Jeep road test reports and car reviews

Jeep Compass Jeep Compass Sport 4x4 2011

My rig is actually a 2012 (only went to 2011) Pros: Smooth ride, attractive styling, effective features, 4x4. Cons: Blind spots is a biggie, acceleration isn’t too punchy for a Sport.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 1996

It used to be a great car, awesome in the snow and plenty of grunt but now it just sits in my garage, refusing to start. After 14 years, I got a 750i from BMW.

Jeep Compass 2.4L 5door Limited 2007

This Jeep is such a nice car to drive due to its petite size and spunky engine. It would be nice to have little bit more room in the back for cargo and pets but with the second row of seats down, I have all the room I need. The steering wheel would be nicer if it telescoped but the control you have when making turns at high speeds make up for that. Having a 4x4 in a car makes all the difference when driving in snow and my Jeep has been so great that I will never drive a 4x2 again.

Jeep Wrangler 2005

I just love Jeeps!

Jeep Commander 2007

Much underestimated but truly excellent 4x4 if you can get past the appearance. Well appointed inside with leather, rear DVD and Sat Nav. The Merc 3L diesel engine is smooth and responsive. So far, the vehicle has reliably toured through France to Spain non-stop without a hitch, fully loaded (six people) with top box, no problem. The downside is that the third row of seats is not for adults, with minimal boot space when the third row is up. Less expensive that Range Rover with all the comfort.

Jeep Patriot Limited CRD 2010

Bought the Patriot 2.0 CRD Limited in Dec 2010 as the Mazda 6 I had just could not cope with the snow. Very pleased with the Patriot and having had 2 Freelanders in the past it had a lot to live up to. The commute to work is 30 miles each way, a third on country roads, a third on dual carriageway and a third in the town. The patriot rarely goes below 40 mpg on this run. The car is no slouch, is relatively comfortable to drive and the controls are well positioned and easy to use. I was a little concerned with the reviews that it received from the motoring press before I bought it but who believes media. This is a good, solid, robust vehicle which I have nothing other than praise for. Well done Jeep!!

Jeep Wrangler Wrangler 1999

The best sturdy car ever. I love it on winters and I love it on summers. It’s been running without major problems since 1999. I have a big trailer and the Jeep handles it very well even when fully loaded.

Jeep Patriot Crd Limited 2007

This is a good car, I had one for a year and did 14k miles in it. It has a solid engine which handled very well and was inexpensive to run. It’s a rewarding drive, capable off road. I traded a little to heavily on Jeep’s reputation, such as it is, given the (now aging) VW engine and Lancia chassis and underpinnings. I occasionally turned back to look at it parked up and felt a little silly, perhaps that says more about me. The styling left me unsure as to whether to drive up a muddy country hill or make full use of the privacy glass and head to the city for a drive-by shooting. Either option left me feeling faintly embarrassed in company. Turbo outlet pipe blew off (common fault in hot weather say Chrysler mechanics) which was fixed with jubilee clip. The plastic interior never bothered me but the boot size did. Most people will hate you and because it’s a 4x4 and very few people need what it offers, but if you do and you can handle the disdain of ’proper’ 4x4 owners, coupled with the loathing of the eco concerned, as well as the vehicle’s own somewhat shouted and thoroughly bogus pretensions to be what it isn’t, then you’ll be fine.

Jeep Patriot 2.0 CRD Sport 2007

I like this car, I have owned landrovers for several years, and never thought that I would change but this little JEEP is great and easily matched the Landy’s performance in the recent snow. The 6 speed box is a bit notchy and if you get the wrong gear it does kill the engine. I like the interior, I live on the cambridgeshire fens and the roads are muddy, this car is very easy to keep clean. I have found that the engine does use oil about 1 ltr per 4000miles, have read else where that this is common with the VW lumps. overall it is a great car, which is easy to own and fairly ecconomical

