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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  Wrangler Unlimited a Good Value - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By tjkirchman - April 26 - 12:20 am

  I am happy with the Wrangler. That being said, I knew what to expect from this vehicle and I live in an area where there are plenty of places to take it off-road and sometimes our weather here makes having a 4x4 a definite advantage as well. If you want a vehicle that can take you to and from work or to the store and you live in the city, then the Wrangler probably isnt for you. However, if you want a fun versatile vehicle that is reliable and can haul and tow and get you unstuck from places that other SUVs wont dare to venture, then you may want to consider it. For the small price difference, consider the Unlimited. It has more room and better towing capacity and road manners as well.

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  A COMPLETE Shocker - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By afterrainjosh - April 25 - 5:50 pm

  Contrary to what some reviewers have said, I was blown away on all fronts by the Compass. The comfort of the drive is astounding. The handling and power is better than my wifes $50,000 sports car (I am not kidding. Her exact words were "Oh my gosh; honey! Its amazing"), the gas mileage is nothing short of amazing- we have recorded between 29 and 30 mpg on the freeway. The style of interior design is on par with similarly priced other makes; however the actual layout is extremely functional- everything is naturally where it should be- the little added touches (removable flashlight, power outlets, LOTS of storage, and seats that all fold flat to create a HUGE cargo area) are great too

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  tough and fun yet affordable - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By mighty mud box - April 25 - 4:30 pm

  ive had my jeep a while and i love it its tough and rugged but i wish it got a lil better gas mileage and a better soft top and maybe factory 33 inch tires and a winch lol all in all its a real deal go get you some jeep

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  Major Disappointment - Dont buy one - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Monte - April 25 - 6:03 am

  After reading all of the reviews, I think I have experienced most of the issues. I purchased this vehicle new in Feb. 2002 and only have 75,000 miles on it 8 years later. It has been back to the dealer or repair shop of 14 occasion. List of Problems 1) Passenger side heater does not work. 2) Transmission has never shifted properly. 5 trips to dealer and still doesnt shift properly. 3) Rear axle replaced 4)Both window arm levers broke so windows wouldnt go back up. 5) Support arms for hood dont work. 6) Major vibration when turning (forward and reverse) 7)Lights come on when vehicle is off 8

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  Much better than the reviews - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By ttague2005 - April 24 - 6:30 am

  I purchased the 2014 manual version, because I understand that small engines and economy come at a price. With the manual transmission, this car has fine acceleration and handling. I live in NE, so the AC was no big deal to do without and I prefer manual windows and locks in the winter. Whats left then is a nice comfortable SUV that has traction control, hill assist start, fog lights, cruise control, etc. for $12,900. This is absolutely the best value for the money. In fact, I traded in my 2010 RAV4, because of the litany of problems it had. The amount I owed on the RAV was almost exactly what it cost me for the NEW Patriot with an excellent warranty.

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  Still going strong - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By danny421boy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Some electrical issues (rear passenger door: new PL, PW motor), but the engine and transmission are still going strong with 202,000 miles. Overall, it has been a great SUV.

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  Good vehicle, but not great. - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By prmckinn - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I like the vehicle. It is tough. But, comfortable. The six cylinder engine has decent power. If you want power get the 4.7 liter. The transmission is a bit rough when its shifts when a passing gear is needed. Gas mileage is not bad. I drive on the highway most of the way to work and I get 20.4 mpg. I have the select-trac 4x4. I like being able to leave it in 2WD mode for normal conditions and when needed 4HI or 4Low. However, I did have major problems with the drive train.

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  Wanted to like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gecko - April 24 - 2:00 am

  More problems in 2 years than my Cherokee had in 11. Bought it for NE winters, doesnt like cold. Sounds like a diesel first 1/2 mile after a 0 deg. start ("they all do that"). Pwr St. pump screams 1-2 sec. Draft under the dash not fixed in 2 winters. Recalled for airbag wire and replace LOWER BALL JOINTS! Steering moans when hot. Suspension creaks & groans cold & hot. Leather worn after very gentle use (pass. seat used maybe once a week). Wicked in cross wind-constant corrections. Door lock wont open <15 deg. Trans whine. Usually keep cars 10+ years, will replace this after 2. Live in a cold climate? insist on an extended test drive in winter.

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  2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By molarjeep - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I have a Rocky Mountain edition Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Excellent off roading capabilities. Large Sunroof. Pleasant Drive. Spacoius Room. Comfortable seats. Can use more gadgets in the interior.

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  Chryslers new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine is garbage - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sadconsumer - April 23 - 11:19 pm

  We bought our 2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 in December 2010 and it has been in the shop on and off for weeks since be bought it, with major engine related problems. It only has 13000 KM on it and it blows black smoke out of the exhaust when it is started and sounds like an old diesel engine when it runs. The front crankshaft pulley came apart grinding the remaining pulley against the engine block (Chrysler called it "engine crankshaft damper problems" and "harmonizer balancer issues") and most recently the engine was "pulling in too much fuel" and Chrysler informed us the oil separator and PVC valve would need to be replaced. The gear shifter has broken, and further damaged by the dealer 4 months ago and still has not been repaired due to "a lack of replacement parts" and the engine has had declining performance since about 5000KM. We didnt just get a lemon because we found out that in fact other 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engines have come in with the same problems and there have been technical service bulletins released by Chrysler on these issues on other Grand Cherokees. This engine is scheduled to go into many more models in 2012 and I would strongly recommend to avoid this engine at all costs. Chrysler supposedly spent years developing this new engine and have high hopes it will pull this automaker out of financial ruin but they should have spent a little more time because it is full of problems and will no dought cost anyone unfortunate enough to buy one a fortune. Chrysler hasnt been willing to do anything to help and we continue to have out of pocket costs add up.