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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  i got taken - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By policeroadking - August 25 - 1:53 pm

  Oh it rides ok, on a flat bed tow truck. Bottom end rattles/hard top leaks & still leaks.Tranny leaks /soft top leaks /no power/had to pull it out of snow pile with my 2000 Jeep /I dont like it /50 % of miles are taking it to service dept!

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  Outstanding value for the money. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Niles F. Bell - August 25 - 10:43 am

  I am very pleased with my 2005 Jeep Liberty. Yes, it does drink quite a bit of gas within the city, with the normal "stops" and "goes" traffic. However, on the highways, its very economical. The Jeep Liberty is a "fun" vehicle to drive.

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  Happy Camper - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Deb - August 25 - 1:56 am

  Purchased this Patriot in December 2007 after owning a Liberty for 4 years. Love the looks of the vehicle, spaciousness inside, and the gas mileage. Gas mileage is much better than what we were getting with our Liberty. Gets around in the snow fine without using the 4-wheel drive. Great vehicle for the price.

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  So Far ...We love it! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rocky Mtn Family - August 24 - 10:40 pm

  I was against buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee because of their poor maintenance records but my wife wanted one because of her experience in the past. Drove everything else on the market (and I mean EVERTHING else) trying to talk her out of it...but the ride in this car blew ME away! We are going on two years and almost 30K with no problems...none! Im a believer!

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  Only one: Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Yevgeny - August 24 - 2:23 pm

  Love my JGCL. 2500 trouble-free miles. Solid and functional design, no sqeaks or rattles. Quarda-drive is excellent in snow and on ice.

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  Fun and handles light offroading - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By ryry2 - August 24 - 12:41 pm

  I have a 2015 Patriot Sport with the Altitude package. The dealership was great and my patriot looks amazing all blacked out with the factory tinted windows and 17" all black wheels. Even though it is only FWD it can handle dirt/gravel roads no problem. That includes offroading as long as there isnt any deep mud or large boulders. So far I have had no build or mechanical issues whatsoever. Some people complain about the CVT but I love it, especially paired with the autoshifter. You can get better than listed mpg with proper driving and shifting with the autoshifter.

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  Owner of two 2004 Jeep Limiteds - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Debbie Bryant - August 24 - 2:53 am

  We own two Jeep Limited 2004 and we love them. In 2006 when the new bigger Jeeps come out we will be purchasing it also. We have owned Jeeps in the past and they are wonderful vehicles.

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  Wrangler Right Hand Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By 08WranglerRHD - August 22 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep new in September of 2007 to replace my 98 right hand drive Cherokee. I owned the Jeep less than two months when the first problem occurred. The removable roof panel on the right side developed a leak. The warranty covered the repair. The next problem wasnt until February of 09 at 38k miles,out of my warranty period, the horn stopped working. I had the repair made in September of 2009 at 52k miles when the airbag light came on. I called Chrysler and filed a complaint once I found it to be a faulty clockspring inside the steering column, they covered my repair due to safety concerns. The last problem occurred in December of 09 at 60k when the water pump went out.

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  Great ride - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Moondogs - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I have had my jeep for two years and love it. Its best for around town and especially with the bikini top on in summer. Always a fun, reliable ride. Ive taken it on a couple of all day trips and dont recommend it. Lots of wind noise; I drive my corvette on any long trips now. 13,000 miles and everything is perfect.

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  Silver Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DMax - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable for long and short trips alike. Great acceleration for passing. Handles road imperfections smoothly and far less body roll than my 95 Laredo, it feels good. The vehicle does seem to wander a bit in a strong cross wind. I live on a dirt road in the mountains - QuadraDrive system is sure footed on all surfaces, including ice and snow. Heated seats are great. 18-20 mpg seems good for a V-8 SUV.