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0CRD Overland 2007

Had this for 3 years now. No problems whatsoever, and have taken an international secondment to Northern Sweden for 2.5 years with my family, and taken this car with us in mid 2010. What can I say, this has never failed us driving on ice, in deep snow, combinations of the two, up one in four mountain roads covered in snow and ice, and through snow blizzards. Nothing has stopped it, and has done all confidently and with sure-footedness. Believe me this car has seen temperatures of -35C and as much as Northern Sweden can throw at it. Still no problems. When you are stuck in a snow blizzard in the pitch black with your family in the car, that’s when you are glad you have a Jeep like this - it will get you home when things get tough. The 3.0L diesel is great, and wafts it along, even towing our caravan is very easy. The engine and drivetrain have proved very rugged. Proved to be very comfortable travelling from UK to Holland and onto Northern Sweden, even with 2 kids and 2 labradors in the back. In summary, it’s rugged, practical, powerful and a mountain goat - would definitely buy another. It’s a shame that it doesn’t get to show off its credentials very often in Britain.

Jeep Patriot CRD Limited 2009

Jeep Patriot is an excellent car and off roader, I own a 300c and saw the jeep when looking for a replacement for my work car. We bought a Jeep with sunroof and upgraded music system it Averages 44mpg and is excellent in all weathers, engine is very good although only down side is 9k service intervals. Dealer is excellent Horsham Car Centre real friendly team who care that you care. My wife has just sold her sports car to buy the new overland model which we pick up Saturday. This has 2.2 Merc engine 160 bhp and is loaded with kit, we test drove and found it very powerful and much more refined than our 2.0CRD. Jeep have made some real improvements on an already excellent product, now at least with two when it snows, we don’t have to argue for the keys of who is taking the patriot. Well done Jeep, excellent product and customer service.

Jeep Patriot 2.0 CRD Sport 2008

Owned the Patriot for 2 1/2 years from new. Great ability in the snow and ice (though it I did put winters tyres on it when the first set of stock tyres required replacement at 20K miles as I live in a rural farm area). Good fuel economy and space for the family. However I have had to return the car to the dealers over 10 times for warranty repairs. The ECU was replaced, then I have had the engine management light coming on every 1000 miles or so which the dealer has not been able to resolve. But most worringly I am now on the 3rd front suspension wishbone. I do not drive hard or take it off road so I find it amazing that the car seems to go through wishbones so quickly. Having completed some research it seems this is fairly common in the USA too and the problem is made worse because Chrysler are not finding a solution instead fitting the same new part (which it seems will need replacing again in a few months!) I have owned a number of new cars and never had so many problems with any of them. Such a shame as I like the looks, running costs and ability of the Jeep, but I couldn’t recommend it to anyone.

Jeep Patriot Sport CRD 2008

We bought our Patriot (our 3rd budget 4 x 4 in the last 14 years) in March 2008 as a second car after moving to a farm road in north Fife. It is strictly my wife’s care. It has been a great and highly affordable buy. Our main car (mine) is a 2009 BMW 520d. In winter we fight over the Patriot. I grab it for work inspections across Scotland. It’s on-road performance and economy is close to that of the BMW. We use the Patriot in a variety of off-road situations - around the farm, visiting remote sites for professional work in foul weather, or fishing quiet highland lochs. The reason I came to this web site tonight is simply that we are considering buying the same again. Ours goes in for its 36K service shortly and we have to decide whether to hang on or replace. We disagree with the criticisms - OK the interior is plastic but if you need to clean up animal dung stains, or recover from snowed-in situations what else would you prefer?

Responses to this review

Hi, just wondering where you purchased yours? I’ve been looking online but Jeep are keeping it a secret what’s in their stock. Haven’t phoned branches yet as I prefer to look online first. Thanks - Julie Kennedy from Stirlingshire

Jeep Patriot CDI sport 2007

On first showing an ideal and economical soft-roader with good performance, handling and economy. Loved it. Thought I’d keep it for life.....but.....at 28,000 careful miles, (almost exclusively motorway runs to and from France -- we have several other cars, including a Land-Rover and a Discovery; so it’s never been off road and no short local runs. We’re both mid-sixties, careful and experienced high-mileage drivers) I’ve just had to have the second front wishbone replaced. This is supposed to be a rugged go-anywhere machine; yet it’s falling apart on the M6!!!) Add to that a new track-rod end; throttle barrel; the main heavy exhaust box held up by a single thin cable tie (compliments of Border Cars , Dumfries) as a recorded "warranty repair" and the now world famous indifference of Chrysler UK (ask anyone whose owned a C-class Merc!) -- they offered a token £100 towards the cost a few months out of warranty -- I’ve had enough. I’m told , cracked wishbones are a feature of this and some other Chrysler models. The surprisingly efficient JEEP agency in Kilmarnock actually had them in stock, which says it all! It may look a tempting enough bargain, but think very carefully before you risk it.

