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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  Impressed, so far - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scotsman - July 26 - 8:13 pm

  I just bought this Hemi Limited a week ago and have put 1,700 miles on it so far. It is so much more comfortable than my 06 Tacoma Double Cab, I cant believe it. The interior is outstanding, with fit and finish very good, and very quiet. The power seats are extremely comfortable, and the Sirius radio with Boston Acoustics is great. I am taking it in to see if the dealership can take care of a rattle in the dash and wind noise around the drivers side back door. The hemi has unbeleivable response, gets reasonable mileage (17.5 mpg overall)and is a blast to drive. The quadra-trac II with limited slip front and rear is truly amazing. Im happy now, well see if I am a year from now.

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  Cant Find a Better Value in the Car Market Today! - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - July 25 - 6:13 pm

  Just leased my 2017 Trailhawk but Im in love. This is a very different vehicle for me. I had previously only driven BMW 3-Series (except for brief stint with Infiniti) but wanted to move into an SUV. Every time I open the door to my Jeep Im greeted with a level of luxury that you would find on a premium make. I opted for a loaded model with the Luxury and Active Safety Group. Both upgrades I would fully recommend. The Panoramic roof really brightens up the all black interior, while the LED DRL add an aggressive look. The adaptive cruise system is excellent. It can control your speed all the way down to a standstill but will only hold the brakes for about 3 seconds. Where it exceeds other systems on the market is following distance, it doesnt leave a huge gap in vehicles (allowing other drivers to cut in) at the closet setting. Making it actually functional in city traffic. Other active safety features include self-parking which works great once it locks onto a spot, as well as the lane keeping system, which subtlely nudges you back into your lane if drifting. The V6 is plenty of power in this car, especially after the 2016 upgrades. I average about 18mpg driving around (60% city/40% highway). My only complaint so far is in regard to the SRT seats included on the Trailhawk model. While the bolsters on the back piece are great, the bottom portion are a little tight. An adjustable bolster system similar to my old 328i would help. My only long term concern is reliability, an attribute FCA isnt known for, hence why I leased. Ill report back after put some more miles on.

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  Some like Jeeps... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By aerospike - July 24 - 6:47 pm

  and some dont. Reading the reviews mad me think that if I bought this vehicle, the universe would collapse! Then I took a ride in one. The extremely dark-green that it looks black finish is gorgeous, the seams are all tight, build quality is very good. Comfort is no lexus quality, but then again, it if fine for a small SUV. Value? No contest. Its a Jeep. This thing is also a blast to drive. Ill note that a lot of reviewers mus not know how to use a CVT transmission. Ive had two of these transmissions now, and so far, my Patriot is getting almost 30 mpg on the highway. We should Learn to use the CVT before declaring it junk.

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  fun, fun car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By hyetide - July 24 - 2:00 am

  For the last 15 years, I have owned luxury cars...mercedes, bmw, audi. My last car was a 2002 audi a4. While my car was in for its 10,000 mile checkup, I was give a jeep liberty as a loaner. I had more fun in that car than I had had in years. I promptly sold my audi and bought a jeep liberty limited. I havent regretted that decision. My jeep is a fun, fun experience!

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  My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By A55REQ@aol.com - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Get a feeling of real comfort and reliability! Gas Mileage gets better with age! This vehicle, if driven with care, shud last me ten or more years!

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  Nice Ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By koink - July 24 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is one of the best driving experiences around for those who like the rugged quality of a Jeep combined with the comfort of a much higher priced SUV. I bought one after one test drive. This is alot of vehicle for the money......a real steal.

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  Love my jeep liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By love my jeep - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I just chose jeep liberty in Aug. I drove a number of other suvs but love the smooth easy ride of the jeep the best. I love the features inside as well. It rides like a "jeep" but feels like a luxury car inside. It handles easily, love the braking system, and is smooth and quiet on the road. The mpg really hasnt reached potential yet, as it is still really new. I am getting about 16-17 mpg. to work (city driving) better on highway. Hoping this will improve as the engine breaks in. Although thats not too bad (much better than the van I was driving).

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  JEEP - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By samMi - July 24 - 2:00 am

  GREAT LOVE THE SUV VERY COMFORTABLE VERY SPORTY WOMEN FRIENDLY INTERIOR

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  I use to own Fords but now love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Stash - July 24 - 2:00 am

  At one time I loved nothing but Ford Trucks and broncos till I bought my Jeep and I tell you Im sold on its performance and looks and dependability in the Mountains were I live. Continue to builkd a great car!!!!!

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  2004 Jeep Rubicon 2d/h-top - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Redrubi - July 23 - 4:40 pm

  I love my Rubicon and there is no other stock SUV or 4x4 that can do what this Jeep can do on or off road. I have 31,500 miles on it and have not had any problems with it yet. I take it off road 2 or 3 times a month with members of my Jeep group and more than a few of them have bought one because of how good it does on and off road.