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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  Quite a SUV - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By sanio - July 12 - 12:23 pm

  As mechanical engineer I have always tested many cars prior to make a personal choice. My last car was an Infinity FX35 with a rate of satisfaction of 90% well over BMW and Mercedes ones. This Cherokee V6 - 4x4 is fully equipped, with a drive as soft as a limo and yet quite reliable in all weather conditions. I recommend nokian wrg3 tires, you will love the silence and control level in all weather conditions. My v6 Cherokee, in spite of an updated transmission program was hanging in 1st and second gear. A "flash" review was quickly completed by the dealer after 800 miles for a perfect result. I love this car, congrats to Fiat and Chrysler ! Choose the V6 over the 4 cylinders.

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  Jeeperz - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeperz - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  Best all around car. Fun on and off road. its one of three Jeeps we have. I got it with 80K miles and drive it hard. Easy to fix up with many upgrades I can go any where my son goes in his Rubicon

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  Love the GC - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jonathan - July 8 - 9:30 pm

  I like this Jeep a lot. Light Khaki shows the lines very favorably, and I like the looks a lot, although they do tend to polarize opinions. It has enough power for my needs even with the V6, and the price was amazing. It is fun to drive, has room for my family and our stuff, and is great to drive up to northern Michigan or to Target. As of now (3 months) no complaints.

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  Vastly Improved! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By wrightonman - July 8 - 5:52 am

  Due to a growing family, growing dog, growing gas prices, we needed an AFFORDABLE vehicle that was no frills and durable. Our 2004 Wrangler had to go :( The dealership gave me a 2011 "redesigned" Patriot as a loaner vehicle while the Wrangler was being serviced. I couldnt believe it, but I really like this thing! I was always a Jeep snob and dismissed the Patriot anytime someone mentioned the name, I was wrong. It suits our needs perfectly-Thanks Jeep!

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  My First - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kerns6 - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for about three weeks and love it. I took it on a 1,000 mile round trip to the beach and it was great. Very quiet with the top and windows up. Great ride. Love the cruise control. The sunrider roof is the best. I get the open air feeling with out taking the whole thing off. Its great for the surprise thunderstorm. I would definitely recommend it as a first Jeep. My only complaint was that at highway speeds with just the drivers window cracked, the top rattled pretty loudly. I am hoping that some wind guards will help that.

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  Night and Day - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ratchet1 - July 5 - 7:14 am

  Traded 2009 Grand Cherokee with LUX Pkg, 3.7 Ltr eng for 2011 Laredo E w/tow pkg and 3.6 ltr eng. More equipment now is standard and the eng blows away the 3.7 noisey, slow, fuel thirsty engine. The ride is night and day different with the fully independent rear suspension. The quietness of driving 80 MPH down an interstate and hear yourself THINKING is unbelievable for an off road type vehicle. Dealer gave good discount upon purchase. Drove Ford Edge Limited and did not like the fact of FWD versus RWD when needing tow power. Edge is limited to 3500 lbs,Jeep tows 5000lbs. Ford would not budge on price either!

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  love my 65th edition - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lo123 - July 3 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my 65th edition back in Sept. 2006. I absolutely love it. The only thing I dont love is the gas mileage especially with gas at $4 a gallon. I dont plan on getting rid of it anytime soon though. I only need to fill up every 2 weeks since most of my driving is local. I dont mind the plastic interior. I actually like it because it makes it easier to clean. I had a 2001 Jeep Cherokee which I also really enjoyed. I love having the extra features on the Laredo that are included with the 65th edition. I really enjoy driving my jeep!

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  No complaints - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By beagleman - July 3 - 5:23 am

  Traded in my 12mpg truck for the patriot. Miss the v8 power but love the improved mpg. Averaging about 25-26 with 75/25 split highway/city. I suspect the city mpg may be lower than its rated. There seems to be ample power for the hills here in Pennsylvania. Im looking forward to see how it handles the snow in the winter. Overall It handles great..but I think braking performance could be better. You get a lot of features for the $.

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  review - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By jakestertsu19 - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Im very happy with my Jeep . I cant wait for it to get warm outside and iI can take the top off. Ive always wanted to do that and now I can. Overall Im very happy with the Jeep .

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  Best New Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By glezak - June 30 - 5:56 pm

  The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Hemi engine is the best automobile I have ever owned. It rides as nice as the BMW X5, yet has a friendlier feel to the interior. You feel like you are at a 5 star luxory hotel as you drive around town. At first I had some concerns, but within a few days they had faded, it was just buyers remorse. Now, I feel like I have one of the best cars on the road. At work, people have comented, "wow, now that is a Jeep that I like". And,"I love those wheels". I got an upgrade and had bigger wheels and tires put on the vehicle. I got the Navigational Radio. And, with Blue Tooth Technology, my cell phone is now integrated through the radio. Awesome!