Jeep Cherokee 3.0 CRD limited 2005

I’ve had my jeep for nearly three years now, very pleased with it. Luckily mine is a late 2005 model so only have to pay the £200+ road tax which is good, pity about the £400+road tax for newer models. I tow, tour and off road in mine and this winter was great because of all the snow up here. I was the only one moving in my street. I actually towed a lorry that had got stuck on the ice and with the auto box I have no fear of dodgy clutch problems. Would recommend a GC3 to anyone, and I’m really quite surprised about the car mags going on about the finish, my leather interior looks brand new after 5 years and no broken plastic bits either. Still the quietest big diesel on the road, Thank you Mercedes!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2005

5 years down the line and I still get a warm feeling jumping into this; it’s been a pretty faultless and endearing car and we still can’t find something to replace it other than another one. What you must bear in mind when comparing with other 4x4 SUVs is value for money; the Jeep has this by the bucket load. Merc engine is simply superb - thumping great wads of torque, and sounds lovely to boot. Returns around 25mpg around town but have had it up to 29mpg on a big run on the motorway (according to the trip computer). Build quality is genuinely very good - 5 years old and still not squeeks or rattles, it just wafts along in silence - more than can be said for my disappointing 2.5yr old Volkswagen Passat :( Interior rather plastic but what other SUV gives you memory electric leather seats on the base model? Regularly used to tow, these make great tow vehciles. Also being rural we have called upon the awesome, no-fills Quadratrac 4x4 system many a time. It might not have the frills and bells/whistles of a Land Rover with all the buttons and modes, but rest assured, the mechanics of the drivetrain are VERY smart, and this thing really does have 4x4 heritage and capability. Awesome in the snow and good for wading if you know what you’re doing. Looks fresh, unique and doesn’t pander to the Euro-styling of most modern day cars. Lots of practical features like spit rear tailgate and reversible boot mat. Problems in 5 years restricted to just one - a sticky EGR valve, fixed it myself in 10 minutes, a common problem apparently. Bar the plasticky interior (and bear in mind we have the base model; others no doubt better) we really can’t fault it and love it. If you’re the kind of person who needs to buy a brand name to impress, then fine, but if you’re happy to waft along knowing you’ve spent Å�10k less than everyone else for the same thing - go for it, you won’t be disappointed ;)

Responses to this review

Just looking for a 4x4 but impressed as this reviewer in its value for money, no nonsence just a sound vehicle, taking a test drive when the snow lets us out, Ha! Question is - whats an EGR valve please? For future reference? John Graydon from England

Jeep Patriot CRD Sport 2007

Love it! Done 46,000 miles mainly on rough country roads. Great for camping, shopping, holidays etc. Comfortable on long journeys. Easy to drive, easy on the pocket, getting between 36 - 48mpg. Had a leaking strut this year but considering we’ve thumped it hard through loads of potholes in our roads during the last three years it’s not surprising. Great on long journeys (Ayr - Warwick several times). Never been ’snowed in’ since buying the Jeep. Polishes up great! Looks ’the business’. Sound system is brilliant.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD 2009

This is a great vehicle with a very comfortable ride and also very powerful. What a pleasure to drive. It is amazing that it has all the pro’s of a big luxury vehicle, and economical enough for everyday use. No wonder the Yankee’s put men on the moon ... they know how to make "good stuff", and also 3 hooray’s for the Benz engine..(CRD)

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2006

A comfortable, reliable vehicle that coped superbly with all the weather threw at it. Remarkably not that expensive to run either. A total star.

Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Sport 2005

I love this car! It’s an extremely easy ride. I’m on average a pretty fast driver and have never felt the car anywhere near to rolling - which for a 4x4 is great. As well as loving its elegant and smooth lines, I love the fact that it’s spacious without being too huge, length and width wise, making it an easier car to handle and park than other 4x4s e.g. Nissan X-Trail, Grand Cherokee, Land Rovers etc. Have just lost car due an accident, but looking to buy another one again. Have looked at a whole bunch of other cars, but nothing beats the Jeep Cherokee! ADVANTAGES: 1) Very comfortable. Two bottle holders at the front and one on each door at the back. Speakers front and back. Window control for both front and back in middle of front car seats. 5 seat belts. 2) For its weight (around 2 tonnes), it’s an incredibly nice drive. You don’t really feel the weight of the car except when you’re going uphill, but I still drove up to 70mph quite easily, and as long as you get a bit of experience driving it, it soon become a pleasure to deal with. It is definitely not a cheap car to run - getting around 26-28mpg for the speeds I drive it at, however, the pleasure it gives you makes up for it. This is a great car for long journeys too! You can relax and chill quite easily in it, without feeling the stress of a long journey. 3) Recently had a very serious car accident. The car held stiff - in fact, it definitely saved our lives! For the kind of accident we had, in any other car would have had the front cave in and crush driver and passenger. As it was, the front held stiff and saved us. It is now a total write-off for all sorts of reasons, but all to do with the type of accident rather than stability of car. NEGATIVES: 1) Bought the car 2 years ago second hand, with a 1 year warranty. 13 months after purchase we discovered that it has some manufacturing defect on the clutch which caused bottom part of the engine to be replaced, as you can imagine an expensive job (£3500 in 2009) so if you’re buying a 2005-6 car, I would enquire about manufacturing defects and do as much research as possible! Was not able to find anything on the internet to confirm this but 2 of the garages that we went to (one of them Jeep) to get car fixed confirmed it as manufacturing defect. The other issue was the Jeep/Chrysler refused to pay towards cost of replacing enginer/clutch, so beware! 2) If you’re moving from an ordinary car to a 4x4, it can seem extremely heavy to drive, but you soon get used to it. 3) Passenger seat: on the left side of the passenger seat, near the right leg, there’s an area which takes up a bit of the leg room so it can sometimes be a bit annoying to keep butting into it with your leg. It may hold the air con system but not sure.

Jeep Patriot CRD 2008

I like this car/model very well. It’s a good looking real jeep. In Holland you don’t see them very much, (keep it that way.) Easy to drive this car. Power enough and very comfortable. Operational costs are very acceptable.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2006

After 30 years of driving various makes of 4X4 then 8 years ago a mate lent me his Grand cherokee while he was working away. I was hooked got my own about a month after he came back and took her back.You know soon as you’re in the Jeep it will get you where you want to go. My new model has all the toys :-) Around town I’m getting 26 mpg on the motorways using cruise I’m getting 34 mpg . In the snow we have had just lately I was able to get to work. Brilliant motor, anyone reading these forums looking to get one you won’t be disappointed

Jeep Patriot crd Limited 2008

Great 4x4, handled the kids camping with four bikes. Ok on the motorway, we got 45.9mpg from Kent to Devon, only one negative, the doors keep freezing in this cold snap and it takes about 5 hours to clear. still a great car.

Responses to this review

We’re thinking of buying one, have you had any problems? Thanks - Neil Clegg

Very basic, found it poor off road, servicing at 9K a nightmare (why when it is a VW engine and my Passat requires servicing at 20K?!!) My Car war registered in Feb 2008, found paperwork in the boot to say in was made in April 2007. Door bolts rusty from new, A/c didn’t work, all speakers replaced. Dash rattled from new and been back to dealers 4 times; unable to fix. Would I have another one? No thanks - David Cassidy from England

Jeep Grand Cherokee Predator 2006

Superb vehicle, no problems after 50k miles and two years ownership. Good dealerships and great ’non-bling’ image. Must be one of the most underrated cars on the road but we quite like that, it’s nice to be in something a little different! Superb engine straight out of the top spec ML and S-Class and the GC is built in Austria (not US) so what more could you want? Great long distance tourer with masses of torque for towing. MPG not bad at 27mpg with 33mpg achieved on a steady run to Cornwall. Downsides? Ride can be a little choppy on the back-routes but really not ahuge problem. Grab a bargain soon as I’ve noticed these cars really bucking the 4WD trend with half the Jeep website stock selling in two months...looks like the word’s finally out!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd

Great car and off-roader. Has all the toys but does not shout bling. You can keep your Range Rover’s, Mercedes and BMW’s. This really is a great vehicle to drive.

