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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  2012 Patriot Limited - Better than expected! - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By drnhl - October 1 - 6:16 am

  Had to replace my totaled Suzuki Equator and the hunt was on. Looked at almost every MFGs smaller SUV and kept coming back to the Jeep. The re-programmed VCT matched up with the 2.4 seems to be a great revision/fit. Always had 6 or 8 cyln engines so was a bit apprehensive but not yet. With only 1600 mi on the Patriot maybe I should wait but just love it. I have all the options with exception of "off-road" pkg. The creature comforts are very welcome, comfortable/ heated seats were key and the nav/sound sys is a plus too. So far no issues with power and feels comfortable to drive. Just remember its a Jeep and if you are a Jeep lover like me take a look at the affordable Patriot.

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  Great Car!! - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By mtc2858 - September 30 - 6:23 am

  I just bought this car 3/2011. I love it. The re-design made all the difference to me. It looks great inside and out! It rides great and the features that come with it for the money (26,000) cant be beat plus the 4x4 by Jeep is all the better. Great all around! Beats out all the other small SUVs in my book.

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  What a fun car! - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Ivan - September 28 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased this car after driving an Acura MDX for 4 years. At first I was concerned about the big change going from a higher end SUV to a much smaller (and cheaper) crossover. However, I just love the way this car drives. Because the car is so much lighter than my old SUV, the smaller motor fits the vehicle just fine. The CVT works well. Im still breaking the motor in, but am averaging around 27mpg. The uconnect DVD navigation with hard drive and satellite radio is really nice. It took a little while to get used to the Rallye wheels, but now I really like them. Overall, Im very happy with this car.

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  Jp(the Best ) - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By JpWranglerX - September 28 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for the perfect 4x4 the wrangler is it.There is a huge after market for jeeps if you dont like stock. Not that stock is bad. ive owend my jeep for about a year and have nothing bad to say. Great in snow,Mud,anything you point the round headlights to. For the single man i can say chicks dig Jeeps.

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  BUY THIS TRUCK - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KTurner - September 28 - 10:00 am

  We paid the extra $$ for the V8 and the 10 disk changer, and it is well worth it. We have really noticed the difference on our way up the mountains outside of Denver.

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  Improved on Perfection - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zimzub - September 27 - 11:36 pm

  Time and time again after my first Jeep all roads have led back to Jeep. Having had a 2011 overland I now tested a Audi Q5, Lexus Rx350, BMW X3, Toyota Highlander, Acura MDX, all competitors and for what I need hands down again no comparison I purchased Jeep again. I was actually wishing I found something I enjoyed driving more as I like variety but nothing met my needs like the Jeep. A true multi purpose strong unstoppable comfortable luxurious vehicle.

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  bought in July 2015 - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Ina - September 27 - 4:49 am

  I bought mine in July and I have 13000 miles on it. I have made trips to Ohio, Virgina, and Georgia. It had some miles put on it and some wear and tear. I absolutely love this Jeep. It doesnt handle like a sports car but its not meant to be. I would recommend it to anyone with a family or just a couple. I will drive this until it dies

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  Keeper - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bumski - September 26 - 4:30 pm

  This is my third Jeep, first Rubicon. If you are looking for a child hauling, store stopping SUV look somewhere else. This is the ultimate factory Jeep. Designed to go anywhere and return. So if your looking for an SUV for adventure, look no further! This is the perfect vehicle. It has taken me rock climbing, mud bogging, trail riding, and some fun in the snow. Never stuck, nothing broke. Ill pass this vehicle on to my kid one day.

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  Jeep SRT8 Incredible Performance! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brett - September 26 - 3:13 pm

  I purchased a 2007 Grande Cherokee SRT- 8 two weeks ago and havent stopped grinning since. The engine note and power is incredible. The seats are really comfortable and really hold you in place. The exterior styling is just right. I also have a BMW X5 4.8is and havent started it since I bought my Jeep Grande Cherokee SRT-8. This vehicle is a screaming bargain.

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  3 Months now, and Love it - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Benbklyn - September 25 - 9:40 pm

  This car is Perfect!. 2nd gen Compass (My Latitude is 9 speed auto with many other upgrades) So fun to drive, great looking in and out. The Detailing in the interior with it curves and chrome accent gives it a solid expensive look and attention to detail look. Everything appears to be laid out perfectly. Best handing car I have drove so far. Very smooth ride on highway, and excellent on turns. Lot of technology and electronics in this car. Too soon to see how they all hold up. Very stylish exterior with nice curves with no wind noise. This is my first 4 cylinder car, and I have to say I am impressed! Power and acceleration is just enough even with 5 people in the car. I don’t know why people are complain about this, lets get real, this is not a sports car where you going to feel a gravity pull when you gun it. I think it’s plenty for a 4 cylinder and size of the vehicle. I am averaging 20 MPG, I kind of expecting a bit more since its rated 23 city and 30 highway. But its way much better than all my previous cars. The "Stop start and Go" can get annoying, however it can be disabled by a push of a button. If this car holds up as is, i just might buy it at end of my lease. Love it!