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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  Poor Gas Mileage on 2011 Patriot 4WD - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 2011patriot - August 5 - 1:28 pm

  I bought my 2011 Patriot on December 20, 2010, in large part because of the advertised gas mileage. The window sticker for my 2.4L, CVTII, 4WD is 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Thus far, while driving in very light city conditions and then on a highway trip to Pittsburgh (from Erie, PA), I have been getting 17-18 mpg and 21-22 mpg, respectively. That is far below the advertised mileage, and thats with only a couple miles of 4WD driving time, and I do not let the vehicle sit idling at ATMs nor do I let it idle a long to warm up (kept in a partially heated garage). On my last vehicle (2007 Cobalt) I routinely beat the sticker mpg by 5-7 mpg, so my driving habits are not at fault.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - August 5 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2005 Grand Cherokee. The Patriot gets much better mileage. We took it 450 miles on vacation a week after we bought it and averaged about 27 mpg with the automatic transmission. Classic Jeep styling and great handling. It has a very tight turning radius. Fun to drive. There is some noise when accelerating but it is not unpleasant and tapers off when up to speed. 2.4 engine has adequate power. Basic model doesnt come with many thrills but I consider this a plus as you can tailor this vehicle to suit your preferences with the large selection of options available. Dont listen to the so called "expert" reviews, drive one yourself and see what you think.

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  Need to recall - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Amy - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep used last year with 24,000 miles on it. Up until now it has been absolutely wonderful. However,a few weeks ago I started experiencing loss of acceleration when turning. Then this week, I took a left turn and it would not accelerate at all. I ended up rolling to the other side of the road and was luckily able to pull over. Today I spent $950.00 replacing the electronic shift module. The car has currently only 37,000 miles which of course is just out of warranty. I am very disappointed to learn after the fact that this is a common problem. There needs to be a recall on this vehicle. This is a serious safety hazard.

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  2011 Grand Cherokee - Owners Review - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By XTalath - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Any new vehicle is a mixed bag of hope and disappointment. My 2011 JEEP Grand Cherokee is no different. If Chrysler was looking for this vehicle to reinvigorate the JEEP line, they should have ditched the penny pinching and built a better vehicle. I was most perturbed at the crippleware electronics. Buttons exist for features that are not enabled. Im not keen on paying another $1,200 for three dip-switches to be flipped on electronics that are already in my vehicle. Having the chance to really bring forward a WOW vehicle. Chrysler is still "business as usual". Fail

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  Best GC Ever and I should know! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimbof60 - August 5 - 5:20 am

  This is my 6th GC and is simply the best!!! And for all you suv owners whos cars have never left the pavement, as I have done with all my Jeeps, this one will be hitting the beach dune trails this summer...

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  42,000 & shot! Poor sub standard quality - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By BarbinCT - August 4 - 9:40 am

  Within the first week of owning, failed computer module cause unsafe driving conditions and faulty triggering of my tcs/abs on the highway.? car would slow down, not accelerate.. Dangerous! Dealer said this issue was not part of the recall related to abs? had to go to shop 3 times before this was properly diagnosed and corrected. At 30, ooo miles the clutch needed supposed replacing, out of pocket expense ($1300), not warrantied. Never had a clutch wear out or need replacing in 20 years of driving 5 speed manual! Very next day, broke down again, had another clutch issue.. Cable broke, this was covered? towed in and repaired clutch 2 days in a row?

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  best decision Ive made - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BOB NOLAN - August 2 - 8:40 am

  Well, this is truly fun to drive, with a stiffer but comfortable ride. Interior is well designed. The cloth seats are of excellent quality, appearance, and comfort. This is the first 4WD I have had and its GREAT. Gets through snow and ice covered roads deliciously. Have about 700 miles on it, and I am getting better than 18mpg; not bad. My wife and I battle over who gets to drive it. (I win most of the time, Im the boss and she said I could say that. PS: good power with the 3.7l!

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  Best Buy Small SUV, No Question! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Jimmy d - August 1 - 10:36 pm

  I needed a solid 4 wheel drive small SUV. I did an extensive comparison with Rav 4 / CR-V / and all the others in this class. no one could touch it for price vs. features. Plus it still has a little German influence, i.e. Pwr assist brakes and anti-roll mitigation. Very solid, quiet and I think, with the leather seats (Ltd) a luxurious interior. I covered the Grey dash surfaces with fake burl wood and it just popped. A very surprising value for the money. Very pleased. I would only like to see the milage improve, and after 1st oil change and a few thou miles, Im sure it will. You cannot beat this buy anywhere at any price! This is a home run! Toyota and Honda - better go run and hide.

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  only in a jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepmaster - July 31 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle, true 4 wheel drive convertible, jeepers are a breed of their own, most of my friends are jeepers.

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  Upstate NY Monster - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rob H - July 31 - 2:00 am

  With long winters and over 110" of snow, The Jeep JC is the monster of the midway. I traded a 2000 JC Limited, which I drove for 80K miles without incident (OK, the usual warped rotors). The Inferno Red Overland is a real head turner. Gas Mileage is poor as expected. Comofort and ride are excellent. DVD Nav system is great for trips away from home. Easily find Gas, ATMs, or food by type. Thrilled to be an Overland owner!