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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  My First Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Bryan in Akron - October 30 - 3:43 pm

  The Patriot is the first jeep I have ever owned and I have to say it is surprisingly good at everything. The first weekend after I brought it home there was a snow storm and most of the town was shut down. I went out anyhow. It performed very well in the snow and on unplowed streets with and without the 4x4 turned on. The electronic stability control does its job. The interior of the Patriot is spacious considering its overall size. The interior could be of a higher quality, even in the limited, however it is acceptable for its price. Overall, I have no major complaints about the Patriot. The price point is phenomenal and the quality is great.

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  Rat_Patrol - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By balcuthra - October 30 - 9:53 am

  IÂ’ve had this ride since 93. My only complaint was that Chrysler failed to implement a recall on the fuel gauge system failure. And replacing it would have cost me $700.00 at the dealer, which I promptly refused to do. I drive without a working fuel gauge till this day. Needless to say, I had that car shipped to Hawaii for three years, and Italy for four, now itÂ’s in Florida waiting to be shipped to Puerto Rico. I will own it till it dies. It went through three transmissions, fuel pump, water pump, two belts, five brake changes, four u-bolts, four shocks, tires, and that about it, aside from oil and tune ups. I have off road several times

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By hoffdog - October 30 - 3:12 am

  I bought this car off a 3-year lease in March 2005, so Ive had it for 7 years. Its been a great vehicle! Ive put little to no money into it, just your normal oil changes, tires, tuneups, ect. The only issues Ive had with it is the AC and the rear window defogger. The AC hasnt worked since about 2007, Ive tried fixing it numerous times with no luck. Same thing with the rear window defogger, no luck fixing it. It has never broken down on me. My only major complaint I have is the gas mileage, I can only get about 17-19 on the highway. But, I knew that when I bought it so I shouldnt complain.

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  Really think about buying - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Luke - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Me and my wife owned these vehicle for about six weeks now. First let me say at the time of purchasing the compass it was a good buy after the first week had second thoughts first it was the ignition that went wrong then we got it back ad found it was not fixed so finally after two weeks they finally repaired it second the remote start was having problem they finally repaired that then found there was a oil leak that was coming from the timing cover in which the motor had to be removed from the car to repair so think long and hard about getting a jeep compass in its a hit or miss and another thing very loud inside the cabin due to the engine

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  3rd Wrangler - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dzurinko - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler. My first 2 wranglers had the 4.0 in them. I think the 3.8 has a little more pep and the MPG seem a little better than my other jeeps(17 vs 19-21). The 4.0 seemed better on the low rpm end. Also, I cant hear the 3.8L so its not as easy to shift smoothly. Not sure why they went from the bulletproof 4.0 to a motor that performs marginally better, if at all... My only other complaint is why not put some BF Goodie All Terrains on out of the factory. The Goodyears are pitiful. They have worked so hard to put out a rugged vehicle, but then put street tires on it. It wont be our last Jeep Wrangler. Lots of reviews on here from multiple wrangler owners. :)

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  At home on the road and rocks - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By mike - October 29 - 8:43 am

  This Wrangler rides great. Traded a 2003 Rubicon in on it. What a differance in ride. Jeep keeps doing better and better. Just keep the solid axles. i.f.s. would ruin the Wrangler

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  Switched out X3 for V6 Trailhawk and couldnt be happier! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By loisc - October 29 - 5:34 am

  I went for all the bells and whistles. The car is sharp on the outside and luxurious on the inside. It is solidly built, downright peppy with the V6, and full of high-end technology and safety features. On the third day of ownership, the crank shaft sensor failed and car was in the garage two days; however, it is working well since the repair.

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  so many design flaws - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By B - October 27 - 10:03 pm

  I owned and loved a 2000 Grand Cherokee, purchased a 2007 after my warranty had run out...big mistake! 1.doors spring back 2.cannot remove cups holder for cleaning 3.even when heat should only be on feet, is blowing strongly from defrost 4.difficult to adjust mirrors because knob too close to door 5.low head clearance when entering vehicle 6.hard to vacuum 7.not enough spring in back door 8.must lean to middle onto console to feel A.C. in face, vents do not adjust toward driver These are all very small issues but annoying everyday items that may prevent me from purchasing another Grand Cherokee.

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  Piece of Junk - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Centa - October 27 - 6:46 pm

  Bad on gas, windows/doors/automatic starter does not work often with remote, dash board blinks off/on, clock resets everytime its started, acceleration is slow, brakes squeak since 200 miles sometimes and watranty is only for 1 year.....Everytime vehicle is taken in for service, they say everything is good, we cant find anything wrong. Its at dealership for service again and rep notice all of complaints. The truck is a lemon, no doubt.

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  Quality, Fun, & Excellent Driving Machine - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Travis - October 26 - 2:03 am

  Great fun in the summer time when you can take the doors and roof off. Excellent 4wd capabilities enable you to have fun in the winter or take off road excursions without the worries. Great part availability. Excellent, fun, and quality for the first time drivers to the older, mature persons.