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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  Been a great SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By George - March 19 - 3:10 am

  Been very reliable. Had one warranty claim. Gas mileage has been good for its size average 18 city, 22 hwy. Mine is v-6 2wd so it will be the the best of all of the models. Has 45,000 miles now. not a squeak or rattle. Just as tight as the day I bought it.

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  Do yourself a favor and DO NOT BUY a Jeep Patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By B Means - March 18 - 9:20 pm

  I usually buy cars/SUVs/pickups and drive them into until the wheels fall off. I like having at least 2 years without a car payment to really get my moneys worth. I bought my Jeep Patriot with 15,000 miles on it and ran well for a year. From then on it has been mechanically unreliable. When I began having trouble with it, I looked up problems and found many other owners of Jeep Patriots with the same issues I was having. We live out away from any large city, so we drive a lot of highway miles. Very little stop and go traffic. COMMON MECHANICAL ISSUES: 1) Alternator will break down at 90K to 95K 2) Transmission will start to overheat (thats right, I said Transmission) at around 45K. Talking to the Jeep/Chrysler mechanics, the recommended transmission service for the Jeep Patriot is every 30k. To service a Jeep Patriot transmission, the mechanic has to drop the transmission. There are no drain plugs and no transmission dip sticks. INSANE! 3) Even if you do your transmission service every 30K, it makes a whining sound when it gets over 45K. Fortunately I was under warranty when my transmission went out and got a new one. The new one still whines. By the way, the transmission went out while I was away on work and my wife and two kids were driving. 4) To change any of the front lights, you have to remove the wheels on the front. Then remove the wheel well covers. Even then, it is a tight fit for medium hands. 5) To get to any moving part in the engine you have to have a lift and have professional tools to work on it. Pros 1) Cost of the vehicle 2) The sound system is very good. You can listen to great music quality while you are broke down on the side of the road waiting for a wrecker.

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  Worst buy ever - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By mandalore04 - March 17 - 5:44 pm

  I traded in a great subaru for this vehicle (used) for a larger vehicle for my son and I. I had the vehicle less than 30 days and the electronics completely failed costing $600 in repairs. I still have issues after the repairs with the electrical aspect. The passenger side front and driver side rear window regulators have broken and I have had this vehicle for 3 months. Looking to trade it off for something else if Im able to. I like the vehicle but Im not happy with the quantity and price of all the repairs. I will never recommend another Jeep or Chrysler product to anyone, let alone by one myself.

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  The perfect ride! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Kevin Bharne - March 17 - 7:23 am

  Out of searching for a good SUV, this one is perfect. I got the D package, because I hate power windows, and remotes, so it saved money. It has 4x4 with the Freedom Drive I CVT2. I bought it for road driving, but got 4wd in case I need to go off-road for something, and for snow and heavy rain. So far, it has been great. It handles very well, and now that Im getting used to the CVT, has great acceleration. You can really feel the AWD help in daily driving, and the 4wd locking lever is easily accessible So far, been having about 24 mpg on average, with a combination of city and highway driving. This is definitely the vehicle for the more sensible buyer. And best of all, made in USA!

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  2013 Wrangler Sport - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By bomstead - March 17 - 12:30 am

  Finally sold my beloved 97 Wrangler Sport rag top and bought a 2013 Wrangler Sport with the T-Hard Top. My new Wrangler Sport has pretty much all the bells and whistles of a Rubicon, but for $15k less. Notably missing are the electric disconnect on the sway bar and the 4:1 Low range 4WD. Who cares? My Low range 4WD is something besides 4:1. Big deal. Took the back seat out of the last one, probably will with this one too. If youre at all interested in a Jeep, go to any dealer with lots of models and compare features and prices. You can get a loaded Wrangler Sport pretty cheap compared to a base Sahara or Rubicon - if you dont mind fabric seats. Drive one and youll be hooked.

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  Looks Great - Not sure of Quality Yet - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brian H - March 16 - 12:00 pm

  So far I must say Im happy with my new 07 Wrangler 4 door, but a little concerned. The incorporation of 4 doors sold me. The ride is not as rough and bumpy as one would expect. Handles just fine on the highway and Ive gotten 19-20 MPG on the highway. The only concern I have is the quality. Ive owned mine for 2 months and issues have begun to arise. The rubber pads on the hood keep falling off. Most worrisome, on 2 occasions while driving all the sudden the dash lights come on, the motor cuts out, and it completely stalls...it restart and regains power within 5 seconds. Sometimes when I unlock the doors with the keyless remote, the radio starts playing on its own. Im worried. :(

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  Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carl - March 15 - 2:50 pm

  Fun diesel to drive, lots of torque, good fuel mileage, but the seats are constructed out of park bench material. The hardest seats I have ever set in. Even my Wrangler was better.

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  Head gasket - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nanafonda - March 15 - 11:00 am

  I love this jeep BUT it has a recall on the head or at least that is what I was told when mine was replaced at 31,000 miles

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  I Love the Liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy M. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my 04 Liberty 2 weeks ago. Have to travel 45 miles each way to work - all highway miles. I am so glad I purchased the Liberty. I just have a Sport model, but it has the anti-lock brakes and speed control. I also love the aluminum rims which were part of the package. This vehicle makes me feel so safe. It is smooth and sturdy. Even the gas mileage isnt as bad as I thought. I agree that this vehicle is so much fun to drive, you dont mind the gas as much. Highly recommended!

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  Great Value - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Rom - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive especially with the addition of a Magna Flow Performance Muffler.