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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  Just got her! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By PLATINUM950 - December 30 - 5:46 am

  Well after a couple days with the Sahara Unlimited 4wd, I am having a blast. I love the space, I like how high it sits, and having test driven about 6 different Jeeps (my family has also owned about 4 Jeeps in the past 6 years so I am pretty familiar with them) I am pleased with the final choice. I sometimes think the people who come up with the "underpowered" statements are the same people who drive minivans like sports cars. A Jeep is for beating mother natures collective butt when she throws hard weather at you. Just come here to Vermont, so these "underpowered" people might get it. Put it this way, would you want an xterra pulling ya outta the mud & snow or a Jeep? nuff said!

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  Jeep Patriot Limited 08 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Yay! Jeep - December 29 - 4:16 pm

  I purchased my patriot almost two months ago and I love it! Its the perfect size suv and the limited is worth the money. I cant live without the heated seats and I also like how you can see how many miles you have left in a tank of gas. Its really fun to drive and has a sharp little box look. I researched cars for months and im really happy with my decision to buy the patriot.

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  Lovin it so far - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By BritMSU - December 28 - 5:10 pm

  This is my first Jeep ever, so I didnt know what to expect, but so far I am loving it. The car does take a lot of gas, but that was expected. Acceleration is alright, but it feels like the car is really working, but it handles city streets and the highway just fine. The interior is nice and much better than my 2002 Ford Escape. The premium sound system is a must. I had heated seats installed because of Michigan winters, but so far they have not been necessary. The soft top seems warm enough and is pretty quiet. The heater really gets it warm and quick. havent had a chance to drive in snow...yet, but looking forward to it. Test drive before purchasing. Its a Wrangler

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  Kool-Aid Smile Every Time I Drive It - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By mmush - December 26 - 9:10 pm

  My first vehicle was a 91 Wrangler and I loved it. After all these years I bought another Wrangler and Im home. I havent stopped smiling since I bought it. I forgot how fun a Wrangler is to drive.

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  5.7 Limited 4x4 - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rob - December 26 - 10:40 am

  What can I say - just awesome! I just came from a F-150 Laredo and its night & day. I would have to say the one thing that jumps out at me is the build quality & raw power.

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  Smokin Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Retat53 - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had absolutely no problems with this Jeep. This truck is as sound now as when it was when I bought it new. When the style changes I will buy a new one.

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  Jeep Cherokee Laredo - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lora Johnson - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep and I have no problems with it. I do suggest keeping up the maintenance on it. Like with anything you buy, if you take the care in to car doctor on the scheduled visits you will get great performance out it. You cant just drive and drive and expect any vehicle to not ever need some type of up keep maintenance. I love the Jeeps and would not think of buying anything else.

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  A different look! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lee - December 23 - 12:18 am

  I have the 2016 Trailhawk 3.2 V-6 AWD, When you get behind the wheel you think your driving a larger SUV. It has the feeling that it is well built. I have driven the other small SUVs in this class and the tinny feel when you shut the door and the road noise from different types of payvment let you know your in a small SUV. This is different from the fit and finish on the interior to the snappy 3.2 V-6. I have know about the transmission problems but they must be fixed because this tranny is as smooth a butter. The MSPR of mine went just over $40k and that is a bunch for a small SUV but in this case you get what you pay for. What other small SUV comes with Rock setting with locker rear axel. Its also the only one you can tow four down behind a motor home. I give it two thumbs up.

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  High Altitude Diesel 4WD - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HI_on_DIESEL - December 22 - 12:31 am

  Love my vehicle! Have the white High Altitude Diesel 4WD with every option available(including a CD player). Gas mileage is amazing, I drove from LA to Vegas and back on 1 tank. The Jeep with this package is beautiful, it is always catching attention. I was skeptical about getting a Diesel because of the loud sound, but honestly inside is pretty quiet. Standing outside by the hood of course you will hear the loud engine. The Diesel engine is a turbo so taking off from a stand still is pretty amazing, Ive shocked a few people. Once you are driving though, it seems the Jeep takes a little bit of time to gain some speed. Safety and Fuel Economy were my top reasons for purchasing this vehicle. The forward collision warning with automatic braking, has saved my life many times. CD player I have never used, but the Uconnect system is very user friendly. The Adaptive Cruise Control allows for me to breeze through traffic allowing the Jeep to do all the braking and gas. The 19 speaker Harmon Kardon system is a serious beast! The air suspension allows for easy exit and entry for those who dont like to feel like they are climbing a tree to get in and jumping off a small cliff to get out.... This is my 2nd Jeep Grand Cherokee and first diesel and I am definitely happy with my decision to stick with the "Jeep cult."

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  Surprisingly capable Jeep - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By calid - December 21 - 10:06 pm

  I love my Patriot. It is true, there are many SUVs to choose from with more flash and flare, but do not let the professional reviews deter you. I bought a fully loaded Patriot Latitude, with the Sun/Sound Group, Bluetooth, Automatic rear view mirror, and the Freedom Drive II off road package for under 23k. It has been a year now and this Patriot has been an absolute joy to own. I bought it to explore and have fun. It has delivered.