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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  Awesome car! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By ryanapem - September 9 - 10:33 am

  This car has been wonderful! Ive owned it now for 6 months and put about 10,000 miles on it. Ive had no mechanical issues with it and it has performed better than expected. I consistently get 25.5 MPG in the city and 26.5 MPH highway. Ive never seen less than 24.5 MPH. It is comfortable, easy to reconfigure (fold seats and such), capable and cheap to own and operate. Ive got no real drawbacks to this car. It really has met and exceeded all my expectations.

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  No dip stick!! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lisaray - September 8 - 11:43 am

  Was extremely upset to find that the transmission was leaking and went to check the oil and found that there was NO DIP STICK!! Will be getting rid of the vehicle soon. Will NEVER purchase another Jeep because of this. What if I was on the road and something went wrong w/ the vehicle and really needed to check my oil? Wow, out of luck. They sure do want to make sure to get your money. Love the vehicle, but never again.

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  Love mine - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Shane - September 8 - 6:29 am

  Love the handling

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  120,000 miles going for 200,000 miles - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve abraham - September 7 - 11:04 pm

  I have a gray 2006 Jeep and I love it. I have put it through a hard life, driving upstate, and in NYC, in the worst weather and in blistering heat. This Jeep always performd well and is still a very comfortable ride. I had several repair issues, but after 100,000 miles they are expected. new radiator, battery, starter, all standard stuff. The engine is strong, tranny is tight. Darn oxygen sensors have to be changed and they are costly, but it is better than having old carburators. I love my steel colored jeep and I hope to make another review here at 200,000 miles. ps I bought this off lease at two years old, with 18,000 miles, for about $18,000.00

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  More fun than a barrel of monkeys - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By tr1741 - September 7 - 7:49 pm

  For the money, I just donÂ’t think anything can compete with the new 2011 Patriot. I purchased a sport 2WD model with the 2.4l upgrade and power package with a manual 5spd for under $18 grand. Now I understand that I am not going to be off-roading or rock crawling with this vehicle, but as a very nice small hauler and weekend fun machine it fits the bill perfectly. Now I would definitely recommend the manual, because the CVT transmissions really suck the fun out of the vehicle. However the 5spd with the 2.4l is peppy and can easily handle highway merges and quick maneuvers. The vehicle feels competent at speed and never seems to want for power even when overtaking.

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  Great Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ken H - September 7 - 6:06 pm

  This Jeep rocks! It handles the rough roads in and around New Orleans as easily as smooth Interstates. Comfy interior, quality design and materials, great fit and finish, smooth quiet ride and V8 Hemi power with a classic Jeep look. Too many features to praise including the auto a/c, which took a bit to understand, but now absolutely love it! The regular gas does help mitigate the v8s thirst, but the Jeep is so fun to drive I dont even worry about the gas. Such a quality ride. Keep placing the design and quality of this Jeep into all of your Chrysler , Dodge and Jeep products and I think youll have no problems selling vehicles.

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  Jeep Got it Right - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew - September 7 - 8:00 am

  My 2005 Jeep Cherokee Limited 5.7L with chrome rims, back-up sensors, back seat entertainment, satellite radio and 7500 lb. tow package has proven to be great fun to drive, comfortable for my passengers, and eye catching. The separate climate controls with duel infrared sensor works very well creating two separate environment. The MDS 5.7L engine mileage is 13 to 19mpg with smooth power delivery to all four tires. The tire pressure monitors (also in the spare) is comforting because Jeep displays the pressure for each tire right on the instrument panel. Jeep has integrated Bluetooth, CD, DVD, Sat Radio, and GPS on a single intranet bus. The IgKey is a small computer. It is my work horse.

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  Great Vehicle for the Money. - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By MichiganCityRogers - September 6 - 9:53 pm

  I bought mine used and it had 33,000 miles. Ive owned it for about two months and have had no problems from a mechanical standpoint. I own the 4X4 model and this vehicle replaced a Jeep Cherokee Sport. The performance during the recent 30+ inches of snow we had in Indiana was nothing short of amazing. Performed in the snow as well as the Cherokee. The cargo area, with the fold down back seat and passenger seat, is extremely large and I am able to haul extension ladders, etc. with no problem. Fuel economy is consistently 22 MPG. When comparing the selling price against the performance and usefulness, this car is a great deal.

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  Great Little 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Sara - September 6 - 8:03 am

  I brought the Patriot home about 2 weeks ago. Came off a Grand Cherokee and a Cherokee Sport before that. The ride is smooth and gas mileage has been what I hoped for so far 28-29 mpg with 5 speed manual transmission. Seems like it is going to be a great little 4x4. Jeep makes a solid product.

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  Not sure what to think about my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By westcentralillinois - September 6 - 2:26 am

  I bought my Jeep in 04 used with 29,000 miles on it(now with 126k). I have loved it until last fall (2008), when the air & heat quite working. I took it to a mechanic late winter & after spending around $800 for a new thermostat, new switch, system flush, and then actuator & mode doors, it still didnt work. I took it to another mechanic, told him what the other did, & he went through it again & put another new mode body & actuator on it & isnt sure it will work. There has been no Jeep recalls on it or posts. I am at a lose. This is my 3rd Jeep, & I am a little frustrated with this issue. It has been paid for for awhile & I wasnt ready to trade it. Other than this it has been great!