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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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By D Ackerman - April 21 - 8:30 am

  We love out Jeep Liberty. This SUV is so practical and fun to drive. It meets all our needs, fits great in the garage, has not had any problems and looks great. We are very happy with it. Would get another one.

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  Know what you want - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By newwrangler - April 21 - 7:03 am

  Know what you want. Everything in Edmunds review is true and is what I like about the Wrangler. Ive only had my X model about three weeks and havent had it off-road, but it turns heads, handles well and fellow Wrangler drivers wave at you (no small feat when living in a city), and you wave back. If you want a sturdy, truck- like vehicle, youll love it. If you want an SUV that rides like a car, get a Cherokee. A Wrangler is what it is, the soft-top is noisy, no surprise. The interior is basic, well duh, but its more comfortable than the wife expected. And if my 53-year-old wife (oops) can get in and out of the back of the two-door, so can you. Research and drive one before you buy.

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  Yet another Jeep..Yet another good one.. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Drivecrazy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Drives well, it is fun, has a distinctive style and most importantly it is comfortable on longer trips too. This jeep is well made and nicely shaped. Looks sturdy and massive, yet has nimble manners. Fuel economy? Well, consider the 210 horses and the tall shape and it is still matches the fuel consumption of my V8 206 HP T-Bird. The interior room is incredible. I am 64" and have plenty of room all around. Comfort is good even in the back. Go and test drive all the SUVs in this class and leave the Liberty for the last, because you will and up with it... Did I mention 5 star collision ratings? Well, let see how this baby holds up on the long run....

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  Jeep Liberty with a nifty diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By nursecrd - April 17 - 9:53 am

  Special ordered this Jeep. I have been quite pleased with this car in spite of some quirkiness. Love the 2.8 L turbo diesel. It is a bit noisy but the torque is phenomenal. This little guy is no slouch on the road. Great fuel economy, 30 - 31 MPG (calculated) when kept under 65 MPH. Fairly good reliability. Torque converter is weak link in the drive train and I am on #3. Engine requires a bit more care than the gas version but it is an easy engine to maintain. Some aftermarket engine parts available (filters) but all else you have get at the dealer and they are not cheap. Adequate long distance road car but very good off road and in heavy snow.

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  2000 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JIM TRIMBLE - April 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS VERY DEPENDABLE AND SUPER COMFORABLY TO RIDE IN. EVERYONE HERE AT WORK PRAISES IT FOR ITS BEATY. I KEEP IT WASH AND CLEAN. I AM PROUD TO BE THE OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE.

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  Awesome - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Christine0u812 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car love it

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  boya - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Elderado - April 16 - 10:00 am

  it great, it is very fun to drive and it has a nice comfort zone I would recommend this to any one who likes to have fun

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  Owner - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Renato - April 16 - 4:36 am

  Very dependable and reliable vehicle with a lot of comfort. Made very well only needs a little improvement. Would recommend it to everyone for purchase. The pricing and service is excellent. Not much else to say except if you need a vehicle Jeep is the way to go. Dollar for dollar you receive a good quality product for your investment and it is money well spent. With this vehicle you have peace of mind for safety security knowing this vehicle is a fine SUV.

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  Love my Liberty!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Adrienne - April 14 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my Liberty brand new in 2002. It has been on two cross-country trips, one of them being a Jeep Jamboree off-roading event. I was the only Liberty out of 125 vehicles! My Liberty handled it all! Ive replaced the battery, replaced the serpentine belt, and had a problem with the AC/heat fan. Other than that, its only been routine maintenance. The mileage isnt the best, but I dont care. Its great in the winter, especially when I head up to Wisconsin in the snow. Its got the comfort of an auto, but with the feel of a truck. I did get truck tires for my Liberty and Im very happy with that purchase. I will NEVER go back to a car!

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  JEEP WRANGLER*****EXCELLENT - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By atlaw - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Stylish & priced right, this is the solid, trouble free status symbol that you can afford. The Wrangler turns the heads of Mercedes convertible owners and horseback riders. The reputation is backed up--Ive needed not one warranty adjustment or repair in 30,000 miles. Everything works, and works well, and everyone you meet wants one.