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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  Luxury... Power... Style... Hi-tech - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By mekadeeg - February 24 - 5:56 am

  It is everything you could ever want from a vehicle. It is the 2nd 08 Jeep Commander in our family...(1) 4X4 and this one. The 5.7 V8 will never leave you in a tight spot...press the gas and your off...suddenly everyone is in the rear view mirror. The luxury details inside are right there with the best of them....and more. You can spend 80K on a luxury sedan and get half the features this Commander offers...and talk about a smooth ride.

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  I love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By woggg - February 23 - 10:03 pm

  We got the car a week ago, our first SUV. It is great. Fun to drive, decent pick up, a great stereo, with steering wheel controls. The seats are comfortable and easy to see out of, even for my 5 2" wife. Best of all, its American, so the manufacturer offers lots of incentives - we got $2000 cash back plus 0% for 5 years.

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  Nice car nomatter what anyone says - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Henry Colonna - February 22 - 10:41 pm

  Had the liberty but they stop making it, so we bought the Patriot. At first didnt think I would like it but the 2.4L engine is really a great performer. The car has a solid ride and we like the window configuration that gives you an all around view. The interesting thing is that people who own the car give it a great review, but the professionals who review it give it a thumb down. The traction control really gives it a hugging the road drive, this is a great car for the money, I bought it because I didnt want car payments and bought it in cash. Car has everything I need, leather, heated seats, sun roof, remote start and electric driver seat.

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  Happy so far! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Steve - February 22 - 6:03 am

  I couldnt be happier with my purchase as of today. I was looking for a rig that was fuel efficient, as new as possible, well priced, and could handle a bit of off road adventure as I love to hike and fish. This one fit the bill perfectly! I have taken it down some rather rugged, muddy trails with no complaints. Roomier than others in the category and a comfortable ride. CVT can be noisy at first, but it is responsible for amazing milege for a 4x4 jeep, so I got used to it quick.

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  Red Wrangler - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By osucowboy1 - February 21 - 9:12 pm

  This is my fifth Wrangler in 10 years, the last being an identical 2010. We upgraded to the 2011 from the 2010 because of the interior changes and the need to take a 3,500 mile trip over Christmas break. The interior changes in the 2011 made for a very comfortable trip. Armrests are better placed and padded. Trim is rounded rather than squared. Seats are more comfortable and access to the rear seat is improved. The acoustics are better and the 2011 had less wind noise. Gas mileage was 21 mpg overall with a difference of about a mile to the gallon noted when using 10% ethanol. We love the Jeep and just helped our daughter buy an identical black sport. Nothing like the "Jeep" wave.

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  My best buy ever! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Carlosky - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car on July 1998, brand new. It is now almost 5 years since I bought it and it has 130,000 miles and counting. No problems what so ever, no repairs, no nothing! Comfort, reliability, everything still works as on the first day! If I change it, it will be for another brand new Grand Cherokee Laredo.

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  I love my jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tony piazza - February 21 - 2:00 am

  this is the first chrysleproduct Ive driven ( lease) since 198when I bought a dodge daytona turbo z. That car was so poor that I dumped it at 20000 miles, and swore no more chrysler products The Jeep has been a very pleasant surprise, and the first ameri car that , to date, has not had a problemThe ergonomics are superb, the stylingis great, and the performance is tops, its a great car

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  recommend over all over small utes - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jbenn - February 21 - 2:00 am

  i looked at all other small sport utes on market and this is the best. build quality, interior/exterior fine fit/finish, comfortable ride, good handling, smooth steering, good power, needs better gas mileage, smooth tranny, rear seat needs to fold flat, great headroom for 6 fters, good ergonomics, suspension is good-a little rough on big bumps, but that is to be expected for this type of vehicle, factory sound system sucks, good in snow/rain, would like to be able to get different tire brand, goodyears are terrible...

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Sartori - February 18 - 8:13 am

  Weve had our Liberty now for close to a month and no problems so far. Its mainly my wifes daily driver and she uses it as part of her job at the school(home school liason) so it gets put through the paces every day with city and highway driving. We live 16 miles from town and about 5 miles of gravel. Plenty of power, very sporty to drive. Got to test it on some slippery streets the other day and it handled that very well with the ESP kicking in. I stopped on a pretty icy hill and with it in 4 wheel took off just fine. Very nice ride in all conditions, will probably swap out the tires here pretty soon as the stock Wranglers arent the best. Getting 20 mpg on highway driving 70

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  Patriot 2007 - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By bombshellfromhell - February 18 - 5:10 am

  This is my first brand new car purchase. We checked out a lot of SUVs and for the price you couldnt beat the Jeep Patriot.