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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  look elsewhere - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - May 30 - 9:00 am

  This car looks cool is fun to ride and everything would be great but ... it has died on us while driving 5 times! I know of two other people this has happened to with this car. Chrysler even is giving us a new car due to the fact it has been in the shop for so long. They are not admitting anything that is wrong. I can see some kind of recall happening soon...go elsewhere!

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  Great... not so much - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By t_zayas51 - May 30 - 4:48 am

  I bought this car prior to winter two years ago. I live in Wisconsin and the winters here are just terrible. I bought it with about 160,000 miles on it. The 5.2 V8 was an absolute beast. Put a K&N Cold air unit on it, and Flowmaster 4 series exhaust and MAN did this jeep go! Started running into problems around 170,000 miles, Fuel pump ($400+ Just for parts), Crankshaft position sensor, Throttle sensor, security system. The problems ultimately led to the sale of this car. Sad day.

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  Patriot is awesome! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By CHUCK - May 29 - 10:56 am

  To those interested in a fun to drive SUV, look no further. After looking at many SUVs, the Jeep Patriot was the best deal, and had the most options for the money! After test driving the automatic CVT version, I chose the 5 speed manual. I like to shift gears, but also found the engine to me more quiet. It has a very smooth, quiet ride, and the interior is very comfortable. With its SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE, you get 9 speakers that are awesome, SIRIUS, and sunroof. Heated seats,mirrors,premium stain resistant cloth, are just a few of the neat options. The negative review by EDMUNDS is simply not true. go see for yourself. The reviews from other owners also prove this SUV is loved/fun!

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  all kinds of trouble - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rwestondsm - May 28 - 10:30 pm

  Bought my Liberty new and enjoyed it for first six months or so despite the design that makes it sound like a helicopter with windows open. Since then have had repeated electric problems -- dome light short, power window short, cd player quit working. The final straw is an automatic transmission that had to be rebuilt at only 50,000 miles with no abnormal driving conditions. The dealer was not helpful with this. Because of all of these issues, I wont purchase another Jeep product.

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  2016 Grand Cherokee Summit - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jesus Soba - May 28 - 3:13 pm

  Great car but over priced.

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  Rough Start - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By A.Park - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  This car was bought new in 05. The first week I saw that rain water would leak into my interior through a hole in the pillar to the left of the windshield. We took it in and got it fixed, stopped the leaking. A few months later the first transmission problem occurred, slipping and then losing power after third gear. We got it fixed and it happened two more times throughout the next year or so. Almost right after I passed the 30k miles, one of my interior LEDs behind the instrument panel died. Now I am not having any problems, except I am bugged that any small splash of water on the seats (cloth) will leave a nasty white stain. But being my car, Ive grown fond of her.

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  Repeat Owner - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Jinx - May 28 - 1:00 am

  This is my 2nd Patriot. I bought my first in 7/07 brand new. I loved the classic Cherokee body style. It is also the roomiest SUV with the best MPG at the best price. I couldnt resist buying a new one and I couldnt see myself driving anything else. I love my Patriot and as long as they keep making it I will keep buying it!

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  JK is unbeatable - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mick - May 26 - 2:16 pm

  Long time Wrangler owner and just upgraded to an 08 Rubicon Unlimited in black, all I can say is this is not the Wrangler of yesterday. Space is respectable, surprised that it is bigger in the interior than the Commander and the GC. My only complaint to date is lack of storage pockets in the dash area and the mediocre power. Jeep should have at least put the 4.7 v8 as an option with the Rubicon having an available Hemi.

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  Another great Jeep for our lineup - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DoubleKPerformance - May 25 - 3:40 pm

  Have numerous XJ Cherokees that have proven themselves time and again for reliability and capability. Was hesitant to add a Yuppie Jeep to the lineup, mainly because the creature comforts kinda took away from the hardcore Jeeping mentality that we have. But all in all, this has proven us wrong. Who says you cant have an extremely reliable vehicle AND be comfortable at the same time?

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  Best Jeep Yet! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Heather - May 25 - 11:40 am

  I have owned three other Jeep Vehicles in the past and this is the best one yet. I feel totally safe and comfortable with this Jeep. Its ability has overcome all the other Jeep vehicles I have had in the past. My Laredo is actually a 8 cylinder not a 6 but they dont have that choice on here but it is an option. To anyone who would be interested in buying this vehicle, I give it 5 stars and you cant get better than that!