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 love my first Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Janie - December 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car a few months ago and I love it! This is my first Jeep and Im very impressed with the comfort and roominess of the this car. Im getting about 28 mpg which I think is excellent.

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  After almost a year, Im still impressed - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Brooks - December 4 - 1:03 pm

  This car is amazing for what it is. The key part however, is "what it is". It is everything I expected. I purchased this for my wife, and If you are looking for a good gas mileage true 4x4 (and not those pesky AWD only things running around), theres nothing better. I have been so impressed that I sold my 2005 Ford and bought a patriot myself. Im 69", and even with me driving a 66" person can fit comfortably behind me. This isnt true of most Cadillacs, more or less a compact SUV? The ESP and other features work wonders, and I honestly believe this may be the most versatile drive train on any vehicle. Not sure why they may a 2WD version though. jeep has turned it around big time!

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepster - December 3 - 10:40 am

  This is the third Jeep Grand Cherokee that I have owned. They are honestly great vehicles. I have always bought them with V-8 power, and for one mpg difference, it is worth it. My two other Jeeps both went to 145,000 miles with NO problems (and still running strong) and this one is following their footsteps. My Jeep has not seen the inside of the Jeep dealership since Ive owned it. (37,000 miles) except for routine maintenance. I have not had a single problem. It is very fun to drive, and very quick to respond. And in the snow, you can have nothing better than a Jeep 4x4. People always tell me how great the car looks. Dont believe people who say Jeep have problems, I would drive nothing else.

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  Ive only put 200 miles on it, but I love it so fa - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By justin - December 2 - 10:02 pm

  I bought mine (Altitude) with 3,500 miles on it for $18.9k. Im very pleased thus far. Its a pretty basic suv. It reminds me of the old Cherokee Sport versions pre- 2002 - right before they started making the Liberty. Auto dimming mirrors (actually performs very well, maybe the best dimming mirror I have ever driven with); Cruise Control; AC; Fog Lights; Auto Headlights; remote start; bluetooth (can sync my music pretty decent sound); touch free phone (works really well, and I usually never use touch free phone system because I usually hate it, but this works very well, no yelling needed); steering-wheel buttons; voice command; sirius; power windows/mirrors; heated seats; heated mirrors. Also, Im not sure what this feature is called, but Im pretty sure its a variable transmission - meaning that I can drive it in automatic, or I can flick the shifter and it then turns to a manual 6speed transmission. I think thats very cool and enjoy it. Scared me the first time as I had no idea I had transferred it to manual and couldnt make it up a hill. I thought I bought a lemon before I realized I had engaged the manual transmission, lol. I mention this also because i have read several reviews where people say that sometimes their Patriot wont go over 40mph because of "overheating." They probably engaged the manual transmission without realizing it and dont realize theyre driving their car in 1st gear. Its only a 4 cylinder engine, but it gets up to 80mph in a hurry. Its fine. Ive read some reviews that criticize the weak pickup of the engine, Im not sure these people understand its a 4 cylinder carrying an SUV body, its not an V8 engine, lol. Nonetheless, the engine is fine (though I havent had it packed full of stuff, nor have i towed anything with it). The ride is smooth, quiet, and comfortable. Im 63 200lbs. Plenty of leg room. Also, It is the only car, other Jeeps included, that my head or hair does not touch the roof. I do not have to slouch. Thats awesome if youre a tall person. Gas milage is fine. I drove 160 miles (all highway) on a half a tank, so thats over 300 miles on a full tank. I believe it holds 13 gallons and costs somewhere around $30 to fill. The windshield is gigantic. You have a lot of windshield vision as well as passenger front and back window vision. Driver side rear window vision is spotty. Just be careful switching lanes. I love this Jeep. Its basic, yet it also has enough features to make it a very enjoyable experience.

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  Jeep outdone themselves - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Justand - December 2 - 11:36 am

  I just purchased my 2011 Jeep Overland in Silver a week ago, and I cant say how pleased I am with this vehicle. I looked at the SRX, MKX, Benz ML, BMW X5, Lexus and compared the features and cost to the 2011 Jeep. The JGC wins hands down. The previous years the inside was never roomy, it was a tight fit. This new jeep is everything u want in an SUV-roomy, first class interior and quiet ride. It is completely redesigned from inside out. If you can afford it, get the Overland, Im so glad I did. It is worth every penny and I wont mind writing my check every month! Jeep has outdone themselves! Great Job

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By PastorEvan - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great little vehicle for just getting around. So manuverable and agile in tight places. Old, but reliable 4WD system just goes in tough places. I can eat up those wannabe SUVs. Very powerful, but a bit thirsty engine. Lots of aftermarket things to enhance your jeep too. Im gonna hang onto her for a long time.

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  My 3rd Jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mustico - December 2 - 2:00 am

  A blast to drive. Excellent tow vehicle.

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  GREAT JEEP LAREDO - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ADCHICK - December 2 - 2:00 am

  There are so many mixed reviews on Jeep Grand Cherokees. We just bought a used 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo and love it. We had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited before this and it lasted us 10 years. It is a relaible car. Could not reccoment anything better! After reading all the commentary here, I beleive either you love or hate a Jeep. There is no in between.

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  THE ONE TRUE SUV - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By antandshell - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Can we ask for anything more?

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  Love My Lil Rene !!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Michelle Carbo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a Saturn coupe- hated it!!! On my birthday on our way to go eat we saw the renegades- after dinner about 9 oclock we went to check them out- that night we drove home in it- the next morning my husband asked if I liked it- I told him he could not get me out of it if he tried! I let him drive it a couple times a week- I love it!!! I have had it for almost 8 months and I love it!!!