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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  9th Wrangler and counting - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By drdanobgyn - June 12 - 12:30 am

  Just got my 2013 Wrangler 4 days ago. Had a 2012 and it seems like a huge difference. Drove it to Wright Patterson and back this morning. All expressway and got 27.7 mpg. Thats 65 almost all the way. Driving 55 is better yet. Love the new seats. Much more cushioning. Got the Alpine stereo and its awesome. Plenty of room for me and the dog. Took the back seat out, so my next date has to ride in the back since the dog has the front.

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  I Made The Switch from Honda to Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Kenn - June 9 - 4:06 am

  So I had a 2003 Honda Element which was extremely reliable. It never died stalled or stuttered during its 4 years of service. I made the move to the Jeep Patriot because they were giving them away and my Honda was not attractive anymore. The interior had been trashed by me and my 5 year old. I am a Realtor so I do a ton of driving. I needed a car that was reliable and better on gas than the Honda. I read nothing but positive reviews from owners of the 2009 Jeep Patriot. I have driven mine for 2000 miles and I love it! It is a great car. It gets amazing gas mileage. It is spacious on the inside. The storage is just okay but the interior looks ago. I love the exterior style for this car.

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  do it in a jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By freddie - June 6 - 2:46 am

  First SUV owned and went with the best makers of off road vehicles. So far so good Im loving my Jeep.

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  Spectacular - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Krista - June 5 - 11:23 pm

  I purchase my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in 2005 I love it it has been very reliable I can not complain, only things that really needed to be done was normal maintenance brakes, alternator etc etc. The a/c died last summer but that is to be expected for an older vehicle with over 280000 kms. I am 4 Jeep all the way!!!

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  Outstanding Automobile - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By peckl - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I only had 3 days to buy a car after my 1997 GrCherLtd was wrecked. This 1998 5.9 bought with 19,000 miles proved to be an outstanding purchase: condition, sound system, and appearance. Bonding with this car has been strong and quick. I modified it with front tow hook mounted trailer ball for moving all sized aircraft in and out of hangars and glider trailers, and oxygen carts. Wonderful automobile.

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  A Great Friend - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By SANABU - June 4 - 6:10 am

  I have had my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport since brand new. I am very impressed with its reliability. Always starts and it never fails. It is fun to drive but a bit painful as you feel the road. The quality of the workmanship on this SUV is excellent. Impressive. My Jeep has 170,000 miles and it still feels good to drive. I am ready for a new car and the Jeep goes to my 16 year old daughter. I trust this small truck enough that I am giving it to my daughter. No complaints from me.

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By scarletbegonia - June 3 - 1:30 am

  I bought mine back in May 2007, and have driven it all over the country since! I absolutely LOVE it! My only complaint is there is not a lot of "get up and go" power.

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  Imma - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ed - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  Maneuverable for a big vehicle, easy to drive in stop and go traffic and most of all very relaxing to drive in road trips. If fuel consumption improves it will be the perfect midsize suv. Friends told me its a handsome piece of art.

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  Good SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Mc - May 31 - 10:00 am

  This is One High Quality SUV

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  Second Jeep Patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By sonipsok1 - May 30 - 5:35 pm

  My first Jeep Patriot was a 2007, 2.4L Sport. I thought it was great compared to its replacement, a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. After a few years, no longer impressed with its ride. No problems anywhere else. Once the redesign came out for 2011, I had to go see it. The ride is so much better! The 2007 is like riding in a truck where the 2011 is like driving in a car that handles well, quite, and great features! I bought the Latitude with the 2.0L engine for 20K. I have 21K miles on it now after 1 year, and Im still impressed with the comfort and value and quality of this Jeep.