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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  Good Value SUV--Needs Bigger Fuel Tank! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By deercroft - March 11 - 5:16 am

  Overall I am quite happy with my purchase. The Patriot with Freedom Drive II rides well and, despite comments about noise from the CVT I have no problems in that area. With seat height adjusted up, you also get good visibility (contrary to other views). Not as good as my old Jeep Cherokee overall but more comfortable/functional (except for driving range-see bigger fuel tank below), easier rear passenger access and nice fold flat seat system on passenger side. Hope someone designs aftermarket fuel tank fix. Even 10 l (2.5 US gal) more would be a huge improvement! I bought the vehicle knowing fuel tank would be a problem--still great value!

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  LOVED OUR JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rili_ok - March 10 - 7:03 pm

  We recently sold our 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 but only because we wanted to purchase a hybrid before gas prices rise again. We still miss it, especially when we see another one in town! The only mechanical work required besides regular maintenance and new tires occurred at the end of a vacation. It lost all power and wouldnt remain running, the locks were possessed, power steering gone, no radio, etc. It turns out it only needed a new battery! The only area that could use improvement is in highway handling (keeping it on the road). My husband had more difficulty with this than I did but sometimes it was exhausting to drive at 65 mph and above, especially if there was a crosswind.

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  A kid again - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Manny - March 10 - 3:30 pm

  I just purchased the 2008 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, and it a joy driving it; I wish the 4 doors had been out a few years earlier. This vehicle is well adapted for the off road environment, more like amazing. ItÂ’s able to maneuver the harshest terrain. I find it to be the most solid built vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned many SUVs in the past ten years. My average MPG is anywhere from 18.4 to 19.3, this is better than my King Ranch F150 (2WD). No buyerÂ’s remorse here.

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  Unbelievable - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Trogdor - March 9 - 10:00 am

  With out a doubt the best Jeep DC has ever turned out. Its offroad capabilities are insane. On road fuel economy becomes a problem especially b/c of the gearing but one cannot deny the fun factor in this car. In the interior space is at a premium and this car was definetly designed for two people. There is very few things you cannot do in this vehicle.

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  How quickly can you get rid of a Jeep? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Brunette - March 9 - 8:13 am

  I loved my Jeep up until about 6 months ago. It is the cutest small SUV out there and when I first saw it I just had to have it. Then about a couple of months ago a lot of things started going wrong. Taillight (although not a big deal), then the catalytic converter, then the window regulator in the rear passenger window broke, and finally the icing to the cake, the AC is now broken at the beginning of a hot summer. Ive also had the battery replaced because it became corroded. My outlets and rear wiper started not working and it revs for odd reasons that they "cant figure out". Total gas guzzler as well. Im trying to get rid of this thing fast, but no one is biting for the obvious reasons.

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  Problematic SRT - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Garbage SRT - March 9 - 4:16 am

  All I can say is that this Jeep is not what I thought it to be. First off, when you punch the gas, the Jeep has this big delay and hesitation. Then it will take off, by that time the other guy is at least 3 car lengths a head of you. I just dont get it. This truck is to have 420 ponys. But it feels like it has half that. Its said to say this but Jeep needs to re-think things a little. I still have my 01 X5 4.4i. And I had my buddy race me with it, sure enough my old X5 beat me by a car length. Im tellin you, they just dont build them like they used too. Even BMW has changed there stuff. Im getting rid of this truck and picking up a Porsche Pepper. That turbo S is sick.

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  No repairs until 97,000.00 - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By trustyourgut - March 8 - 12:03 pm

  Not a peep from my jeep! No dummy lights were on, no noises, no warning. But, suddenly, one day, it was unable to climb the hilly road. Just stopped, right there, in front of a farm, where a lonely adolescent cow greeted me. Transmission is currently being replaced. Thank God the 2011 has a 100,000 miles trans warranty. I no longer trust my jeep.

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  Classy executive car - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By carlos - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  This car has met all my expectations. As an executive it is roomy, comfortable, and elegant. Gas mileage could be better, but all the other things compensate for it. I would not change. I tried the other jeep models and this is just it for me.

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  Nice Truck - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger d - March 7 - 1:53 pm

  Nice Truck, poor mpg. very Nice interior, great power, I have the 5.7 Hemi, it goes along great. This truck needs more places for storage items. I would rate it at about an 8 on a one to ten scale

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  Time To Say Goodbye - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By GoPhillies - March 7 - 1:06 pm

  The first car I ever bought. I didnt imagine it would last me 11 years. It was a great Jeep. Im trading it in this spring for a "civilians" car. Its been unbelievably reliable. For 10 yrs. I only had to replace the alternator. It has 140,000 mi. Things went south this summer. Major oil leak, brakes locked up, new radiator, new starter, new clutch cylinder, coolant leaks, etc. Very safe, not real comfortable or easy to use when trying to put childern and toddlers in back car seats. Great ride in the spring and fall with top down. I still love the plugs in floor to let water out when getting caught in rain. Bad mpg, but its a jeep. My dog loves it too. Good bye old friend. Youll be missed.