Jeep Compass Limited 2008

I’m very surprised that one doesn’t see many of these around. I and my wife like ours a lot. We bought it to replace a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland which we found to be too costly to tax and to run and, whilst the Jeep Compass Limited is smaller, it has a powerful engine and is great to drive. We especially like its overall design and appearance, its better economy, its good road-holding, and the excellent range of gizmos, which include a power sun roof, heated front seats, cruise control, and a good sound system with a 6 CD player and changer. All in all, a fine vehicle in the Jeep tradition.

Jeep Patriot CRD 2008

I simply love this Jeep (I am from Perth Australia but born in Scotland) and the Patriot just thrives in the tough mixed conditions here. While people de-ride the plastic interior I quite like it and find the power and comfort along with the economy to be excellent. Mine even has a name... Buster!

Jeep Compass 2.0 CRD 2008

Since owning this car living in a rural area has become easier. The car performs and handles well. Compass has proved to be economical for a 4X4, I have no regrets buying this car, very surprised you do not see more about. My only criticism would be after care, on 1st service main dealer picked up a tyre defect which required a new tyre, they then told me it will take them 6 weeks to get a replacement and fitted the space saver not really suitable for prolonged use. Shopped around and sourced my own replacement tyre through Kwikfit who had 1 tyre nationally which they ordered and turned around 2 days, Thank god for independents, problem with obtaining replacement tyre was advised as unusual tyre size. Hope I don’t have a 2 wheel blow out as this will take the car of the road...

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 2006

Had the Jeep Overland for 2 years. Not a single problem in the 20k covered. Average mpg is 27.5 though on a trip through France it achieved 32 mpg. Engine is a gem, loads of pulling power and smooth throughout the rev range. Ride can be a little choppy on broken surfaces. Superb value for money when you consider what so called "premium" 4x4s cost and how little standard equipment they have. Would thoroughly recommend the Jeep.

Jeep Compass 2.0 diesel 2007

After some initial difficulty finding a comfortable driving position due to a combination of my height (6’ 2"") and the steering wheel adjusting for height only, I have been very happy with my Compass. The ride is very comfortable with the car sticking to the road like glue with virtually no roll when cornering. The suspension absorbs even quite major bumps with ease leaving everyone comfortable and relaxed on arrival. the 2.0l Volkswagen diesel engine has more than enough power both at lower speeds or when needing to accelerate beyond the legal speed limit on the motorway, only in the event of emergencies of course! With mixed driving I average 42 mpg which for a 4x4 I am more than happy with. All in all an excellent choice if you want an SUV without the major running costs of it’s larger cousins.

Jeep Patriot CRD Limited 2007

I’ve had the pleasure of owning my Patriot for a year now and love the car. I owned a Cherokee ten years ago and the Patriot attracted me back to Jeep. It looks good, drives well and is not by any means a sluggish 4x4. However, the huge plus is the VW made 2litre diesel engine. 44mpg is common on journeys away from town. A lot of critics slate the plastic interior but who cares? It has a great deal more charachter, road presence and better on and off road performance than most of the other vehicles in its class. Great buy, fully recommended.

Jeep Patriot 2007

I have become really attached to the Patriot. Very economical and practical with easy to clean interiors. Lives up to the just enough essential parts traditions. Holds the road well and love the rugged looks. Extremely reliable even after doing over 30 thousand miles this year. Love it and recommend. NB... just had first mechanical problem which meant I had to have a replacement vehicle. Really pleased to get it back today and to give back the Merc! says it all.

