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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  My Rocky Mountain Edition - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By thpcaptain - September 13 - 8:41 pm

  I bought my 2007 Jeep Commander in August of 2012 with 59 K. I had been looking for awhile and finally found one in near mint condition. I had accepted a transfer to Yellowstone National Park, which was over 1,500 miles away, and thought the Commander would suit my needs. Since I was pulling a trailer my mpg was not that good...avg. 18 mpg. When I came home for Christmas/no trailer I avg. 24-25 mpg. My only problem with it was a leak coming thru the grab rails on each side. Come to find out the drain tubes of the sun roof were plugged but once they were cleaned out I have not had any more leak problems. I really like my Commander.

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  08 Patriot FWD AUTO-CVT - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By gwapo-gorilla - September 13 - 12:46 am

  I bought my patriot used. I wanted a fwd thinking it would get better gas mileage and I needed an automatic for the wife. I am getting about 23 mpg..and the cvt feels weird. When I let off the gas, the trans mission slips into a lower gear slowing the car down. I suppose it helps save on brake pads, but I really dont care for the feel of it. Other than that, its great car. Plenty of pep for a 4 cyl. but I really wish the wife could drive a stick!

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  Just finished 3,000 mile road trip - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bendbob - September 13 - 12:26 am

  We got home yesterday from a road trip taking us a little over 3,000 miles of the western US. Very comfortable, well mannered under all conditions. We even did some mild off roading in Arizona and the car never felt anything but ready for more. In mountain driving it can seem to struggle a bit to find which of the 9 gears it really wants to be in at the moment. economy was what you would expect from highway speeds in the 80s (gotta love Arizona and Utah!) mountain roads and carrying 2 adults, one Spaniel-human and a load of gear. We came home from the trip more sold on the car than ever.

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  Its OK - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Driver - September 12 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my Cherokee because of the smooth ride and reputation of Jeep. My Cherokee has been very dependable but it has been in the shop once to have the "O" ring replaced. The comfort inside the vehicle is nice and roomy for front row passengers only. The bad things are the many blind spots, the front windhield seems small to me as I have to duck down my head a little to see stoplights, no back leg room if both front seats are moved all the way back and the Gas mileage seems poor. I average 15 mpg city/18hwy. The seat belts also dont seem long enough if you have a belly. This vehicle is not for tall or heavy set people as you will the same things to be bothersome.

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  why does it continually leak water - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By steve - September 12 - 8:30 am

  I bought the vehicle in August of 06 and now, in December, it has already been in the shop 4 times for a total of 32 days. Before I had purchased this vehicle I had wanted to own one for years. Now all I want to do is get rid of the headache. Its still not fixed and it does not seem that it ever will be. The dealership wants to keep trying to "fix" the issue, but its never going to be done properly.

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  Great Deal and longlasting - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lagler/Martin - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car, very reliable. Since I drive it in the city only, the breaks are very much the main concern. Otherwise great car!!

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  It is a GREAT Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepgirl2003 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I had a 96 Grand Cherokee Limited. Ready to buy a new car....I wanted something a bit smaller but still with power. I drove the LandRover Freelander & the Ford Escape and decided I liked the Jeep Liberty the best. The ergonomics of the Jeep are much better than any others of its size. The Power it has is great! Its a road hugger with weight so I feel very safe (unlike my friends Xterra which I feel like we are about to fall over when I ride in it) I drove the Liberty and loved it. It is not only hip but zippy and easy to maneuver around (much more so than my Grand Cherokee). I think that Jeep really did a great job with this Liberty.

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  THE JEEEEP! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Georgesummers - September 11 - 10:00 am

  this car is an all around off-road monster. you can take it anywhere, anytime.if you want a cheap, realiable, off-road, fun to drive car, this is it.

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  The first and the best - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matt Russell - September 11 - 10:00 am

  The jeep grand cherokee, put short has the power to climb walls turn on dimes have four wheel drive to take you places other suvs cant run and is not imposed by the "luxery" suvs from mercedes and lexus that noone would dare take offroad, jeep is built to handle wat you can throw at it without sweating

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  Windshield noise & engine quits - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lorenzo - September 10 - 4:33 pm

  Has been at the dealer 5 times for wind noise coming thru the windshield at high speeds. Applying for the Lemon Law to have Jeep replace the vehicle. Motor has cut off several times, taken to the dealer twice.