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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  Buyers Remorse - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bud - March 6 - 1:46 pm

  I traded in an 01 G. Cherokee that I loved for the 05. I was drawn in by the new design, smooth test ride, AWD and price. Plenty to like about new design, but not enough to overcome the problems. Had immediate problems with vehicle not starting twice. Computer modules were recalibrated after vehicle spent several days back at dealership. Problem was solved, but I have since brought it back for a recurring acceleration / transmission hesitation problem, particularly in low gears. Computer was "reset" again, but problem persists. Hesitation at slow speeds is just plain annoying. Vehicle seems to need to think about downshifting / accelerating for a second before doing it.

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  At long last - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob - March 6 - 1:33 pm

  Ive been searching for quite some time for a Jeep Wrangler. The newer ones are very simple, convertable roofs quieter, heat works well, and has plenty of power with the tried and true 4.0 six. The stick shift is great and gives you that sport car feel. I enjoy my four wheel drive sports car. Spring is just around the corner and the top will come down. I decided to go with the hard doors, for the ease of opening the windows in the winter months. The back seat either comes out or folds forward for the quick shopping experiences. The radio/CD player are more than enough with the sound bar. Over all I love the style the creature comforts, & its simple, & fun to drive year round. Its a Jeep Thing

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  badjeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By badjeep - March 6 - 11:20 am

  I bought this Jeep a year and a half ago. It had 13000 miles and has been nothing but trouble. The window mounts break and the windows fall down into the doors(all four of them did this!) The light fuses burn out constantly and I cant keep up with replacing them. The anti-slip warning comes on on dry ground and the four- wheel drive kicks on when theres nothing to slip on! It has been one problem after another with this vehicle. After 28,000 miles it has been in the shop with so many problems, including expensive new shocks that I will not ever recommend this car to anyone. Im getting rid of it as soon as I can and never looking back at this very expensive and poorly made Jeep.

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  This thing can Tow! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dave/Gillette, Wy - March 5 - 12:46 pm

  I was on my way home from a wedding on 07/08/06. About 10 miles from town (Gillette, WY), there was a 23 foot motor home that had run out of gas along side I-90 that was towing a full size, extended cab Chevy truck on a vehicle dolly. I didnt have enough room for a passenger and needed to get home. I hooked up a tow rope and hauled the motor home and truck to town. I didnt drive any faster than 40mph for safety reasons. I pulled up to the gas station towing that 23 foot camper and full size Chevy truck. I unhooked the tow rope. The guy shook my hand and offered to give me some money for my troubles. I told him that all I wanted was a hand shake and a Christmas card.

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  A good purchase - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By ScorpioDude - March 5 - 2:00 am

  when I needed a new car 3 years ago I spent weeks online looking over reviews of the Jeep, the Nitro, the Xterra and a few others. Then I test drove a few and settled on the Jeep Patriot Limited and Ive never been happier. There was one issue with the sunroof leaking but that is all, nothing else has ever gone wrong with this car in 3.5 years. As others have mentioned, this car comes packed with features at a price thousands of dollars less than competitors. The interior styling in Black, gray, and silver is basic but very nicely done. All of the features, from the 4 wheel drive to the heated seats perform beautifully time and time again.

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  Lots of fun, surprisingly practical. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By helilog - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Downshift the 4 cylinder early for power, 3rd gear is good for 75 mph, dont be afraid to spin the engine up. It is a twin cam after all. Used thusly, the engine is plenty peppy. Expect 20 mpg town, 24 hwy. Five speed tranny is notchy and vague, a real antique. The later 6-speed is better. Ive got aftermarket sliding glass side curtains on the stock low cut doors. Much quieter and more convenient than zipper plastic door windows. The low cut doors make for a good arm rest (since a Wrangler has none). Get a center console for the same reason. Seats could use more lumbar for 400 mile days.

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  First Jeep - I like it! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Coach - March 4 - 7:46 pm

  This our first Jeep. With the year end deals and rebates, we purchased a Jeep GC with the Rocky Mountain package, that include lots of extras. Also included was an option package with heated seats, remote start, and adjustable foot pedals. The high-end sound system with 6 DC changer and Sirius radio provides great sound. The seats are very comfotable and the interior pleasant. The feel of the brakes is perfect. The front wheel well protrudes into the drivers foot area making it a little tight for the left foot. Gas mileage is fair averaging around 18.3/mpg with normal driving. The dark tinted rear window makes it very difficult to see when backing up at night. Very pleased so far.

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  Fun SUV - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By vp - March 4 - 1:33 pm

  Fun SUV that my daughter and I take shopping regularly. We can park almost anywhere. This is my second one. I had a 2004 gas and traded in for 2006 diesel. Not a bad trade. Better mileage and that is what I wanted.

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  MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH WATER LEAKS - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By rbeasley - March 4 - 6:10 am

  Owned this vehicle 1 1/2 years now, 17,000, miles. No issue except water leaks. Sunroof leaked and Rear Dome Light still leaks. My 08 Patriot is at the dealers now and has been there for two weeks. Water leak at rear dome light. This is the fifth time at the dealers. Dealer has no idea where it leaks. They even took it to a body shop. I filed a complaint with Chrysler they been putting me off. Still waiting and trying to get them to buy it back since it is still under warranty. I am passed the lemon law date in VA. Anything older than 18 months is to late to file a lemon law claim. I would think twice before buying a Patriot. This vehicle has major issues with water leaks.

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  Brakes - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tari Dec - March 2 - 3:40 am

  I have had concerns with the rear brakes so took it to Codiroli Service department. They checked it out and said they couldnt find anything wrong. Continued to feel something wrong with the way my car was acting when I used the brakes. Also, had a noise coming from the rear of the car. Sounded like something was moaning. This noise is loud when I first start driving and than gets less loud after I have driven it a few miles. Took car in for first service (3,000 mile) and was told there is a recall for the brakes but cant fix them until the recall notices have been sent out. I find this very upsetting.. This problem should be fixed immediately. Why do I have to wait? Other than this I like my car.