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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  Great Investment! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdubya87 - January 27 - 7:06 pm

  Purchased this car used in 1999 - had about 127,000 miles on it. Ive got 175,000 now and Im making the first major repair. Replaced the radiator last year, it was cheap and easy - this year it needs a new motor. Outside of that, Im a storm chaser and have had this poor Jeep at 100+mph on dirt back roads in heavy rains and hail and it is the most amazing vehicle Ive ever owned. I also have family through the state and have traveled frequently - great gas mileage, both city and highway and the comfort of this car is amazing. Its flexibility is great too - having added a laptop and some other components for my storm chasing. Just a great great car and Ill buy another and another!

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mitsuni - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive, comfortable and reliable

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  Eyagos Review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jamaica - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle...Gotta punch it on the highway for passing or else your not getting much of a response, engine is weakest between 1200 and 1900 RPMs ...

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  First Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cskiwild - January 27 - 9:23 am

  We bought this Jeep to replace our ML 320 and because we where planning to move to NH and there where no MB dealers where we were going to. Bought it right of the lot, wife loved the color and I loved the looks. Had leather,sunroof and sky ports, roof rack trailer hitch 6CD,rear heat/air. loaded. I take care of my vehicle and do the regular maint. I tow a small motorcycle trailer and have just driven to Fl for bike week. I have 54000+ and got 15 mpg pulling trailer. have gotten 22mpgs with out trail on long trips to Ohio. It has performed great. Will most likely getting another if they stay in business and dont drop the model. Cheaper to service than my MB

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  No problem with Jeeps - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smartjeeplady - January 27 - 8:16 am

  The first Jeep I had was a 1995 year model had it for 7 years and the only thing that went out on it was the air conditioning. Traded it for a Chrysler Pacifica. Loved the car but 6 months later a 17 year old ran a stop sign and totaled it. That is when I bought the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee and love it as much as the first one. I was taught to keep up maintenance on cars by my Dads example. I always go to our local Jeep dealer for maintenance. But I will say we bought the extended warranty because of the heavy use of the air conditioning system in Texas. My jeep is not 4WD but it performs well because of the 8 cylinder engine. We have had it for almost three years and still like it.

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  2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4X4Laredo 26X - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sam G - January 27 - 12:50 am

  I love the way this Jeep handles, and looks inside and out. It is a blast to drive, I feel like a kid again. The V6 3.7L is fine for my driving criteria, however, if you plan on pulling big loads it ainÂ’t going to cut it, go with the V8. I have been averaging 12.7 around town and 20 on the highway. The front compartment is very comfortable. The back is average in the comfort department. I love the leather seats and all the other options that go along with the 26X pac

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By 1992viper - January 26 - 9:26 am

  I traded an 06 Dakota 4X4 for the Patriot base model 4X4 CVT to gain gas mileage at a bargain price. I was leery at first of the CVT but find that it is very satisfying (can shift manually as well). The engine is the 2.4L and I have achieved over 32 mpg driving around 67 mph on the hiway. The full sticker was $23,575 including heated seats and mirrors, remote start, Sirius, and all the rest. It says Latitude on the tailgate but it is not the Latitude X. Very functional, fun to drive, good Jeep looks, comfortable, quiet, roomy for its compact size-just a great value! I honestly cant say anything bad about it. Only owned it a month but have over 5000 miles. Very enjoyable miles.

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  A Move Up As Far As I AM Concerned - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By GHW - January 25 - 9:00 pm

  I guess the performance is in the mind of the user. I have owned a Cherokee Sport, a Grand Cherokee Laredo and a Liberty. For value per dollar spent, Ill take the Patriot hands down. I have the 4WD with the CVT and I dont experience the "Performance-robbing" attributes that are described by the reviewer. If jumping on it to merge is your goal, you may want to think about souping up a Neon or Eclipse. I didnt buy any of my Jeeps for their ability to go 0 - 60, thats absurd. I drive them because they are sound and safe vehicles. The ride in my Patriot is smooth as silk and surprisingly quiet. I dont have any problems getting to 70 mph or maintaining it.

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  I love my first jeep - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By contino - January 25 - 7:52 pm

  This suv is great, its tough but gentle, quite,and elegant, its the sharpest vehicle out there for the money. At 15000 thousand miles, only one problem with it, a simple wheel alignment when first purchased.The v6 is a solid power plant, after 7000 thousand miles Ive seen the gas mileage at 25 highway and 16 to 18 city, not bad for a vehicle with a 4 wheel drive system and 5 thousand pounds of steel. Sure the engine is not the fastest, but its moves the Jeep with respect, I could live with that at the pump. Cant wait for snow again...

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Bought - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By IF Big Sky - January 25 - 1:03 pm

  Cant brag enough about what a great purchase this was. The price was terrific. The fuel economy is outstanding. Its a Jeep. I feel safe using it on my long weekly commute in the harsh winter climate of Montana. I use it for work and it is a very professional sharp looking vehicle that doesnt scream obnoxious wealth. I cant believe the nation isnt gobbling these American made fuel efficient good looking vehicles up.