Jeep Patriot CRD Limited 2008

Traded in a Suzuki Grand Vitara for the Patriot. Feel the Jeep is better in most respects. Nice price, good economy from the diesel, plenty of power, comfortable and pretty nimble (even on Highland and Islands roads). Opted for the full audio pack, which is impressive. People tend to criticise the interior but I find it quite acceptable - and it cleans up easily (if you really don’t like it, I understand a re-vamped, and ’Europeanised’ interior will become available later this year). Rear visibility is slightly limited, but apart from this, I thoroughly recommend it.

Jeep Patriot CRD Limited 2007

In short: great car (or great SUV)! Absolutely recommended.

Jeep Cherokee 2.8 diesel limited 2003

Good all round 4x4, powerful engine and also good off road. Nice 5 speed auto box and have had no faults after doing 63,000 miles.

Jeep Patriot CRD Limited 2007

We love it ! Chunky looks, smooth drive, easy to clean out inside after muddy booted children have climbed around inside it. Lots of toys with the cruise control, heated seats etc... We got the 9 speaker audio system with the car which sounds great. 44 mpg is attainable but you have to keep your right foot light on the pedal otherwise its 33 mpg which still isn’t bad for a large vehicle like this. It’s got some great overtaking power from the diesel engine even in 4th gear. I like its square looks, much better than the rounded off Rav’s and CR-V’s, you don’t see Land Rover Defenders getting curved edges and they are design icons.

Jeep Commander 2007

Great car. Very comfortable unlike previous generation of Landrover Disco TD5. FANTASTIC engine -quick and responsive for such a huge car. Excellent audio system and all the necessary standard equipment. Only sat nav and bluetooth missing! No regrets with this car!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 2006

Fabulous acceleration for a 4x4. Had mine for nearly two years and love the confidence to overtake. Only one criticism - we tow a caravan and find the ride can be a bit bumpy on non-motorway roads. Have averaged 22mgp over the 20 months, but that does include a fair bit of towing.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 CRD Limited 5dr 2007

A very capable 4x4. Unfussy and very powerful. We’ve recently driven ours to Italy and back and it made a long journey very enjoyable. Plenty of space for a family of 4 and good sat nav. I’m very pleased with my purchase and glad I wasn’t swayed by an over indulgent interior, found in many other competitors in favour of true 4x4 ability.

Jeep Patriot 2.4 Limited 5dr 2007

Proper looking 4x4, nothing girly about this one. Good price and relatively cheap to run. Decent drive on all terrain and good space. Dash a bit plasticy but well set out. Good safety. Very comfortable.

Responses to this review

Hi Daffyd, I see you have a Jeep 2.4 petrol car. The offical mpg given is 32.3 combined. Is this close? What do you get from your car? Regards - David from Worcestershire

Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0 V6 TD 2007

This car can handle anything offroad but doesn’t feel out of place on road. Simple interior but cheaper than rivals so well worth it.

Jeep Compass 2.0CRD Limited 5dr 2007

I’ve just test driven this car and whilst it certainly has a lot of plusses: great safety features, lots of space and comfort, good equipment spec, I was not particulary impressed with the drive, seemed a little juddery at times and there were a few rattles on bumpy roads, not what I had expected. The resale value has also put me off so although I don’t think it’s a bad car I just don’t think this is the one for me.

Jeep Commander 2007

The Jeep Commander offers a lot of car for your money. Mercedes-Benz V6 Diesel offers excellent performance. A bargain when compared to the Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 which costs over £7000 more. I leased mine.

Jeep Wrangler 2.8 CRD Sport 3dr

The Wrangler just looks the business and it doesn’t disappoint behind the wheel. Loads of grunt and handles anything off road you care to throw at it. Brilliant fun to drive and comfortable enough for 4 adults. The handling on road takes a bit of getting used as does the engine noise at high revs but don’t let that put you off owning such classic car.

Jeep Cherokee 2.5 CRD Sport 5dr

I fell in love with the Jeep Cherokee and although I test drove Landrover and Nissan this is the one that gives the best over-all package. True it isn’t the most fuel efficient 4x4 out there but the driving experience you get certainly makes up for it.