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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  patriot limited 5spd manual - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By pajobx - September 1 - 7:36 am

  this car is just bad no power when you step on the gas does not handle well on rain or snow only comes in 5spd no 6spd i feel for this car to be better needs to have 6cylinders with 250horspower i will never buy a jeep patriot again gas tank only takes 12.5gal you need to fil twice a week audio controls in back of steering wheel interior all plastic,buy german

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  Like it a lot! - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Spideyfan68 - August 31 - 9:56 am

  I bought mine used with 50,000 miles on it. I have since put another 50,000 on and still going strong. I have had no major repair the normal brakes tires etc. I do need to replace the clutch on the air conditioner compressor that is it. I was thinking about a new car but mine is in such nice shape I think I will keep it a year or two.

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  Fun and Comfortable - 2014 Jeep Wrangler
  By mgbhunk - August 31 - 12:58 am

  Got my 4 door wrangler 3 mos. ago with the altitude package (blacked out trim). I get compliments everywhere on how cool it is. Manual trans shifts smooth and precise and makes the car extremely fun to drive. Gas mileage on highway can be 26 if I set the cruise @ 60; 16-19 in the city. Leather seats are very comfortable; ride is great; car is quieter than I thought it would be. dual top option gives you a nicer soft top. Radio/nav/Bluetooth controls are very intuitive. Dealer gave me a great price, so it made no sense to buy a used one.

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  I LOVE MY 2016 PATRIOT - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By moondoggie - August 30 - 10:26 am

  Do understand the bad reviews...I had a RAVE4...which was an excellent car...NO REPAIRS AT ALL after 11years. But the Patriot blows it away in comfort, space, and quality of interior. The top of doors are padded, the dosh controls are easiest to navigate of ANY vehicle I ever had. The dash board is flat and hold a cell phone holder easily without blocking vision. There is an actual SHELF in it as well ...for a GPS, tablet, kleenex, sunglasses, etc.This is my first Jeep also. There is alot of head and leg-room, even for my 6" husband. I have the High Altitude Pkg...I love the leather seats and interior . I have a Mastiff and the hair doesnt stick at all. He has PLENTY of room in the back seat. There are 3 ports for charging things, there is an actual PLUG..like in your house, for shaver, coffee warmer, night-light or whatever! It is NOT the fastest thing ..nothing like my Camaro. But it isnt that kind of car. Its for kids, dogs, baggage, toys and activities. Who wants a race car for that? It handles the road , water, ice and snow GREAT...it has front drive. The 430 Sirius radio is excellent too. The gear shifter itself could be smoother...but who cares? It has a VERY smooth ride....turns, stears and breaks fabulously. It has more storage space and little cubbies for stuff all over the place. NO OTHER suv I tried had any. That is very important when your a woman...lots of things you need at hand. As far as the engine reviews, I dont know much about that. The gas mileage is good. The comfort of the seats cant be beat. The driver seat raises...I sit about 4-5" higher than the passenger seat...so I have great vision as well. Just thought I would mention these things...The patriot seems to get an undeseved bas wrap! If you want a COMFORTABL versital vehicle ...and you spend alot of time driving...you will love the Patriot!

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  never again - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By going broke - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Until the past year I was very pleased with the 5.9. However, in the past year (since about 55,000 miles) I have changed the front rotors twice due to warping, (once was covered by a Jeep recall)and replaced both the front and rear differentials. In addition, I have a transmission leak which hopefully is only the pan gasket. All this despite the fact that I have followed schedule A maintenance recommendations. I will never buy another Chrysler product again

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  WOW!!!! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tts - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This thing moves out- I came from a cadillac eldo with northstar engine and I thought that moved out..Muffler noise is excessive but handling is smooth and going over bumps is fantastic for an SUV. No rattling noises, no squeeks. I test drove the Envoy, Trailblazer, Explorer, Yukon, Sequoia, 4runner, and the Mercedes Benz 320 & 420. I liked the Mercedes the best but for the money You cant beat the jeep!!!

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  Love at First Drive - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dee - August 29 - 6:43 am

  An SUV with all the needs. I love it. Better than a Wrangler because its not only providing the ruggedness in performance and in looks it can also be souped up with some classy features. it rides pretty smooth for a Jeep that can perform on some extreme trails.

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  Poor Quality - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Not Happy - August 29 - 6:20 am

  This is the first US built car weve purchased in the last 10 years (all others have been Japanese, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi). The Jeep build quality is poor. Both power windows on the drivers side have already failed in less than 9 months (the rear gets virtually no use, so why it failed is pure poor quality). The engine idles rough and the dealer can find nothing wrong with it. We will not buy another Chrysler product again. Putting products like this on the market its no wonder US car makers are losing to imports. I have a 2004 Mitsubishi (3 years old and over 50,000 miles) and its has only had routine maintenance, no build quality problems.

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  The Lemon - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Mike - August 28 - 2:40 pm

  My wife and I purchased a Jeep Commander Rocky Mount. My wife loved the look of the commander and I liked the lifetime warranty. Soon after purchasing it, one month, a loud whistling noise started coming from the dash. After three trips back to the dealer they stated they didnt know how to fix the problem. Since then, if you try to close the front two windows along with the sun roof, the sunroof will open itself back up. Again they stated there is nothing they can do because they dont know how to fix it. We are now involved in a lawsuit forcing them to buy it back. They are trying to say we have to pay them to buy it back. do not buy this car!

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  My 5th Jeep, tried others but came back - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mo - August 28 - 12:43 pm

  This is my 5th Jeep since 1998. 3 Laredos, 1 Liberty, and now Grand Cherokee Limited with the Hemi. Love it! Tested Lexus 400H and Nissan Murano, but came back. Really feel secure in this vehicle when driving down the road. Heavy, smooth. I am 52", 95lbs, and can see (slight blind spots in back like all my Cherokees) and reach everything. Love the satellite radio, auto high beam, window wiper sensors. After the Liberty, which still have, love how the wind doesnt push me around in this vehicle. Drive 500 miles to and from work every week and this makes it really enjoyable. Cant believe the compliments from co-workers in the parking lot.