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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  A bit disappointed, but it sure was pretty - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By henrietta1 - April 23 - 2:41 am

  I owned a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for about a month, and then traded it in. It had very little get up and go on the smallest of hills, it was so bad on gas that I might as well have gotten the V8 cause the fuel economy seemed to be about the same. It was difficult to get in and out of even with the added assist steps. This is the reason that the prior owner traded it. I disregarded that upon purchase because they were an older couple. I am young and it was still a pain to get in and out of with the kids. It is very stylish and eye catching. The 4x4 seems to perform well and the Jeep handled well. I loved the interior lighting. I traded it for a Chevy Cruze diesel and dont regret it

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  My reliable old friend - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sanja - April 22 - 7:50 am

  Bought this car 7 years ago and it is still running strong! Took it from the east coast to the west coast several times and everywhere in between. It handles great in the snow. Maintenance makes all the difference with this car. Had big problems with the transfer case which was fixed under warranty. Also rotors warped quickly...used ceramic ones and they lasted much longer. Door seals dont fit properly and some transmission issues. Overall, it has started everyday in 100 degree weather or 5 below. Cant beat that.

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  Everyone loves riots - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RiotDan - April 21 - 4:26 am

  Ive had a wrangler for 6 years and loved every minute of it. However, just like everyone else loosing money at the pump, i needed something a little more gpm friendly. Depressed, i looked at sedans and small trucks until i saw the riot. i did cartwheels as the dealer told me i could have the fuel eco i wanted and still parade around in my American build 4 banger with teeth.

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  Love my Compass - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Sharon - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  I have a 2007 Jeep Compass and have no regrets buying it. I have the 4x4 Sports and have hand no problems what so ever. This particular make is just now really starting to catch on and I cant understand why Chrysler did not promote it as much. I get a lot of second looks while driving:-) Always wanted a jeep and this one is perfect for me.

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  Its a lemon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By jiminma - April 20 - 1:16 pm

  My drivers side door latch keeps coming loose and making a clunking sound when I go over even the smallest of bumps. The dealer has repaired it 5 times and the noise came back again. Im in the process of taking the car to Lemon law arbitration to force the dealer to give me my money back. Jim in MA

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  I <3 JEEPS! - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe Manny - April 20 - 8:36 am

  BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY!

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  Nice SUV: 4.7 eight - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - April 20 - 7:33 am

  I have had my 4.7 eight Laredo for over a year. Its a loaded Laredo with Boston sound, six cd changer, Sirius, heated seats, sun roof and so on. I have driven from Ohio to Virginia and back twice now and got decent fuel economy for a loaded down 4x4 suv. I got over 21 mpg on the highway using cruise control, and even got near the same going through the mountains. I get 16-17 around town. The ride is above average for this type of vehicle. The all wheel drive does well in heavy snow conditions. I have yet to see any E85 fuel available in my area. I would like to have that option since my engine is built for it.

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  After the first week in a Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Neil Crichton - April 19 - 8:40 pm

  Picked up my new Patriot Limited a week ago, and put on 500 miles (800 km) since. My first impression was very positive. The vehicle performed well on the highway. Its no speed demon, but it can easily pass the slowpokes. It was comfortable and quiet. Found a few things I didnt like, such you cant plug your iPod into the deluxe radio, and the armrests are so hard, they hurt your elbows. Some of the controls were different than on cars Ive owned before, and took some getting used to, such as the cruise control. One of my first jobs was to pick up some lumber, and with the seats folded flat (and a tarp protecting the floor, I was easily able to bring home twenty 2x6s. So far I like it.

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  Its GreaT - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By OlderJeepsrock - April 19 - 6:13 pm

  The Jeep I own is a strong lopng lasting SUV. Its 12 years old and it still has a strong pick up and can drive through any terrain.

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  Repairs needed. Gas guzzler. Rides like a truck. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By steadythunder - April 19 - 10:33 am

  I spent 1,500 dollars on repairs the first week I owned it. It cost me another 400 within the next week. I dont have much confidence in the reliability, since it left me stranded twice in the first month of ownership. It rides very much like a truck, and gets very poor gas mileage. Mine is 4WD, but did not come equipped with a towing package. It is the first 4WD I have owned with no provision for towing. It is very nice looking and the basic body style was the same for several years in a row. Mine could be mistaken for a much newer Liberty.