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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  From hater to lover - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Brian West - July 18 - 11:06 am

  First all the "expert reviews" are way off base. Had to look at the Patriot because of all the incentives expecting to be underwhelmed. We feel we hit the jackpot. Engine power is strong. Transmission is smooth. The so called outdated interior is a breath of fresh air in simplicity. Was never that interested in the Patriot but a $28000 loaded 4x4 for under $23000 was too good to pass up. You should give it serious consideration.

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  FUN !!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By nydave - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Since i was a kid ive wanted a Jeep, but always thought it not uneconomical. Now as a grandfather Ive got my toy, and I LOVE IT !

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  As Good As It Gets! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepollllo - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Traded my 2000 Sahara for the Rubicon and man this Jeep is as good as it gets. Goes through snow and ice with no problem. Being from Pittsburgh where it hasn not stopped snowing since I have gotten the Ruby. Cant even wait to get this offroad only addition recommended is the winch and your ready for almost anything. Truly is only one...Jeep Rubicon

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  Would I do it again? No - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lildeb - July 17 - 10:16 pm

  Bought new and had problems with brakes from day one. Always told no prob with them even after did not stop me and rear ended someone. Good thing holds up well with very minor damage in crash. Caliper froze while driving had to replace. Prob with CD player skipping on new store bought Cds. AC not very cool takes long time to cool cabin down. It is great in snow and fun to drive. Had other minor issues with vehicle and spent quite a few times in the shop only to be told could not find the problems. Lots of rattles after 4 years. Maintenance on this vehicle very expensive in comparison to others. Also I agree with everyone these seats do stain very very easily. Plain water stains.

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  Sold garbage V8 after 3,900 miles - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chadrod99 - July 16 - 4:46 pm

  I cannot begin to tell you what a complete pile of trash this car is. Hey V8 owners, check your oil? I was burning over a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Chryslers answer? Its "normal". Are you kidding me??? Quote: "Let the engine build up some sludge and the oil burning might slow down." The transmission and drive by wire lag is completely unacceptable. A Hemi with that much HP should not get its arse handed to it from my 2005 GX470. Quote: "Thats adaptive learning for optimum fuel economy." My MPG? 13. The Radio button on the stereo would not tune to presets no matter how you touched it. Quote: "Its just sensitive, you have to live with it." Um, *expletive* you!

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  What a SUV is supposed to be! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By haflerman - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive tried to get stuck in several wild places with this jeep...to no avail. The 4X4 system on these is the best in the world. Wish I could have said that about my Ford explorer or should I say Exploder-the car has 12 repairs in 1 month. All of them major and over $400 each. Ouch! The vehicle just died at 60k. Not my jeep though. Ive driven it over 145,000 miles and have had to do very minor repairs. (Brakes, trans.service, belts, hoses, tires,etc) I plan to drive this car for more than 1,000,000 miles. I believe it will make it.

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  tricked out green limited with tan leather - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By isaac - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Compass a couple weeks. Had to wait 2 months for them to build my car. WORTH THE WAIT. The green is distinctive and the tan leather is nice inside. True the interior is a little Fisher Pricey, but so many features for the price. Heated seats, Sirius, Bluetooth, 4wd, 18" tires, trip computer, ski rack (dealer after market). I traded in my 2000 CR-V. The Compass is a much tighter drive -- more car like. It is considerably smaller too. I really love it. For me I am an enthusiast for leasing an inexpensive car with all the options. Its economical for us who like features/gadgets and it makes driving fun. If you like that idea take a look at the Compass.

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  Jeepin in NY - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepin in NY - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle. Used to drive only Toyotas, but found them expensive to repair, insure and drive that I decided to switch to an American Make. Am an avid outdoorsman and found the Toyota to be less capable of handeling the outdoors, the Jeep handles anything you throuw at it. Best buy I have made to date.

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  New Unlimited - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kegger - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I have just finished the break-in period (300 miles) and it definetly seems quieter and smoother than the standard wrangler. The gas mileage is going to be hard to get use to since my last ride was a 4 cyl Ford Ranger. I opted with only the 4 speakers instead of 7 and Im satisfied with the sound. It is a fun ride and Im enjoying it tremendously. I will write an update after more time on and off the road.

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  Jeep Forever - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ron Allen - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Recently bought Jeep Liberty 4WD Sport. Built well,tight,no rattles. Easy to manuver off road and sure-footed. On- road, solid,truck feel,good power. Gas milage is 18 m.p.g. A lot better than my 10 m.p.g. for a 2WD Supercab truck. This wont be my last Jeep. Dealer was the best.