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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  Second Jeep Patriot - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By sonipsok1 - May 30 - 5:35 pm

  My first Jeep Patriot was a 2007, 2.4L Sport. I thought it was great compared to its replacement, a 2000 Jeep Cherokee. After a few years, no longer impressed with its ride. No problems anywhere else. Once the redesign came out for 2011, I had to go see it. The ride is so much better! The 2007 is like riding in a truck where the 2011 is like driving in a car that handles well, quite, and great features! I bought the Latitude with the 2.0L engine for 20K. I have 21K miles on it now after 1 year, and Im still impressed with the comfort and value and quality of this Jeep.

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  A Good All Around Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JFL Live - May 30 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my 2004 Grand Cherokee used from the local dealer with about 15k miles on it. Having read all the reviews stating different mechanical problems, I test drove at least a dozen Grand Cherokees before I settled on this one. Many of the Jeeps I test drove had a wandering front end, pulsating brakes or transmission noise. Some had too many miles with no warranty left. The one I picked had 2 years and 20k left on the warranty and NO symptoms of any mechanical problems. After 8,000 miles there are still no problems. If you can find a good one like I did, it makes a perfect every day car.

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  Best SUV Ever!!! Very Happy with Purchase! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By mojorisin36 - May 30 - 5:56 am

  I did a ton of research on SUVs - Ford, Toyota, Mazda, Acura, Honda etc...and I initially leased the Grand Cherokee as I couldnt decide between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The first night I drove the Grand Cherokee home I hated it. The dealership was awesome and let me switch to the Cherokee Limited V6 w/ Panoramic roof, loaded. It is the best driving, most comfortable car with the best technology I ever had. I am so happy with the purchase and love driving this fun car. Perfect if you have kids yet want to drive in poor conditions yet want to go out at night or drive on the highway. I completely recommend it.

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  DO NOT TRUST JEEPS - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Poor Quality - May 30 - 3:03 am

  I bought the CRD Diesel, which is great, good gas mileage (20+ in city, 25+ freeway) excellent low end torque, very good OHV and very fun! But it doesnt overcome the horrible Jeep quality, I will not buy another one. Chrysler knows that the window regulators are a deficient design, but will not acknowledge it. A simple plastic piece that will fail every 5k miles! I have replaced 7 regulators in 2 years. Dealer charges $400+, admits that it is a design flaw. I fix them myself, but it is still 1+ hr + $150. One of the biggest disappointments I have ever owned. Check all the internet sites under Jeep Liberty and you will see the massive dissatisfaction with quality (EGRs and regulators).

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  High mileage and still going strong - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By megs3 - May 29 - 3:08 pm

  I have 291,000 miles on my Jeep. Yes, I have had repairs beginning at 120,000 through 190,000. The cost of repairs exceeded the cost of my Jeep. However, I HAVE NO PAYMENTS on a newer car, and in analyzing this expense vs buying a new one, Im still ahead. Paid 12K and put in about 16k. For the repairs, replaced the CV boot about 3 times, replaced regulators in the front windows, and the transmission at about 240,000. And an infamous rattle in the rear end which finally turned out to be the rear door. Truthfully, most of the cost of repair went to inexperienced mechanics that thought they could fix anything, and knew nothing about jeeps. Its a great vehicle and well worth keeping.

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  Dont listen to auto writer snobs - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris - May 29 - 11:00 am

  Im so sick of the professional auto writers who are not able to review an economy car with realistic expectations. We almost wrote off the Patriot thinking the engine had no power. Bought the 5 speed manual with 2.4L and love it. Very comfortable highway ride and 25MPG on the very first tank of gas! Traded my 15MPG Wrangler for this and am so very happy with the trade. Vinyl seats look like leather and clean up easy - what a novel concept huh? Im 61" 250lbs and was completely comfortable for a 240 mile trip yesteday. Super features at a great price. Plenty of zip for getting into traffic too.

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  Once you go Jeep, you never go steep. - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeph23 - May 28 - 9:20 pm

  Ive had my Jeep now for about a year and Ive put on about 20k miles on it. Bought it at 71k miles, its got 91k on it now. I had to replace the radiator and the TPS sensor. Radiator was cracked before I bought it evidently due to all of the stop leak in it when I took it out. Other than that, this thing has been a dream. The family loves it, its very roomy, reliable, and so comfortable to drive. For not being a full-size vehicle, you feel like you are in command of the road and plus you arent taken over by the thing either like a full-size. It laughs at any bad weather condition too. I will be keeping this Jeep for a very long time.

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  northland driver - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mark s - May 28 - 10:50 am

  I am reasonably satisfied with my new jeep. I live on a gravel road that does not always get cleared in the winter and wanted a replacement for my Tahoe (awesome in the snow) yet not so big.

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  (Jeep TJ, Auto, under 100,000km on engine). Mixed Thoughts - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By cam_ - May 25 - 2:32 pm

  I have this Jeep for almost 3 years. Here is what I have to say about these certain topics: Fuel Economy: It has the same fuel economy of a Honda Civic that has several holes in the fuel line. I average around 16 mpg during the winter and 19 mpg in the summer (All Stock Setup, Automatic Transmission). Do not buy this car if your concision about fuel. Do not drive over 110km/h..you wont make it to your destination. Driving: Interior is stone age compared to 2007+ models. Sound system sucks, speakers are made out of paper..literally. Off road is very fun, you wont get stuck. Getting into 4wL is tricky (high chance of grinding your gears) Reliability: Great, gas cap problem is common.

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  A Jeep is Not Just a Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By whyi - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Today,Jeeps are the most motivating and relaxing driving experience on the road. One of my sources of relaxation is taking a short or long drive in the city or on the open highway. Driving my Jeep exceeds the level of comfort and performance of my previous vehicles and helps me achieve relaxation. I LOVE MY JEEP!