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:

• 

  Wisconsin experience - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Burley - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Headrests too low; access to windshield wiper/washer controls and access to headlight controls a little constricted and difficult to see selections through the steering wheel. Comfortable front seating, handles well,is sufficiently responsive, interior appointments well done. Information center upgrades over previous years a nice feature.

• 

  You can not beet the jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Octave - November 22 - 2:00 am

  It drives well on and off road, I have driven from NC to FL and it did not require as much work as a big van.

• 

  Absolute Fun Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Velliky - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 2 Jeep grand cherokees, the 2000 Grand Cherokee Limited, and now the 2004 Grand Cherokee Freedom Edition, I Love them both, they are dependable, easy and fun to drive...I cant really see how they can improve on perfection, but I guess we will find out when the 2005 models come out!!!

• 

  My 1st JEEP... what joy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By BLUTOV - November 21 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 2 weeks now and it is outstanding. Its a Sahara unlimited 4x4 2008. It sits on forte chrome blunt 22"wheels with toyo tires. Chrome gas cap, door handles, and side steps. Custom paint (the hard top, bumpers and mirrors too) rescue green. Katzkin leather seats with suede in the middle and a 368w 7-speaker infinity sound sys incl subwoofer with Sirius satellite radio... Remote starter... A bought it from the dealer like this and got a real good deal... The rake is beautiful... It stands tall... Looks and is tough... In short a show stopper... I love my Jeep! Buy American! The drive is smooth... Average gas consumption 19.5 mpg. People just gawk at it or grin with glee.

• 

  The Little 4x4 that Could - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Jeepmakemehappy - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned my Jeep Compass for a little over 1 year. I purchased my 2012 Jeep Compass after driving my Buick Enclave down the wrong road and the hill was too steep to drive it out. Yes, large towing bill. I decided to buy a 4x4. I looked at most brands. Nissan, GMC/Chevy, Ford, you name it. I was looking for comfort (I drive a lot), best gas mileage possible (from a 4x4), and overall enjoyable to work in. A sales rep called me about a trade they just made on a 2012 jeep compass. So I took it for a test-drive, after 1-mile, I did not feel any tension in my lower back and I can spend all day in and out of this jeep. It handled great, the acceleration was sluggish from take-off, but with manual options, I have compensated. Other than take-off, passing gear works great. The real test game when I had an inspection of a property with a real steep muddy driveway. It had been raining for days and the driveway was a mud puddle. Here goes nothing and a possible 400+ tow bill if I bought the wrong car. I made it down, now I have to go back up. The truth is, I never slid uphill before, I put the shift in manual, keep in it low, stepped on the gas and went up that hill like an off-road racing champ (in my own eyes). The driveway curved twice so I slide around them and made it uphill, got out of the Jeep and did my celebration dance. I have since been up and down similar roads with ease. My jeep has auto-start, Bluetooth, satellite radio, upgraded sound system, heated cloth seats, standard plug-in, Freedom package II, and a flashlight. Please do not just go by the Edmonds.com review. It has been an enjoyable, reliable vehicle, that I hope to keep around.

• 

  No flip rear glass ... No deal! - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BGF - November 20 - 10:29 am

  Corporate Eliminated the flip rear glass in 14 ... Deal breaker. Toyota 4Runner has the power rear glass! SUV ... U = utility. Dog owners use this feature EVERY DAY!!! Reliability is still MIA. Currently own a 99 JGC ... Been following very closely long term USER reviews of each subsequent model release ... 14s QA was so bad, Chrysler fired their QA chief (who was subsequently picked up by Apple ... I can only imagine whats gonna happen to Apple QA). Chrysler CUSTOMER SUPPORT gets a big fat 0. Dealership shops are still a full month booked handling back logged 14 transitions and Electronic issues. If youre still hellbent on purchasing a 16 JGC, make sure you get the lifetime maxcare warranty ... Youll thank me at the 70k mile (1C4RJFCT7DC646203!

• 

  sportin - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By bdwheels - November 20 - 10:00 am

  happy with it. Now with kid, woud have liked 4-door

• 

  1995 used jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeeper - November 20 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good vehicle for me. Lots of fun. Great for towing our 17 foot boat. Comfortable on our 15 hour fishing trip drives to Canada. Great sound system. Love the all-wheel drive in wet/snowy weather. Only major problem over the years has been a lot of headaches with the air conditioning -- it is a problem every year.

• 

  1997 Jeep GC Laredo - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By theos - November 20 - 10:00 am

  at 64,000 had to have the rear axle rebuilt, cost over $1000.00. Now at 66,000 the front end is making the same noise the rear did, was told front end needs rebuilding and the ABS doesnt work. At only 66,000 miles!!!??? Nice riding vehicle, but poor on gas and expensive repairs.

• 

  Great underrated vehicle! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By cpsteam - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep for just a few months and it has been more fun than my wildest expecations. I ordered it from the factory and still got it close to 500 under invoice. I have alot of MOPAR and aftermarket options including BFG AT KO 31 inch tires on the canyon rims (A GREAT COMBO.) These tire work great in the desert. Only slight negatives is that it can be a little loud above 70 on the highway with high local winds, and a little bit to handle do to the high profile. Basically, unless you need to move alot of people or cargo..........the TJ is an OUTSTANDING vehicle and a really great value.