reliable the jeep was because of everyones complaints and reviews. I got mine used and have had no problems with it. The car rides and looks great. Its fun to drive and my leather seats are extremely comfortable. The infinity stereo system is like no other. I love the radio controls on the steering wheel, the huge cargo space, and the sunroof. I would recommend getting this car fully loaded with all the neat gadgets. My recommendation for people looking at jeeps is to test drive one before you base your decision on the other unfortunate horror stories

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  This vehicle is GREAT!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By cani - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great. The ride is great, layout and controls are great, especially the radio controls on back of steering wheel. No problems with vehicle--has 16,000+ miles. This is my first Jeep--went from Pathfinder LE to this and love it! Go USA!