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 the liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Murphy/Max - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the Liberty, wish the gas mileage was better!

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  The Heep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By eric99999 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  So far with only 3000 miles, no problems to report. This is my 4th Jeep, 2nd Grand Cherokee, all with the excellent 4.0L inline 6. Best Engine in the Chrysler lineup since they stopped making the slant 6. Plenty of horsepower and the right combination of engine/transmission. I just wish it got better mileage. I have yet to get the advertised mileage of 16/21...Im averaging 14-15. Maybe it will get better as it breaks in.

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  gas hog - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trainerss - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Overall Im pleased with my Jeep but what reall irks me is that I get such poor gas mileage. I only average 12 mpg in the city with a v6.

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  A Tough Little Jeep - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Jerry - October 6 - 5:21 am

  We have owned the Patriot for over a year. Having last owned a Grand Cherokee, the Patriot does not ride as smooth or quiet, but it is satisfactory. Handling and braking are superb. The 2.4 liter has plenty of power for passing. Mileage is consistently around 26 mpg. Being FWD/4X4 makes for great traction on snow and ice in the mountains where live (elevation 3,000). Our big dogs fit comfortably in the back. We are about to endeavor in full-time motor home travel with the Patriot as a "toad". At 3,600# it is just right for towing on a dolly and should give us great service for all climates and terrain. The six speed/manual transmission allows for downshifting on mountain roads without excessive braking as the "flat-landers" tend to do. So far, no issues to complain about. For the money, the Patriot is a good buy.

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  Disappointed 2007 2x4 Laredo 3.7L 6 cyl - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RGLydy - October 5 - 4:13 pm

  Only 24,000 miles and already have a tranny leak! Dont care for the transmission(French Made)they put in this jeep, they should have kept the 4.0 liter engine, and (USA Made) transmission. I forty years old, and have a 2X4 model, I dont beat or abuse it in any way. I all so dont like the delay in the acceleration to the engine. Id buy a Chevy next time.

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  Ultimate 4x4 from the factory! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kelly S. - October 4 - 8:13 am

  I purchased it new. So far I have done the usual city driving, taken it on a few highway trips and done some light off-road so far. For its size there is no vehicle that will park as easy as a Wrangler. It turns sharp and visibility is excellent. With the hard top on it is the quietest Wrangler yet on the highway. Some very minor wind noise and some whine from the knobby off-road tires, but still not bad. Off-road it is a killer! Once the axles are locked there is nothing that can stop you. The 4.0L puts out so much torque at idle it is amazing. The solid axles allow the suspension to flex and keep the tires in contact with the ground better than any other factory 4x4 I have seen!

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  Grand Cherokee Limited 4.7L 4WD - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By aerotechie - October 3 - 6:33 pm

  Pros: Great looking, great driving, comfortable SUV. Plenty of torque. Cons: Fuel mileage. Reliability. In 1.5 years, have had to replace tie rod ends, one front hub assembly, rear axle bearings, exhaust manifold gaskets, door control modules (for power windows and locks), crankshaft position sensor, striker switches in doors, HVAC unit, and the battery twice. Vehicle was purchased with 93k miles and is used primarily for commuting to and from work on rural roads--i.e., I dont drive it hard. Always left wondering what new problem will emerge.

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  Love my Wrangler! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By thill21 - October 3 - 2:45 pm

  This jeep is awesome. My only complaints are that it is slow to pick up speed, limited cargo space, and interior could be designed more modernly perhaps with an aux input factory installed. It is fun and easy to drive. Handles well in the mud, snow, ice, rain, etc. The floors have plugs you can take out if you leave your top down and it gets rained in. Its super easy to clean the interior if it gets wet or muddy. So far, ive had to replace my timing belt and gas sensor. other than that, i havent had any problems out of mine.

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  My Grand Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Debbie - October 2 - 7:43 pm

  I bought my car in 2007. I was excited about getting an American vehicle instead of an Asian car. But after having some minor problems, I learned that it was very much expensive to keep up with the replacement of this vehicle as oppose to an Asian vehicle. My warranty stinks. My navigation had problems, and when I took it to the dealer, they made me pay them $100 just to tell me that I had to buy the new CD to replace my navigation. I was pissed off about that. Another thing was the back middle seat belt got stuck, and wouldnt pull down. The dealer did not cover for that either. Overall, the dealer warranty stinks! I pay an additional $40.00 per month for warranty for nothing!

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  Its a JEEP thing(you wouldnt understand) - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEP MAN - October 1 - 9:23 pm

  I LOVE my Jeep..got a kick out of the last review i read about a guys jeep with a bad tranny..mine has 198000 miles on it and have NEVER had a transmission problem. I live in Georgia and ole Blacky will go anywhere i want it to go.It is after all a hummer rescue vehicle..My jeep has had 2 problems in all the years and miles ive put on it.,I had to have brushes put in the alternator,and i replaced the seal in the steering box once.It dosent have a lift kit on it and i run 1050s on it..When i first got it it was one of about 6 or 7 jeeps in my area of NW Georgia.Now Jeeps are EVERYWHERE.and mine still looks the best..LOL..want a great reliable FUN vehicle?? Buy a JEEP