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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  Its a Jeep !! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By giuma - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The strong points are: lots of power, comfortable and stable ride, great looks, and obviously a great offroader. The weak points are: a gas guzzler, regardless of the fact that it is a 4wd, noisy, a poor sound system, low quality plastic & trim, and weak headlights (yes I adjusted them). For the money, its probably still a bargain. But if you consider the money you could save on gas, especially if youre going to commute, maybe there are other vehicles out there that are a better buy.

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  First 90 days, and countingÂ… - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bobh - March 27 - 10:00 am

  No problems yet. Only concern is smallish cockpit area. Fuel economy is not great and the tank is so much smaller than my Grand Cherokee was I am at the gas Station too often.I was concerned with cargo space but it is actually larger than it looks. Exterior tire is attracting vandals (punctured tire cover in the first two weeks!). Lack of cross rails on the roof was suprising, just another way to get more money out of us!! Engine is a little loud but at least it sounds good.

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  Third Jeep...best one yet - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric - March 26 - 11:23 pm

  I have leased or bought three Jeeps in my life \time. The Overland edition is classy with very clean lines. The Hemi engine fits my need to flex my muscle to a tee.

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  Stay clear - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pittsburgh driver - March 26 - 11:20 am

  I unloaded my 05 limited, it had all the options and was my dream vehicle. I bought it at one year old to save a few bucks. Im sorry i ever traded my 2000 Cherokee for it. In the two years I owned it it leaked from the sunroof badly, blew a rear seal and had to replace the rear. Had two computer modules go. If your having weird things go on it is usually one of the modules. Everything was replaced under warranty and seemingly fixed but the luster had worn off because of the poor quality and I sold it as soon as the warranty expired. If i had to pay for the repairs myself it would have cost over $3,000. Jeep and Chrysler is off my list to buy for good. Only had 37,000 miles, what a shame.

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  My lil Black Demon!!! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Krystle - March 26 - 8:20 am

  The Patriot: it looks like a Jeep, but feels like your in a car thats a little higher. Ive had my Jeep for a little less than a year! I personally think city/street driving is not its best feature, but its so minor, who really cares. You have to get used to it. Thats a Jeep for you! When I first bought my Jeep, no one had it, now everyday I see at least 3 of them on the road! I have a traveling job, I am always on the road. The gas mileage is ok, not that great, but its good for your average SUV/truck. I get an average of 21-24 miles for highway. The driving when its windy is pretty nerve wrecking, the Jeep seems to get pushed with the wind, especially driving on a bridge.

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  love my Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By s. anderson - March 25 - 9:10 pm

  This is the 3rd Jeep Ive owned in the past 20 years, and while the Laredo was my favorite when I was younger, Ive got to say there comes a point when all the bell and whistles are nice to have! I know Jeeps, and I know they need preventative care, Having said that, regular maintenance is not a problem. If you are looking for a quality vehicle, safe, roomy and enjoyable to drive to that cabin in the woods, or skiing, you cant go wrong with the Orvis. Watch out for ignition switch wear, I have learned to have them pulled and replaced at 100k, wear on this can cause automatic shut-down on the vehicle.

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  Love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Love my Jeep! - March 25 - 6:33 am

  I love my Patriot, no regrets! It has almost been a year (bought in July 07) and 17,000+ miles. Reasonably priced, great gas mileage, room for my dogs, & fun to drive were major factors in buying a new vehicle. I commute about 60 miles round trip to work doing both city and highway driving. Averaging 24-27 mpg (depending how much foot I put into it!). Not nervous about zipping in and out of traffic. WeÂ’ve taken it on several road trips, very comfortable & SIRIUS radio is great! Recommend to anyone looking for reliable, great gas mileage, roomy/comfortable, fun to drive, room to haul stuff (with the back seats down), & eye catching compact SUV that get compliments!

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  huge mistake! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By bridges114 - March 25 - 5:07 am

  I purchased a 2008 jeep patriot in 2012 and ever since I have had issues. Ive had to replace the battery, alternator, plugs(which isnt a huge deal i understand that happens) but now my transmission has went out!!! Its completely ridiculous. I dont have 2000 plus labor to fix it so I am now screwed. I have no idea how Im gonna get my kids to school, Dr appointments or me to work. I will never but anything made by Chrysler again nor do I reccomend it.

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  Price was right - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rjb214psu - March 23 - 9:03 pm

  Great all around SUV. Bought the LAREDO 4wd w/5.7L Hemi, NAV, Quad-II, etc. All the options other than the Limited features. Boutt he vehicle during snomageddon on the east coast due to our lease being up on 2007 Grand Cherokee. 8,000 in rebates was hard to pass up and I am glad we did not. Great all around vehicle with so many options and very little cost due to the rebates.

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  Suprising - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colleen - March 23 - 3:56 pm

  I cant believe my jeep has 180K and still runs like new. I have not had one single mechanical issue with it. Oil changes faithfully every 5K, occasional engine tune up and some new brakes 50K back is all Ive ever done for maintenance. Am I just lucky or is this actually a decently made US vehicle?