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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  Everything I expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By urbanshag - August 16 - 1:36 pm

  We have a 2006 4cy Wrangler and the Patriot feels like a jet in comparison. With the manual transmission I can get the car moving right along. So far the gas mileage is around 27 with the miles being mostly freeway. I am going to put a trailer hitch on it and put it to work so I shall see what it can do then. I love the car. I began to look at them 2 weeks after hitting the dealership with the 2007 model. I finally found a deal (newspaper special on a 2008 for $14888) and I jumped on it. I have the very basic version they make and I seem to be missing nothing. Power this and that is always nice but for me not necessary.

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By apg - August 15 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this vehicle just over 1 year. It has only had a few minor problems which were quite inexpensive to repair. Handles very well in the snow and ice. Wish fuel economy was better but still is quite good in comparison to other similar sized SUV. Would buy another one when the time comes.

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  Gas Mileage Stinks - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John1953 - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I find the transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd very hard. Then when coming to a stop it doesnt down shift back to 1st until about 4 seconds after I stop. The dealer claims its just learning my driving style & when it learns it ... this will stop??? I have owned V-8s that get better gas mileage. I find 14mpg in the city as being unacceptable from such a small 3.7L engine.

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  Unlimited - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jones - August 14 - 2:23 am

  Love the Wrangler Unlimited; just wish it had better mileage. That is the one draw back for me.

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  A Keeper! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Honey - August 13 - 8:46 pm

  After driving a van for so many years, I wanted something smaller and more gas efficient. In the city I get 20-21 mpg. I dont touch the "stick shift" and Im fine with that. On the highway it "a dream" I thought that the small engine would sputter, but its "smooth as silk", no hesitation in front of any vehicle!! Once friends and family see the style and learn about the package they are impressed, and want to drive my " Flaming Red Beauty"!

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  Unlimited - its about TIME! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Todd - August 13 - 6:03 pm

  Its about time Jeep came out with a new "scrambler style" Wrangler. Not only is the cargo storage a plus but it rides like a normal SUV unlike its lil brother the Wrangler. Its quiet and has a much smoother ride. I love passing other Wranglers....they get jealous!

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  93 Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rocco - August 12 - 5:26 pm

  Havent had a single problem with it yet. Very impressed overall, but the gas mileage is terrible.

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  Could Not take it anymore! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hortmi - August 10 - 11:06 pm

  After driving my 14 Limited for a year and 20K miles and countless days in the dealer I just could not take it anymore. Ac issues,Uconnect and transmission issues finally made me trade it in. I had a early production 14 and was working a deal with the dealer to trade it in on a latter 14. I started thinking twice about going through this hell with another Jeep. I thought Id gave the dealer another chance to get the bugs worked out because I really liked the Jeep and had done several upgrades. It was in the shop this time for three days and was returned to me worse than when I took it in. Im sorry to say I traded it in on the way home for a Volvo. I sleep at night now!

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  6 years and still stong - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By applebyte - August 10 - 9:06 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new and it has been one of my favorites. The styling and ride are great and the reliability has been quite good. Like all GCs of this year, the front brakes were horrible but once the solution was found, I cant complain one bit. The answer to the brake problem is to replace the pads and calipers with a brake kit from the Jeep dealer. Basically its the same setup found on the 2003 model! Ive had this vehicle on long trips and off-road in the woods of Pennsylvania. It has performed very well. Would I purchase another one? You bet!

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  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By sincitycop - August 10 - 7:20 pm

  Havent had the vehicle for but 3 weeks. Bought it used for half the price of what it cost new. It is truly one of the most enjoyable vehicles I have ever driven. I love the look and feel of it. The windows make visibility the best I have ever experienced except for the rear window view when the 3rd row seating is in place. The whole family loves it! We have had vans for most of our "family" years and wanted to get away from the whole van thing. This was a GREAT choice and I would definitely recommend one to anyone else. There are pros and cons to any vehicle. I believe the pros definitely outweigh the cons in this one!