Jeep

Jeep Overview:

The off-road masters at Jeep continue to offer a lineup that specializes in getting you deep into the great outdoors and (most importantly) back again.

(The Liberty has been discontinued)

It all starts with a pair of five-seat crossovers in the Compass and the Patriot. Both share the same wheelbase (along with the Dodge Caliber) but the Patriot is designed to be the more rugged of the two. The Compass shares a look that’s similar to the latest Grand Cherokee and competes with more conventional compact crossovers. It can be also outfitted with one of two optional four-wheel drive systems, the second one earning the Compass a Trail-Rated designation.

The Patriot is similar to the Compass but has a more rugged, squared off look to it and also features a pair of optional four-wheel drive systems. Both crossovers also got updated CVTs in 2012 which smooth out the engine's performance.

Jeep’s largest and most luxurious model is the Grand Cherokee, which was redesigned last year and got a four-wheel independent suspension. The Grand Cherokee features one of the most refined cabins around; this is one Jeep that will have you sitting comfortably no matter what terrain you’re on. There are three optional four-wheel-drive systems as well as a Quadra-Lift air suspension that can adjust the ride height. The high-performance SRT-8 has a 470-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 and makes the sprint from 0-60 mpg in under five seconds.

When you think of a traditional Jeep, you probably think of one these models: the Wrangler, or the four-door Wrangler Unlimited.

The Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited were designed with one thing in mind and that’s to tackle any obstacles in their way. They feature the signature cloth-top, that is now even easier to open, and eschew many interior features for a more spartan approach (air conditioning, cruise control, and a navigation system are optional). Four-wheel drive with dual locking differentials is standard. 2013 models also get new seats.