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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  Loved My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lovemyjeep4 - December 24 - 4:21 am

  Purchased used, Limited with Hemi in 2008 for $22k with 19K miles ! (Original sticker was $41K Fully Loaded with all the trimmings. Practically stole it as gas was over $4 per gallon when I bought it. Best car I ever owned! No major problems. Drivier power window motor replaced - thats it in 4 years. No transmission problems. Due to loss of job, sold this past weekend for $17k. Practically ZERO depreciation. Cant wait to buy another one! Would recommend to anyone.

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  Euro Jeep CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By CJ - December 23 - 3:40 pm

  Its a Jeep to the core but with the Detroit Diesel 4 cylinder turbodiesel built for Mercedes (I havent quite wrapped my brain around that), its got that European feel and not the bad quality part. It is extremely smooth and torquey (new word). I find myself after 2 Wranglers in the past 7 years really amazed at the smoothness. I have been guilty of daydreaming on the interstate and speeding without knowing it. Wife bought me a radar detector, she was so happy to have another four door car in the family, good thing. I am a Jeep guy all the way (who else out there thought the Jeep transformer was the coolest of the group?) but I am really amazed at the power, gas mileage, and smoothness.

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  All time high - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Lover - December 23 - 5:06 am

  I really enjoy driving the Jeep Liberty. I wanted one years ago and finaly was able to afford one.I recently purchased my Jeep 2006 in June 2009. I just love it! I have already taken it on the road and can`t believe how smooth the drive actually is.Since the models style doesn`t change much, people think it is a newer model.I get nothing but compliments on the Liberty`s looks.If I ever trade in this model.... 2009 Liberty ranks very high on my list.

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  Best on all surfaces! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By wyrless - December 21 - 9:40 am

  My liberty is a workhorse, that cleans up for an elegant night on the town. Her size, turning radius, handeling, and acceleration beats most sedans, making city driving a dream. Her rear end does not stick out of any standard parking spot, like so many other SUVs. She can hold her own in the deep sand of the Outer Banks or any mountain trail in the Rockies. Ive been on the road after hurricanes and during ice storms, and blizzards, each time arriving home safely. The Liberty does it all, work and play, reliably, for a fabulous price. If you want a vehicle that rides like a sedan, buy a sedan.

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  jeep patriot rocks - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By joe knight - December 20 - 10:54 am

  this jeep high 55 I got 36 mpg , no problems on the road , it holds it tight , under 20,000 new 60,000 bumper to bumper , just happy with it. ,,, like an car you get , get in drive it , dont go be what anyone else likes its your new car not theres

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  Always a jeep owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By SEEKAUFF - December 19 - 6:46 am

  80,000 miles on the first set of tires. Love the selec trac transmission. Absolutely no problems so far only routine maintenance. Love the heated seats and moonroof. Lots of storage space inside. Heater will cook you and A/C will freeze you. Had an 89 cherokee that I sold at 265,000 miles. Hoping to make this one last as long too.

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  Fun but only for so long... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Doovie - December 19 - 3:06 am

  I really like that it is small and nimble, but also large enough for a family. I bought it new and was told 87 octane was fine. Ive since learned otherwise. It has died on me just sitting at a light several times. I also have had problems with wind noise through the driver door. The key fobs are HORRIBLE. Ive had them worked on (supposedly) at least five times and they still dont work. The absolute worst feature is that if you are in the back you either sweat to death or the passengers in the front freeze to death as they go deaf listening to the air on high.

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  Second Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By drdave - December 17 - 1:40 am

  I have been pleasantly surprised with consistently attaining 21+ mpg for local drives and 25+ mpg for long distance. The Freedom top is an excellent feature to allow quick removal for either/both the passenger/driver. The new sound proofing makes engine noise disappear making for a quiet ride. Overall driver comfort has improved tremendously since 2002.

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  Very Happy So Far - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By NewJeepGirl - December 16 - 9:53 am

  I traded in my 05 Xterra for this Patriot. Wanted better gas mileage and better quality-Xterra leaked oil at 23K and ABS computer quit at 400miles. Just had our first snow fall-Patriot is sure footed and secure. Like the 5 star crash rating and side curtain airbags. 5spd manual shifts very smoothly. My family can get in and out of the car much easier than the X. I like driving it much more than I anticipated. Get a lot of bang for the buck-Lifetime powertrain warrenty, plus moonroof, outside thermometer, power windows, ABS, Stability control,etc. Glad Jeep still makes 5spd trannys. Milage 22 city 28 hwy plus roomy trunk & legroom made me choose this over Suzuki SX4. Like it more every day

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  Dual purpose - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kevin - December 16 - 3:30 am

  Ive wanted a Jeep as long as I can remember and the Unlimited finally made it practicable. The ride is good for an SUV - the longer wheelbase helps a bunch, the extra storage room in back is reasonable. Its my all-weather convertible with removable hardtop. Its been trouble free so far. Love it.