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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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2011 Jeep Compass
  By KC - July 2 - 12:17 pm

  Yesterday was the 3rd greatest day of my life. 1. My daughters birth in 2011. 2. My wedding in 2001. 3. The day I got rid of my Jeep Compass in 2016. Ok, so this car never left me on the side of the road, but it was the worst investment I have ever made. It did not hold value well at all and every time I turned around, some small part was breaking. There is a LOT of plastic on this car. And the seats are extremely cramped and uncomfortable for long drives. Very little cargo space. The power is dismal. Something is also flawed in the design to the point you have to roll all of the windows down if you roll down one window. It makes a very strange vibration if you dont. The transmission whines after long drives. Nothing wrong with it, it just whines. If youre looking for a car at this price point and have a family, go with the Kia Sorrento like I should have.

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  Faulty Transmission - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By swags727 - July 1 - 10:58 am

  This vehicle has great potential. This Jeep could be great and has many likeable and commendable attributes. This Jeep has two issues; one rather substantial. The Audio/Nav system is basically the electronic brains of the vehicle and it has bugs, lots of bugs. The bigger issue is the transmission, it is awful. Perhaps its not widespread (I hope its not) and its just my particular jeep but I have never driven a more balky transmission. It lurches, it has delays, it feels like their is a disconnect between the pedal and acceleration. In summary it is the opposite of smooth :( If it is fixable, Ill be overjoyed...If not, extremely disappointed.

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  The Most Practical-Impractical Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Burger - July 1 - 10:40 am

  Jeep has flat out hit a home run for the person/family that loves to have the top down. After reading reviews I was a little leary of the 07 Unlimited, but this vehicle is outstanding. Driving 30 miles each way, hour and a half a day and this Jeep is great. Ride quality is great, seats are comfortable (did take a four hour cruise to see family already and the trip was easy as can be). Steering is responsive, no "roll" feeling in corners, very nimble. Enging is good, not great but Ive been plenty happy with acceleration, passing, cruising, etc. Interior is extremely roomy for a Jeep. Plenty of cargo room. If youve owned a CJ before, dont drive this Jeep, youll buy it!

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  08 Liberty Misunderstood - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rogie - July 1 - 6:23 am

  I researched the heck out of the Liberty. I had owned Liberty in the past and just recently returned a leased Pacifica, a nice sleeper itself. To make a long story short, I dont understand all the mediocre expert reviews, including the 9th out of 9 finish in a recent big magazine. Those reviews turned me off of the Liberty..but I kept coming back to it since it seemed far more inspiring than the boring Rav4, CRV and Escape. The reviews on Edmunds from real people convinced me to stick to my convictions that this vehicle is a quiet gem. I took the plunge and now have one. I love it. 30K and feature rich. No way Rav4, CRV and others can touch it for all around fun factor.

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  Not perfect, but beats a car payment! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zagreb8 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Car runs good and you can usually get them cheap. If its a secod vehickle, its not bad. Mine has needed a water pump, air conditioner work, but this is simply maintenace on a 9 year truck. Impressive off road capability!

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  The Best! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By lovemyjeepsofar - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler but, being in my late 40s, I thought it was a childish fantasy that I should finally put to bed. Then I came to my senses! Its fun, powerful, reliable (so far) and I can go anywhere in it. The 4WD-on-the-fly is easy and quite liberating. Im short (411) and to finally be able to see more than the back end of another car is one of the best features of this vehicle for me. Sturdiness and safety ratings are another huge plus. The awsome turning radius makes parking a complete breeze. And then theres the "Jeep Wave". It makes you feel at home wherever you are.

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  Love my Liberty Hate the Transmission - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Art hound - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my liberty in Feburary of 2003 and have had major transmission problems. I love the smooth ride and the powerful engine. I like to beat all the wranglers off the line! :) The interior is super comfortable and I havent had any troubles with cargo space. The grocery bag hooks are a neat feature.

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  Solid - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JimmyH - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Very fun to drive and a very solid feeling

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  FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jerry Blankenship - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Over the years I have owned a number of suvs from all major american manufactures except Jeep. If I had known how nice they were, I would have had one before now.

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramos - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I am an Office products technician by trade, I travel alot of miles between service calls, it holds my inventory with room to spare, so far in the last 2300 miles (its new), I have aved 18.5 miles per gallon. The ride is very smooth, great response, enough power to get out of the way and with the cruise control on, its a nice quiet ride. Sound sys, which is not the best they offer..is outstanding. Dont just sit there, go get yours.