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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  I Made The Switch from Honda to Jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Kenn - June 9 - 4:06 am

  So I had a 2003 Honda Element which was extremely reliable. It never died stalled or stuttered during its 4 years of service. I made the move to the Jeep Patriot because they were giving them away and my Honda was not attractive anymore. The interior had been trashed by me and my 5 year old. I am a Realtor so I do a ton of driving. I needed a car that was reliable and better on gas than the Honda. I read nothing but positive reviews from owners of the 2009 Jeep Patriot. I have driven mine for 2000 miles and I love it! It is a great car. It gets amazing gas mileage. It is spacious on the inside. The storage is just okay but the interior looks ago. I love the exterior style for this car.

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  ONE TUFF JEEP - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By ONE TUFF JEEP - June 8 - 6:36 pm

  Ive owned my jeep for about 8 years. Ive had no major problems to deal with since. Ive got mine hooked-up for off-road(4" lift w/32s and some bolt-on engine mods) its literally a beast on wheels. I can get through anything I want. I pass 50k$ SUVs going up the slickest of roads on my ski trips. I highly recommend to any one looking for an affordable off road vehicle. Gas-mileage stinks--- 13mpg combined, but its been very good to me, plus its paid off...

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  2008 Jeep Patriot - Fail! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By disappointed71 - June 8 - 3:38 pm

  Bought new in 2008. Within the first year, dome light would fill with water during a hard rain and would dump all over dash and me! Three years in, the lower ball joints/control arm had to be replaced with under 60,000 mi. Brakes and tires also had to be replace around the same time due to extra strain from the bad control arm. One year later, the ball joints are going bad again! Transmission is also acting up - anytime I travel on the highway for 2 hours or so, the transmission temperature light goes on and the car compensates by slowing me down to 45 mph, forcing me to pull over. Dealership says nothing is wrong with the tranny. I beg to differ!! Hate this car and will trade ASAP!!!

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  No Longer a Jeep Fan - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By No longer a Jeep fan - June 7 - 3:56 am

  This purchase was our fourth Jeep. The first three were about perfect, and this Jeep has cured me from ever buying another. The car needed to be painted five times and had to be done by area that failed as opposed to painting the whole car at once. The computers have been unreliable, the radio failed, three of the four window actuators have failed, the condenser and evaporator and vent doors have failed, and it had fuel tank issues. The engine and tranny are good but the rest of the car falls apart around it. Nice comfortable ride but you always know its never for long. Oh, and the car leaks like a sieve when it rains. Im headed out to buy an Acura next. Good Heavens!

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  do it in a jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By freddie - June 6 - 2:46 am

  First SUV owned and went with the best makers of off road vehicles. So far so good Im loving my Jeep.

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  Spectacular - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Krista - June 5 - 11:23 pm

  I purchase my 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in 2005 I love it it has been very reliable I can not complain, only things that really needed to be done was normal maintenance brakes, alternator etc etc. The a/c died last summer but that is to be expected for an older vehicle with over 280000 kms. I am 4 Jeep all the way!!!

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  Towed more than its driven - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Hiedi Poulson - June 5 - 7:24 pm

  Bought brand new with 5 miles on it. Left my family stranded 7 times, the first 2 times were at 260 and 550 miles due to a fuel leak. Then the cruise control started taking off and accelerating on its own. And the electrical issues are off the charts! The jeeps entire electrical system shuts off while driving,starts back up and the radio chants a ham radio signal, over and over again. No matter what you do, turn it off, open the doors, it wont stop. The jeeps radio turns on in the middle of the night, completely draining the battery. Even the tow truck cant charge it, the doors will not unlock, tires locked abs has to be dragged onto the wrecker, forcefully! This electrical problem has been going on well over a year! The radio has been replaced twice for freeing up and refusing to answer calls, screen freezes ect. The brakes now squee and the front end clunks off and on. Headlights dim randomly and has a terrible vibration while in drive. I have a lawyer, its that bad. Everyone Ive met with a Patriot has endless problems! Never, ever again!

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  Outstanding Automobile - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By peckl - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I only had 3 days to buy a car after my 1997 GrCherLtd was wrecked. This 1998 5.9 bought with 19,000 miles proved to be an outstanding purchase: condition, sound system, and appearance. Bonding with this car has been strong and quick. I modified it with front tow hook mounted trailer ball for moving all sized aircraft in and out of hangars and glider trailers, and oxygen carts. Wonderful automobile.

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  not impressed - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terri potts - June 5 - 10:00 am

  My fuel pump had to be replaced. Brake system is terrible, car rolled into my garage door after being put in park and emergency brake in place. 800 had no reponse. i am currently having transmission problems. wheel bearing have been replaced and i currently need another replacement. i have a very noisy ride. spend your money elsewhere

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  The worst Jeep I have ever owned - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Flyfish from MA - June 5 - 10:00 am

  The worst Jeep I have ever owned, I went through 2 transmissions both of them siezed on me with only having 1600 miles on the car. And remember this is a 2003. Not very reliable is it? I didnt think so.