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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  I wanted a rugged SUV.. jeep was the best choice - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By Joe - January 9 - 4:21 am

  I hunt and fish and wanted a SUV that would get me into some places that were hard to access. The Patriot does every thing I ask of it. And The purchase price saved me almost $6000! I have over 12,000 trouble free miles so far, I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  Wanted one for a long time - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bob Nukis - January 6 - 4:53 pm

  For years Ive wanted to own a Jeep Wrangler, before it became a Wrangler. When the CJs were around I thought about purchasing one, but with a wife and growing family it was impossible. Once the kids were out of the house I worked very hard at finding the ideal Wrangler. I like the four wheel drive, the style of the body, the simple things about it. The Wrangler changes on occasion, but youll alway remember a JEEP before the companies who want to be like them. JEEP Wrangler one of Americans best, and will be around for many years to come. Will the wannabes, probably not. Funny how a WWII JEEP turned into one of Americas favorite recreation vehicle. Take that wannabes.

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  Too soon to tell - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Opa Schuh - January 6 - 10:40 am

  I just took delivery of my car today but I had a similar loaner for 3 weeks as my came from an out-of-state dealer and had to be prepped to my specifications. I bought this machine so I can flat tow behind my RV. I always keep a car for 10 years or more, and given my age this could be my last car. Hence I bought all the bells and whistles and sure glad I did. The more I drive it the more I love it. Regarding fuel economy, maintenance, etc. its too soon to tell.

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  Fuel Mileage? - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe B. - January 2 - 10:23 am

  Just bought with 103,000 on the clock. 15 mpg at first. NGK spark plugs looked like originals, burned to .085"+ gap. Replaced with Bosch Platinums, replaced air filter with K&N, cruise 60MPH or less and use cruise on even slower long straight stretches such as 45 zones that go forever for no obvious reason. Lightfoot starts and stops and I get 21 mpg now. Runs and drives like new. I am happy with it. If I need more mileage I drive the Honda Accord. I dont expect much better mileage from a Jeep. I just expect it to perform when I need it.

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  MyLibby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By janimal - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My Libby is awesome! A very safe, dependable, responsive Sport Urban Vehicle that is an effortless joy to drive and to own. I am thankful everyday to I can never walk away without looking back at least once...

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  Jeep: Everything else is a substitute. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tferguso - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This was not my first choice. My wife convinced me that anything other then a JEEP, as a 4x4, is nothing more then a substitute. SHE WAS RIGHT. This is a Truck. For those of you that want to drive a TALL car with 4x4 capabilities, try a RAV4. The Liberty is VALUE for the money. You get a Liberated "feeling" driving it. Hard to explain until you experience the JEEP heritage in your hands.

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  just purchased,,why did i wait so long? - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kapkap62 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  i just puchased the jeep and am wondering why i waited so long? i want to sleep in this thing! great pick up, stylish, comfortable and not to bad on gas. cant wait to get it muddy. explorer was to big, trailblazer was to poorly made, so i bought my first jeep. love every mile i put on it!

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  Best vehicle ive ever owned - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By BB - January 2 - 3:16 am

  Always wanted one and finally got one with 98,000 miles on it and it runs like new. The 4.0 has a great amount of torque. It is the best vehicle i have owned, I love it. It drives my buddy crazy because his 93 ford ranger got stuck for 3 hours in this mud hole that i made it thorough effortlessly in 2 wheel drive, he was so mad. Then i drove it though the river when it was high from a month of rain the water came up over the hood and halfway up the door it scared the heck out of me i i thought i was for sure going to take in water but still i am never doing that again i like it to much to trash it. Thanks Jeep.. for such a great Vehicle.

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  Patriot....as "North" American as you get - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By GlfP - December 31 - 12:10 am

  Just purchased the Patriot, and already am in love. Roomy interior, even for my 63" husband. Dogs love the fold down back seats, and its an exceptional grocery getter. It feels bigger than the Compass, even though its essentially the same car. Stability feels good, good turning radius, though the instrument cluster is a little challenging. There is quite a bit of noise at higher speeds, though not enough to prevent one from having coversation, talking on cell, or listening to radio.

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  2007 Loaded Laredo closeout beat competition - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By naatz1 - December 30 - 11:26 am

  We have a -Laredo- loaded w/X pkg and 4.7L V8 The X makes a Laredo almost a Limited w/o extra chrome & interior goodies (dual heat & seat memory) we did not need. This is our 2nd JGC, ownined a 01 Laredo we sold to our son. This won out over 08 Liberty & commander & CUVs like Saturn Outlook, Veracruz, Highlander. I wanted something to tow a 2500 boat w/margin. Not sure of V8 but this is E85 capable, 30% cheaper in MN but less efficient too. Its also similar enough to our old JGC we felt very comfortable, and the $4k rebate & discount beat all others. Happy so far, need to write another review in a year.