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:

• 

  Great all-arounder - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Groovyphotog - December 25 - 8:44 am

  Does everything I need it to do. Im 6 ft tall and have plenty of headroom, even with the sunroof. The one touch sunroof is great. Most, if not all the complaints Ive read about this vehicle are really unfounded . There are so many different versions that you can get one that suits you. What other vehicle has a choice of hand crank or power windows, manual, CVT, or 6 speed transmission, 2 different versions of 4WD or 2WD? The 2.4 has plenty of get up and go, and gets good gas mileage. Rides so smooth and has plenty of zip for the freeway. Leather wrapped steering wheel feels good. Leather and mesh seats are comfortable and look great. Basic stereo sounds great. I really like the layout of the dash and all the controls. So many vehicles have buttons placed almost randomly, not the Patriot. It has a very intuitive layout. And how bout the name Patriot? I think its patriotic to buy a vehicle that is made in America, with such a rich American heritage. I have the 6 speed auto with fd1 4x4. Shifts great. Nothing wrong with the CVT either, Ive driven one extensively. The only other features I would have like to have are the EVIC and a telescoping wheel. The EVIC doesnt come on the 75th Anniversary Edition, and telescoping steering wheel is not available at all. So it may take a little more time to dial in your position. Comfortable ride. I also have an 01 Grand Cherokee. It has more power and off-road ability but pretty poor mileage. Independent suspension on the Patriot does great at sucking up the bumps. Basically the whole vehicle is like taking the old Cherokee and refining it for the driving that most people do. If you want a true off-road machine get a Wrangler, theyre awesome! If you drive mostly on the road but want very good bad weather and mild to moderate off-road abilities with decent mileage, the Patriot may be for you. Im glad I got one before they stopped making them. Wish they kept making them but I guess 11 years is a pretty good run. I bought the Maxcare Lifetime Warranty. I plan on driving this for many years to come. Its just a great all-around Jeep!

• 

  Fun fun fun - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By sanshir - December 23 - 11:30 am

  I finally got a Jeep and I am so glad I did. I got the base model awd, but it has really come in handy with the snow. I love the large windows, adjustable seat. I love the outside desgin, and the adjustable drivers seat makes you feel like you could go right out the roof it seats so high. I have read that some drivers say the seat is not comfortable, it is only not comfortable if you sit too high. The stereo system is great. A stylish, comfortable vehicle that is a pleasure to drive and ride in. Oh, I got rear ended by a Subaru, totalled the Subaru, and I have to point to point out the dent on my car or nobody even notices it. The funny thing is, I was going to buy a Subaru.

• 

  Awsome Drive - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SJ Douglas - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and love it!

• 

  Love it - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By simplefello - December 22 - 9:16 am

  I traded my 200 Silverado single cab z- 71 for this vehicle because of a growing family. I love the jeep and have ever since I rented one for a week. This thing gets so many looks and is very capable off road. I really love that it can fit two car seats in it and I can still feel like a real man...lol.

• 

  luvin-it - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By mills64 - December 21 - 7:20 pm

  Great suv, great mileage, very roomy vehicle my family is very comfortable in this vehicle and a fun vehicle to drive 45 minute back and forth to work

• 

  185,000 and still going strong! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ijustin - December 21 - 9:48 am

  My 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has about 185,000 miles on it and it still runs great! Just had to replace a tire rod and transmission hose recently, The build quality of this car is really good, theres not alot of hard plastics, mostly soft to the touch, the basic 6 speaker sound system sounds AMAZING if you just turn up the base. The seats are comfortable and it drives nicely, it can be slow to accelerate but other than that its great! I would definitely recommend buying one. The only draw back i can think of is when you are going fast like 60 MPH or faster the steering wheel kinda shakes.

• 

  Well Worth it! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kolis1 - December 19 - 9:43 pm

  Recently leased the 5.7L Hemi with great hesitation - THE GAS! Come to think of it, the difference between this SUV and every other on is 2-4mile/g. As far as comparison, i drove the Xterra, RX350, and the XC90. Hands down this car has more power, smoother ride, quiet inside, lots of gadgets to play with, but hidden if youre not into it. With all the bad rep that American auto customer service has got, Ive had a Liberty for 3 years, and theyve taken care of me well.

• 

  Great Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By frenchad - December 18 - 3:40 am

  My jeep now has 72k on it, and keeps running strong. There has been a few little things that have gone with it, but so does every car. I was looking at Subaru foresters, but could get this car with much more options, for much less of a price. Handles great in the snow, and sticks to the road with 4x4. Havent had any trans problems, but I also take preventative measures with my cars, like getting the fluids flushed periodically. The certified warranty is great up to 84k and havent had to use it except for a reprogramming of a control module. all in all, Great Jeep!

• 

  Its the only choice our there - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L. Mazza - December 16 - 9:41 pm

  Purchased a Trail hack 5.7 L and I am simply in love. This vehicle makes me feel I am in a much more expensive SUV. The ride, comfort and the power is second to none. It is my second Jeep and on the first one never had a single issue and it has almost 80k miles. On this one I feel I am in a complete different vehicle. The V8 power is amazing, the ride is limousine grade. It is quite, it is comfortable and it looks just incredible when compared to all those "SUVs" from the Japanese and the Germans. The design is very attractive. So far I have put close to six thousand miles and I have had zero issues. I plant on keeping my old jeep and my new one. Maintenance is not that expensive and as far as reliability it seems as good or better than the competition. What I am not in love is how easy and lazy the engine works, just a touch to the accelerator and that V8 power sends you moving with ease. I am truly I love with my jeep.

• 

  Its the only choice our there - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L. Mazza - December 16 - 9:41 pm

  Purchased a Trail hack 5.7 L and I am simply in love. This vehicle makes me feel I am in a much more expensive SUV. The ride, comfort and the power is second to none. It is my second Jeep and on the first one never had a single issue and it has almost 80k miles. On this one I feel I am in a complete different vehicle. The V8 power is amazing, the ride is limousine grade. It is quite, it is comfortable and it looks just incredible when compared to all those "SUVs" from the Japanese and the Germans. The design is very attractive. So far I have put close to six thousand miles and I have had zero issues. I plant on keeping my old jeep and my new one. Maintenance is not that expensive and as far as reliability it seems as good or better than the competition. What I am not in love is how easy and lazy the engine works, just a touch to the accelerator and that V8 power sends you moving with ease. I am truly I love with my jeep.