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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  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...

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  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...

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  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By redlemon - July 26 - 12:23 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It is better than expected off road. It turns sharper than any car I have ever owned. Pulls as good or better than the full size Chevrolet I replaced. Big complaint is fuel economy. You would expect better out of such a little Jeep, but that is the price you pay for having the strength to pull like a half ton.

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  Jeep Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By jaydub - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Very good performance. Interior comfort is questionable with a tall driver. The jeep is also very sensitive to what type of fuel is used. Off road performance is average at best when compared to other domestic 4x4s. Off road performance is poor when compared to import suvs.

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  three in a row - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By edward52 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  This is my third --85, 92 and now 2000-- they keep getting better --for repairs only been to dealer once in four and a half years to get ball joints done, otherwise local texaco does all regular maintenance -- the expensive 6,000 mile increment plans at the dealer are not worth it --300 to 500 each ! absurd!! Only minor issue --black paint finish on mirrors and rear hinges did not hold up well otherwise it is great -- about to buy an unlimited

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  2015 Patriot - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By S. McElwain - July 25 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my 4WD Patriot to have after my knee replacement surgery. It was easy to get in and out of and this is true for when my back goes out. I don’t “fall into” the drivers seat because it isn’t low and I don’t have to pull myself out of it. I love my Patriot

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  too many problems/bad gas mileage - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Katymaeflower - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this Jeep used. Ive had it for 2 yrs. Its fun to drive but gets terrible gas mileage...15 city/20 hwy if youre lucky! Ive had to replace 2 window regulators so far. It is in the shop now for an electrical problem where it keeps blowing fuses. The bill so far is $800 plus a towing charge! Before the windows and electrical issues, my only complaint was the bad gas mileage. I agree with the one person who said we should start a class action suit against Chrysler but would it do any good since they are going out of business? I owned a 1996 Grand Cherokee before this and loved it...no problems. I sure miss it!

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  Jeep Wrangler - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By crrazy1 - July 25 - 3:30 pm

  Fun to drive all summer with the top down. In the winter there is no stopping you. Aside from a little bumpy ride and not the greatest gas mileage this vehicle is GREAT!

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  Not your moms SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep 4 Life - July 25 - 5:20 am

  Ive had my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for 5 months now. It replaced my 95 Jeep with 185,000 miles and still running strong. This is my third Jeep; my only complaint is the interior plastic is not a good as it should be on a $31,000 SUV. Ride comfort is a little bumpy but acceptable. If you dont intend to take drive off road you may want to look at a Toyota or Honda instead. Off road nothing is better than a Jeep 4x4. With good set of A/T tires, Grand Cherokees can follow a Wrangler Rubicon almost anywhere except extreme rock crawling. You will probably be the limiting factor in where you attempt to take it. Window regulator broke -- dealer repaired so it cost $0.

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  Wish I could get 2014 - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By cicmurphy - July 24 - 11:02 pm

  I live in Utah and we have considerable amounts of snow and ice in the winter and I trust my Jeep to get me to where ever I am wanting to go, no matter the weather. I have taken it playing in the mud, sand, rain and snow and have absolutely no complaints. I have 120000 miles on it and other than the recommended upkeep, there has been no other repairs, replacements or issues. I only wish Jeep had kept making them so that I could upgrade to a newer model once I hit 200000 miles.