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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  These are a dying breed... - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mike - July 18 - 4:33 am

  As I write this the 4.0L 6cyl has been retired and the new Wranglers now have a minivan motor.(sad day) As you can tell from the first sentence I love the old 4.0/6cyl. The 4.0 and 5spd manual is the most desirable stock engine/tranny combo if you are shopping for a Wrangler YJ from 91- 95. This is a reliable vehicle now with 133,000 on the clock all I have done is replaced a rusted/leak radiator and water pump. Jeeps do perform best with regular preventitive maintence. (plugs, wires, oil-changes in engine, diffs, transfer case & axles) The ride is rough which should be expected and learn to love it. If ride quality is your concern I would recommend going straight to a TJ (97- 06)or new JK

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  Hawaiian4x4 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TommyA808 - July 17 - 6:53 am

  Im averaging almost 23MPG (sometimes over!) and am pleased with the engine power, quality of exterior & interior appointments. I HATE the power window buttons on the center front of the console compartment (almost like an afterthought); on the doors would be much better! At just over 14k with no problems and varied use, Im pleased with "Herbie". Nice style, comfortable ride & drive below 70MPH, steady & predictable in 4WD as expected from a Jeep. Yes, Id likely buy another one ... a CRD next time!

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  A True Luxury Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mshell1234 - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The interior of the Overland is incredibly comfortable and upscale. I have compared my Jeep to my friends expensive SUVs (Suburban, Range Rover, Hummer H3) and I think my Jeep wins hands down. Leather/Suede seats, wood grain steering wheel, perfectly placed items abound. I am ecstatic about my third Jeep...I cant imagine driving anything else.

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  Best all around 4X4 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By nateway - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Wrangler Sport. It is a blast to drive and alot different from the older modles. I dont know what edmunds is talking about when they say the top is hard to use.... This is the easiest soft top ever to put up or take down..... Jeep has done another great job. A Jeep wave out to you all........

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  Very pleased - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By drjothen - July 14 - 5:50 pm

  Very pleased to date. Was considering an H3 and the Commander is much more comfortable, has more interior room and I dont have to deal with the Hummer Haters.

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  fun ride - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By doug - July 12 - 10:40 pm

  Fun to drive and very capable off road. I like the ease of folding the top down and the availability of aftermarket accessories.

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  Stick with Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scott - July 11 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my black 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited only about 6 months ago. The SUV had around 78,000 miles on it, which worried me a bit. Im now up to 86,000 miles and havent had a problem! I absolutely love this truck, especially in the snow!

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  i love my jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeep girl - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I went in blind to buying an suv,but after a few different test tries, I decided on a 2000 JGC ltd.v8 w/Quadra- Drive. More for the money,handles just as good as the expensive models.It takes on the deep snow to hard rains as if it were a sunny day.Drives smooth even on the toughest dirt road. The style looks good.Very comfy inside.Brakes good,but the rotors had to be changed already.All in all I still will buy another jeep.

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  fun fun fun jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By leslie s filiault - July 11 - 2:00 am

  great performance! good fuel millage! easy removable top! great 7 speaker radio! our second jeep great improvments on a verry old design. fun fun fun fun

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  great ride - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By david55 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  not one problem. great ride