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:

• 

  killer Rubicon - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - August 23 - 3:53 am

  I also had to wait for a dual top model but is well worth it. It is fun to drive looks great and with the lockers will go almost anywhere.

• 

  LOVE MY LIBERTY - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By LIBERTY 4 EVER - August 22 - 5:16 pm

  I love my Limited Liberty so much i bought out my lease from a 2002. It got me through tough driving conditions through Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Many trips hauling plywood and heavy material on the roof. Easy access to taking things off roof. High enough off the ground to keep water out of doors through our disaster. Able to go over broken tree limbs in the street without hurting the undercarriage. Headroom roomy enough for 5 tall adults. Fits in single car garage with lots of room to spare due to it length and width. Sunroof operates easily for driving. Location of all dash instruments at drivers finger tips. Stereo volume controls on steering wheel so you never have to look off the road. Phonecharger.

• 

  Rethinking My Loyalty to Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By max888 - August 21 - 12:33 pm

  Initially purchased 2007 Wrangler 2- door X model. Freedom top (hard top) repeatedly leaked, despite many trip to the service dept at the dealership. Service manager told me, "They all leak," as though it should be expected. Jeep did a buy- back and shipped it back to Michigan. Replaced it with 08. Same thing--top and doors leaked like sieves. Repeated servicing, heavy-duty gaskets installed finally solved leakage problem. Next--the "death wobble." Not a new experience, as 95 Cherokee had done the same thing. Steering stabilizer replacement fixed the problem. Now, the dealership is telling me that at 54k m., the shocks are "seeping," steering damper "leaking." Want $800--NOT!

• 

  Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By brdhntr - August 20 - 4:23 pm

  This is a highly capable off road vehicle that takes command of the situation. The ride and handling characteristics are what one should expect of a true off road vehicle. This vehicle is highly impractical for anything other than fun. But fun is what I bought it for!

• 

  Great snow/bad weather vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Keno90 - August 20 - 1:26 pm

  I traded my Dodge Ram 4x4 in on this vehicle and I am very happy with my trade. We just got 11 inches of snow on Thursday and I live in a very rural location with a 600 gravel drive on a very steep incline. The vehicle did a fantastic job with only the all weather tires that came standard! I love the interior and the way the vehicle handles. Have not really checked the mileage yet, nor do I know how reliable the vehicle the will be, but I have owned 4x4s from Wranglers to Chevy and Dodge trucks and this one is just as good for on road snow driving!

• 

  Wrost car I have ever had in my life - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By janis.thompson@comcast.net - August 20 - 1:38 am

  Do not buy this car. It will not start, the door will come down on you head and knock you out, the tire pressure gauge alternates between okay and low, and the dealer will flash the computer about fifteen to twenty times and the car will still not work. I will never , never, never, buy another Jeep. Also I had the worst dealership. When I called about my car during the 6 weeks they kept the car during the first 3 months of ownership I was told that nobody in the shop know anything. I had to take off work to talk to the shop about the status of my car. they thought is was okay to sell me that loaner car at the same price of my Jeep which was about $10,000 less than my Jeep. Usually drive about 20,000 per year but I am afraid to drive this car! Plan to sell as soon as possible! Paid much more than it was worth.

• 

  love my patriot - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Aubrey - August 19 - 1:40 pm

  I purchased my 2010 patriot sport in November of 2010 with about 13k on it. it was a rental vehicle. i have put 90k on it in 5 years. this is the best vehicle i have ever owned. i regret not upgrading to leather seats, sunroof, etc. but id buy another patriot without hesitation. my dad owns a repair shop that my brother works at and now partially owns. we were raised with GM vehicles. my 05 equinox was the absolute worst vehicle i ever owned. its so refreshing to have my patriot. ive had only to do the normal maintenance work on it. brakes, tires and some suspension stuff along with the scheduled services. i would recommend this vehicle to anybody. it certainly isnt as fun to bang on as my boyfriends hemi grand cherokee but i love my patriot and have no plans on getting a new vehicle anytime soon.

• 

  Very satisfied Liberty owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By mellen - August 19 - 8:30 am

  All this car has ever needed in a year and a half is oil changes and that sort of routine maintenance. I like the high ground clearance. Its great for flood prone areas and for dealing with potholes. The "van-style" seating is much more comfortable for my legs than other suvs.

• 

  Love this Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lisa - August 19 - 3:26 am

  I just purchased my 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee a couple of months ago and love it! I know it doesnt get the best gas mileage, but its been reliable so far, and a pleasure to drive! No troubles~love the leather seats, sunroof, etc. This is a V-8 engine. It only has 40,000 miles and I plan to have it for several years!

• 

  very solid - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By disciple - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Jeep (2WD GC Laredo) since it was new. Had a few issues - replaced fuel pump seal twice (once under warranty), replaced oxygen sensor. Fun to drive. Has 84k miles now, still solid. Has almost always had a "double-clutch" feel up-shifting from 2nd to 3rd under load, but never gotten worse. I am very pleased with my Jeep.