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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  Go Patriot! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By urban dog - October 19 - 12:43 pm

  I was looking to replace my 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS and I happened upon the Patriot reviews on this site. I checked out the specs, ratings, and comparisons and really liked what i saw. I jumped on to the Jeep site, built my own, and submitted my request. Next day, a nice lady from the dealer called me and to make a long story short, Im a proud owner of an 08 Patriot sport 5sp 2x4. (w/ a few bells and whistles) What can I say..Good looking retro Cherokee looks, nice ride, peppy 4 banger w/ good mileage, roomy, great safety features, auxilary jack on the radio is awsome, and the insurance was cheaper than the Matrix. The Patriot is not Gods gift to man, but it sure make me happy.

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  Live to tell the story - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dis-Knee - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I received my 2004 Jeep Liberty Renegade for my birthday.We had been looking at several different makes and models but finally decided on this Jeep Liberty. It looked awsome and I really loved the way it drove. Ten days after our purchase, I was stopped at a red traffic light and looked in my rear view mirror and saw a large SUV coming up behind me and not stopping. I braced my feet on the break and my hands on the wheel, then closed my eyes. CRASH!! I was rear- ended. When I got out of my Jeep to check out the damage, I was amazed. The Ford Expedition was totaled and undriveable. My Liberty took the hit on the door mounted spare tire, and cam

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  Get an all Black one - we wave! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cmorgan - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I installed the tornado air system and put in a K&N air filter. I also use synthetic oil-- all this has bumped me from original MPG of 14.5 to an acceptable 17.1 MPG. The V6 engine is very strong and responds immediately when you stomp it with a downshift from 4th to 2nd. Stock speakers were bad-- replaced head unit with pioneer 3 pre- outs, put in Polk Momo coaxials and components in all 4 doors w/ dynamat powered by an eclipse amp, and have a Kicker 12" SoloBaric L7 sub in the back (its a 4ohm w/ dual voice coils and a sealed enclosure) the sub is powered by a rockford 500 punch amp. The Liberty drives flawlessly in the rain, great big tread/goodyear tires

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  My Best Jeep - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tomintucson - October 18 - 9:20 am

  This Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best yet! The quality of workmanship is very good, the vehicle is solid and fun to drive, and I have had no problems at all. I am really enjoying this Jeep, even though I have owned 7 Grand Cherokees in the past.

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  Commander Limited 5.7 4x2 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lovemyxk - October 18 - 2:56 am

  Without a doubt one of the best vehicles Ive ever driven. Love the power of the 5.7 Hemi. Fuel economy isnt bad for a big V-8, averaging about 16 mpg in mixed driving. Front seat comfort is great, rear DVD is a must have w/ wireless headphones. Rear seat passengers have a great view with rear sunroofs and stadium style seating. The rear seat is a bit snug, though, but great for children or smaller adults. Love the styling, it really stands out, mine is Inferno Red and love the way it looks with the chrome finish wheels. Rides great, especially on long highway trips.

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  LOVE IT!!!! Continuing the Jeep Legacy! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Soxnfins - October 15 - 12:16 pm

  Have the V6 4wd commander with only 50,233 miles on it, bought it 2 months ago and love it!!! Cant complain about the gas mileage because of the similar sizes of the vehicles in its class getting way less MPGS!

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  From Mustang To Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brad - October 14 - 9:30 am

  Having driven various models of the Mustang over the past 10 years I was a little worried that I might be too use to a sports car and would regret buying the Wrangler...not at all. Obviously, the ride is a bit different, but the 2007 Wrangler rides a lot better than any other Jeep I have ever ridden in. The build quality is classic Jeep and I am getting 17.3 MPG on average (not bad for what this vehicle can do). It seems to me that the only complaints most people mention have to do with features that make the Wrangler a Wrangler and not a Lexus. Sure, the doors dont stay open, but that is because they were made to be removed, etc. Best 4WD vehicle out there...by far.

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  Buying another - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Huebner - October 13 - 11:42 am

  Selling to my son buying another. We bought it and my wife never drove her Saab again

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  condition of 2001 jeep cherokee - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lmt - October 12 - 2:00 am

  new tires, new brakes, serviced every 3000, miles. 44625 actual miles. bought new as lease car for real estate office.

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  as expected - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By rayeldon - October 11 - 3:03 pm

  I feel that it has been exactly what was expected. Fun to bop around in. I do not drive it much. Prob. 300 miles per mo. The last two mileage checks showed 12, and 13 mpg. I knew it would be horrible. Did not think it would be quite this poor. My neighbor has a newer V6, and gets much better mileage. Family raised, did not like the looks of the 4 door unlimited. Oh well.