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:

• 

  6M Sport 4WD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Marc - September 19 - 1:13 pm

  I did a lot of research before purchasing. My previous experience with Jeep vehicles helped in my decision. The 6 speed manual make the Liberty extremely fun to drive and can tow my toys.

• 

  1994 Reliable Grande Cherokee - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Christopher - September 15 - 5:46 pm

  My jeep currently has 236,000 miles and nearing 237k miles. I dont see how it still runs and is very old, but it is reliable and runs very strong. this thing has been thru rain, and much snow but now in florida. Other than the fact I have had to replace a few front end steering parts, 2 fuel pumps, battery, and tires, the jeep is very honorable. It lets nothing keep it from running.

• 

  Windows are horrible! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Windows are HORRIBLE - September 15 - 6:43 am

  The window issue definitely outweigh any good that the car has! I bought the car after having so many issues with a Chrysler Sebring and even asked the dealer about any problems this vehicle might have. It is clear I was not told the total truth. I will be taking my car in again for window repairs. This makes #4!

• 

  The Ultimate Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By CScott - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Some folks like to smoothly glide over small road irregularities without feeling them. The Renegades stiff suspension lets you feel these, but when it comes to potholes, railroad tracks, etc., it handles these like they are nothing. I LOVE going over parking lot speed bumps ! Fun to drive, very solid feel. I dont get the body-flexing feeling of others like the Ford Escape. Comfortable, high ride. Going down a dirt road regularly...dont hear near as many stones hitting the vehicle bottom. And a really macho look.

• 

  second jeep purchase - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tillie - September 14 - 10:00 am

  this 2004 seems lighter and eaiser to drive,only problem is a little noisy when accelerating

• 

  jeep sport - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By hummerh5 - September 12 - 6:40 am

  Best 4 wheel I ever had for off road. Great grocery getter. As lite as it is you would expect better highway mpgs

• 

  Fun to drive and challenge - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By mountaineer - September 12 - 12:36 am

  We traded our 2005 jeep wrangler in on this 2008 Trail rated Patriot. We got a quiet ride on the highway,(finally)and didnt give up our off road fun. This car definitely has a dual purpose. I recommend this car for its fuel economy. I recommend this car for its easy driving and parking in town and I love this car for the fun of short off road trips.

• 

  Best choice for the money - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By keno90 - September 11 - 4:18 pm

  This vehicle is the best choice for people who are on a budget, actually need a 4x4, towing and have children. Edmunds is crazy to say otherwise. I wonder sometimes where these guys live and if they have a budget. There is no other vehicle in this class, at this price that even comes close. We just traded our 2008 Liberty in on a 2012 because they were selling them so cheap. We got a very well equiped (4x4, V6, towing package, sunroof) Liberty for $23,700. That was the dealer price folks, not with anything down or traded. We were actually upside down on our trade but it was worth trading because it lowered our payment $50 a month.

• 

  love my new liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tom574 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Yes the gas milage stinks...about the same as my 5.0 V8 mountinear, but who cares it is fun to drive and is very powerful. Has a rattle on the left side by the glove compartment door which will be fixed by dealer next week. No other issues. gteat SUV!

• 

  awesome little truck! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By muttz8 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  LOVE the renegade liberty(style, performance)!! cant think of another suv in its class as cool.. just drove to los angeles from san francisco and for some reason (could it be the regular grade fuel <87>?) going through the mountains on hwy 5, our jeep didnt want to go past 65 miles on the incline... other cars were passing us... that was odd, but I still love my jeep..