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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  Who Needs a Hummer - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JohnnyG - July 7 - 8:06 am

  Well I have only had my new 4 door for 2 days (traded in my 05 TJ) but I will tell you, it is truly awesome. The ride is super smooth, and quiet (I even have the soft top. The new sound system is sweet. The interior is unlike any jeep. The only thing I will agree with Edmunds is, it is a little sluggish, but let the aftermarket games begin. I think this is a great innovation for Jeep.

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  JEEP is great - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D. Forsyth - July 7 - 12:33 am

  This was my 3rd Jeep in a row, I enjoy driving them and I find the seating room good and the cargo area even better when rear seats are folded down. Would prefer easier folding of the rear seats.

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  Jeep Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By RockportRubicon - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly quiet, smooth ride in a rugged vehicle-an improvement over my old Wrangler Sport-only highway moise is the big treaded tires. Good, basic tried and true vehicle. Excellent off road capabilities-probably hte best stock vehicle ever built for orr-road, but not a bad daily driver, either. A little difficult to get kids in back with only one lifting seat, but otherwise fine. Lots of cuhy refinements over prior models.

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  good - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By EJ - July 4 - 11:20 am

  Fun, great driving vehicle. Fun on the weekends, and it will catch looks from people passing.

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  Outstanding! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By curtpenn - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for almost 1 year and 14,000 miles now. Only been in the shop once soon after we got it to adjust a few things (rear windshield latch needed to be tightened). I got about 13-14 mpg until around 7,000 miles (in town driving). Now always get 17+ around town. Love the design, rock-solid feel, and nimble handling. I have 2 kids near driving age and will strongly consider getting a used one for them in a couple of years. Couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Hot Rod Jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Erie CPA - June 29 - 5:46 pm

  This machine is awesome! Fast, solid and fun to drive. You dont buy it for the fuel economy!

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  Very pleased with our 05 Hemi GC Limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chas - June 29 - 3:10 pm

  Let me say right up front that my wife and I love our new GC. Like any vehicle it has a few quirks and some weaknesses, but they are few and far between. The integrated feel of the steering, engine, brakes and transmission tell me that Daimler had an influence on the redesign of the GC. Even the sound/feel of the doors closing shows a refined level of engineering and manufacture. I am much more confident with New York driving on washboard sections at curves thanks to the independent front suspension. The previous GC models could not keep up with the road surface and would attempt to leave the ground. The new model feels safer all around. Seats are great, sound is great with the fader set for full rear.

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  Bills review - 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By william dalessio - June 28 - 11:19 pm

  difference between 4x4 on laredo and limited.

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  Best Jeep I Have Ever Owned - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By WayneS - June 28 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned a CJ5, CJ2A, M38, M38A1 and a Commando- all VERY capable off-roaders which required certain “compromises” when driven on pavement. My new Rubicon is not only head and shoulders above every other Jeep I have owned in off-road capabilities, it is well-behaved on paved roads. Seats are comfortable, ride/handling better than adequate - it is pretty quiet-riding. But, it IS a Jeep, with off-road oriented tires, short wheel-base and convertible top. Those who expect the handling, ride and comfort of a CAR will be disappointed by it. I knew what I wanted and what to expect when I bought a Jeep. This Rubicon very capably delivers what I want, and has EXCEEDED what I expected.

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  buy stick shift only!!! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By wrangler09 - June 26 - 2:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and I absolutely love it, great vehicle to drive, there is noting on a paved road that can stop and nothing off-road that cannot challenge it. You pretty much pay $20+ for a toy, a head Turner.. Every time I drive it (with softop down) I feel like I am on a safari or on a beach.. And with the unlimited after market options available there is always something new to spice up ur ride.. Its not been 2 months yet and I have already spent $1000+ on it....