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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  Cant Top This - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Stanley Jackson - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Not much to say; this is the third Grand Cherokee Ive owned. Except for regular maintenance, the last one never saw the the inside of the dealers garage. It was totally reliable and I got 15 MPG average over the four years I owned it.

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  Jeep takes the cake! This Year! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Fabio Costantini - December 15 - 8:40 am

  I bought a Jeep Limited 4.7L about one month ago. I so impressed by its good looks and its performance, Im getting a HEMI next!

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  I love it - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By starz - December 15 - 12:56 am

  I originally ordered a 2007, but due to backlog at the factory, I was bumped to a 2008. I currently have 1200 miles in and I am getting 33.6mpg in a good mix of city and rural driving. Im very happy about that. I am also impressed by the spunk it has with the 2.4L VVT engine. More than enough for me. It rides extremely smooth and quiet and handles well. Interior is well put together although somewhat outdated in style. I have the manual 5spd and it is probably the smoothest shift I have ever experienced. I also love the idea of the lifetime powertrane warranty. I keep vehicles for at least 10 years.

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  Should I Buy - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Robert - December 14 - 2:20 pm

  Looking at tons of cars out there. Starting with Prius to expensive, Yaris and Scion XB. Test drove Patriot and loved it. Concerned about Jeep quality but cant touch Scion XB for under 18,000 out the door. Found Jeep Patriots for 11,999 with auto, air and full power in Los Angeles. Price is a major concern because I have to pay cash because of credit problems. Love the Orange Color.

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  Mopar haters may give em a second chance - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Victoria - December 14 - 10:36 am

  Just bought it, I was amazed at the quality of their new products (our 2010 ram Laramie and now our 2011 Jeep limited 5.7) this Jeep is a true luxury SUV .

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Maria - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My Honda CR-Vs performance at 60k miles was getting questionable so I traded into a used Liberty with almost every option. I really love it, as I am very picky. It handles well and has a powerful engine which makes driving it a hoot! It feels like an expensive luxury vehicle though it was quite affordable.

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  Jeeps are a Good Investment - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By micky15 - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I started buying Jeeps in 1980. I have owned 4 Jeeps and I have never been happier. I have owned other vehicles at the same time but none have stood the test of time. I off-road often and have past up and gone beyond the range of the Hummers both styles as well as Range Rovers. They just cannot go where the Jeep can go and I dont give up any comfort in my Jeeps. Fully equipped with leather on the saddels and AC in the dash. My most recent trip into the backwoods of CA found me pulling out a H2 that just could not go where my Jeep could. I literaly was driving all around in the mud and water up and down hills and The H2 could not do it. Jeeps Rule!

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  Liberty Limited Diesel in WI - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Roger - December 9 - 3:03 am

  The Liberty Diesels handling, design, and fuel economy have been above expectations. Fuel economy dropped off in Wisconsin winter driving, but never failed to start in the bitter cold. During the first week of ownership, mileage hit 29 on highway, otherwise, not unusual to average 24 city. Expect better fuel economy as the engine is broken in. Excellent maneuverability as you would expect from Jeep. Torque on the diesel keeps her steady when hauling uphill. For a diesel, my Liberty provides a quiet ride. Little noisy on warm up and with heavy acceleration, otherwise, passengers sometimes dont realize they are riding in a diesel until told, then marvel at how quiet it runs. Nice ride!

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  On My Fifth Grand Cherokee Limited - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPDOC - December 8 - 2:56 pm

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1996. Just purchased my fifth! I simply can not find a finer vehicle. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi (V8 package fully loaded) combines the finest in luxury, handling, and towing that I have found in any vehicle. I am a physician and need complete reliability in all seasons. I use this vehicle hard in my profession and for sport. My Jeep has never let me down.The current 2009 is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. Please do compare to any SUV, but truly for luxury, there is no comparison.Packed with GPS/NAV, Siruis Radio/TV, and the Boston Audio my family is constantly entertained. An amazing auto, period. Afford it? Buy it.

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  On My Fifth Grand Cherokee Limited - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPDOC - December 8 - 9:56 am

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1996. Just purchased my fifth! I simply can not find a finer vehicle. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi (V8 package fully loaded) combines the finest in luxury, handling, and towing that I have found in any vehicle. I am a physician and need complete reliability in all seasons. I use this vehicle hard in my profession and for sport. My Jeep has never let me down.The current 2009 is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. Please do compare to any SUV, but truly for luxury, there is no comparison.Packed with GPS/NAV, Siruis Radio/TV, and the Boston Audio my family is constantly entertained. An amazing auto, period. Afford it? Buy it.