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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  Love my Liberty Hate the Transmission - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Art hound - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my liberty in Feburary of 2003 and have had major transmission problems. I love the smooth ride and the powerful engine. I like to beat all the wranglers off the line! :) The interior is super comfortable and I havent had any troubles with cargo space. The grocery bag hooks are a neat feature.

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  Solid - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JimmyH - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a very solid feeling

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  Love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By john c - June 27 - 1:03 pm

  This is my 3rd one. I had a 1988 Comanche 4x4 then a 1996 Cherokee. Now a 2000 classic. I love them. Theyre very reliable and fun to drive.

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  2007 Jeep Patriot 100 mile trip daily - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By bmillsxt6 - June 26 - 6:06 pm

  I purchased an 07 Patriot a couple of months back. I do like the fuel economy! getting around 29mpg with 89 octane 2.4 litre engine, 5speed, 2wd. I am impressed with what I got for the money so far, The surf blue clear coat paint is beautiful! and I like the convenience of the vinyl interior. This is the 5th Jeep vehicle I have owned and although its not the toughest off roader it suits 100 mile daily highway trips just fine. The center console is kinda awkward though, the armrest doesnt seem to meet up with your elbow just right and the cup holder is on the floor board pretty much. Other than that it is a blast to drive and mine has no power options, no cruise no fancy things period

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  Best Mothers Day Gift - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mindi Lassiter - June 26 - 3:06 pm

  The best Mothers Day gift I ever received besides the love of my Children. Only problems I have had was the Factory installed windshield was done incorrectly so when I had the window replaced due to a crack the entire frame had to be redone - the dealership was great in handling this. I have been experiencing a slight loss of power when turning street corners. I thought it was me but my brother in law and husband noticed the same thing. It is in the shop right now because yesterday my instrument panel went wacky and lost all control of gauges off and on during my interstate drive. I am sure this is minor though. My kids hate the seat belts. They are hard to clip with a booster seat in place

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  Great at first - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By htanner - June 24 - 7:22 am

  I bought my 03 Jeep Liberty used. It was only a year old and I loved it! I wasnt concerned with gas milage back then so the average 19 mpg highway didnt bother me. Drove great for the first 5 years except the blower motor for the heater went out several times. In the last few years of owning it I started having problems. First my water pump went and then the front drive shaft blew up. I went without a drive shaft for a little while (no 4 wheel drive for me) until winter and then installed a new one. That one lasted 2 uses and then blew up as well. I got one more installed and that one lasted 1 use. I heard that this was a problem in these models. I have since moved on.

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  jeepers creepers!!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By fmjumps - June 23 - 10:06 pm

  From most of the previous reviews owners either rave or rant about their patriot.I have found the vehicle to be trouble free in the 11 months/ 17K of driving i have owned it. The gas mileage is as advertised in 50/50 driving. at 63" there is plenty of room in the vehicle. It handles great, has plenty of power for merging without redlining it, the only caveat to this is when it was fully loaded. I have only needed the 4x4 a few times in a record snow fall season in upstate ny. The vehicle is very surefooted and stable in all kinds of weather. the only fit/finish issue i have had is the fan/air direction knobs do not line up with the symbols on dash, small annoyence. Would purchase again

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  Satisfied Owner - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By fordluver - June 20 - 10:20 pm

  After 1.5 years ownership, we have been very pleased with our 2014 Patriot Sport, 2.4L, 6 speed auto, 2wd. It suits our farm lifestyle fine. Pre purchase research shows the engine to be unrefined, but extremely reliable and trouble free. Paired with the 6 speed auto, it is quieter and has adequate zip for safe driving. It is easy and economical to service if you are a diyer. Ride and comfort are good. Suspension and road noise are what one would expect on a utility vehicle.....worse than a large touring sedan but completely acceptable. Considering last winter the worst in decades, it handles rain and snow excellent (even 2 wheel drive).

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Lare-dead! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andrew183 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Only thing comforting to know here is sadly, Im not the only one with the same problems. Just had the governor sensor and solenoid, and a snap ring replace for $650 at independent mechanic. I have basically had a total rebuild of the engine cooling system, radiator, water pump, radiator, (2) cooling fans. Total rebuild of the brakes twice. Every window regulator has broken, 5 different times on various windows, and am at the point that my passenger rear is going unfixed. Luckily I know how to fix that cause it is a $400. I live beachside and had garage kept the vehicle and it has thoroughly rusted through the roof in a matter of 2 years. Moon roof, gone. Windshield, cracked. Unbelievable!

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kabunk - June 19 - 4:43 pm

  Ive had this car for over 4 months and love driving it everyday! its reliable, strong engine etc. I in the car a lot for business and the nav system with bluetooth has been unreal!!!! I will say that my highlander had better storage, but thats my only complaint...