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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  Best Cherokee Yet - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DRH-Oregon - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is our 5th Cherokee and I am very pleased The at the improvements that have been incorporated in the latest version.

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  Love the Jeep Wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeep boy - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I just "downgraded" from a Ford F150 that I owned for six years. The F150 was huge, safe, and had tons of cargo space. The Jeep is a huge improvement. Better seats that support my back, easy to park, convertible, corners without throwing things around the cabin, stops more easily, and still has tons of torque and power. What it lacks in practicality, it makes up for in its near-motorcycle fun factor without the requisite organ donation.

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  great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By quinn1682 - December 19 - 6:56 am

  I have had my liberty for 2 years, and I love it. After I got it I read a lot of bad reviews, but I havent had any problems with mine in that time. It has had nothing go out, or be replaced. I drive a lot, close to 30,000 a year or so too. I love the 4 wheel drive it works great, goes right through the snow or mud easily. I think it handles great, I like tight steering. Overall I would recommend it to anyone. Its pretty small, but it is a compact suv. And it rides a little rough. But I like that, it feels tough to me. Gas mileage isnt great, but again, thats to be expected. No complaints here, Id buy one again anyday.

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  JEEP - takes you where few have gone bef - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MGA - December 17 - 2:00 am

  comfortable to drive, no reliability issues, just standard preventive & scheduled maintanance fixes, Quad Track 4WD just walks through deep snow

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  Outstanding, practical vehicle - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Delighted owner - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds.com makes several claims that are 100% false. 1. They claim "uncomfortable ride". We just completed a trip to Vegas, about 500 miles round trip, most of it over some very rough and beat-up back roads. It was remarkably smooth going over potholes and patched up roadways. 2. Unimpressive acceleration? Well it doesnt compete with a fast sports car, but we passed several vehicles safely on two lane roads, and went up long steep hills with no problem. Power is definitely more than adequate. 3. Noisy cabin? This one takes the cake and makes me wonder if Edmunds was paid off to rate this vehicle so poorly. It is whisper quiet, about the quietest vehicle Ive ridden in.

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  Causes lots of good stares - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By John - December 17 - 2:00 am

  well, it does live up to the JEEP way of life. decent handling on the pavement for such a rugged SUV

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  2002 Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By love my liberty - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Liberty after buying it new from the dealership. I initially felt that it pulled to the right when driving on the open highway. My dealer got it in and adjusted the alignment. I have no complaints about the mechanical performance. Overall my expectations have been met or exceeded after 18 months of ownership.

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  Jeep 2003 is an awesome 4x4 convertible - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By yepper - December 12 - 2:46 pm

  Im living in Alaska. Life is good in a Jeep. This vehicle has a soft top which makes it the perfect Alaskan convertible. I have had it for about 4 years now and have great experiences. Never stuck in the snow, never miss the sun, and it even tows my little trailer.

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  My First Jeep - My Last Jeep - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lr3looser - December 12 - 12:49 pm

  I own a $47,000 Cherokee Overland & found through a minor issue that Jeep customer care has protocals they follow regardless of cost or inconvience inflicted on the customer. This is the 1st Jeep product I ever owned and will be the last. Jeep sent me a software and map upgrade complimentry to me. Trying to install the map upgrade I found the vehicle vin number is not loaded in the nav system, thus it will not load the map upgrade. No dealer in Chicago has heard of this nor knows what to do to fix it. Jeep customer cares resolution is to bring the car to a dealer and experiment trying to fix it. No idea what may happen, how long it takes and no loaner read page 4 of the owner manual!

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  Sorry, No More Jeeps - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ACMilan99 - December 10 - 3:03 pm

  Great in snow which is why I needed it in the first place but overall quality is awful. This is not my first Jeep but will certainly be my last (especially since the new models are ugly, expect Liberty). Going on the second set of brake rotors which Jeep will not pay for! Has only 12K miles in 1.5 yrs. Grinding noise over bumps in cold weather which no one can figure why; white tire lettering chipping away; transmission shifts with a huge jolt; performance is good; gas mileage is bad (but not why I bought it anyway). It is fun to drive but I can see vehicle aging very quickly.