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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  CRD was a loser - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By williambig - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep liberty CRD new. Just after I got it they had a recall for the front wheel bearings and the torque converter and transmission front pump.Both were replaced under warranty. The next thing to go bad was the EGR valve which went bad after 35,000 miles. It was replaced under warranty. At about 45,000 miles I started having problems with the boost pressure sensor getting loaded up with carbon. I cleaned this and reinstalled and would go bad over and over. the EGR air flow control went bad, known to every one else as a throttle body. NOT covered under warranty. Last thing the fuel filter mount required to be replaced by Chrysler but will not pay or it. Good riddance Chrysler

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  2005 Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BJ - January 14 - 10:20 pm

  Definitely look at the Hemi as an option if you like power. Available options are confusing, so research them closely. NAV systenm needs to be touch screen instead of the toggle switch. Rides well. Not much room to store things, cup holders small. Two weeks after purchase sunroof was leaking. Dealership experience was poor. Overall, the car is nice, but if you expect an Expedition equipped SUV you will be disappointed.

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  Nice car that needs some improvments - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim - January 14 - 1:36 pm

  What attracted me to the jeep was the style. However, I regret buying it. Rotors continue to pulsate and require resurfacing or replacing about every 5- 10 k, I replaced with cross drilled rotors in the rear, so far so good. A little underpowered, If you manipulate the overdrive manually to delay engagement, you get better accel. w/o the lag. After purchase, fan relay, twice, once by the dealer (warranty) once by myself (good thing Im a mechanic). Window reg broke once (warranty). Highway mileage is great 55- 60 MPH you can get 22-23 mpg if cond. are right. 60-65 mph you get 20-21. Overall it is very comfortable to drive and it suites my needs. If jeep could fix those problems/it would be 10

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  57,500 miles, 0 Problems - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JMo - January 13 - 7:10 am

  Maybe Im just lucky but I have never had a problem with my Patriot. I traded in my 05 Wrangler (cause THAT got terrible MPG) for this Patriot that had 16000 when I got it. Drove it from LA to San Fran and then to Boston a few months later, packed to the brink and not a single problem, even going over the Rockies. Drove from Boston to Tennessee and back last summer, and again, never a problem. I personally love the Jeep seats, back felt fine the whole trip and yet every time I drive my gfs 10 Rogue it just aches! Pretty powerful for a 4cyl, but of course it has the aerodynamics of a brick. Only have the 2WD and have done fine in two New England winters. Usually average 26 MPG

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  I Like It, I Love It, I Want More of IT - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Rubicon - January 13 - 7:00 am

  I have had a number of cars in my 52 years, but none that I love more than my 2004 Rubicon. I loved the feeling of freedom with the Safari top in the summer and the warmth and security of the hardtop in the winter. I like putting my camping gear in the back and heading off to the back country in search of my Shangri La. I love the feeling of power driving through the loose sands of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and locking the Dana 44s when the going gets tough. Apparently someone else liked my Rubicon as well, because they hijacked it from my drive Wed. night. It feels like my best friend is lost. I want my Rubi back!

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  Been a Great Ride - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mf012e - January 11 - 8:43 am

  I have been driving my Jeep almost 4 years now and have been pleasantly surprised. It has held up fairly well. The only issues have been with the starter and a replaced pinion seal. Its been a thrill to drive on the road, snow, rain, mud, and sand. I never got stuck or was beaten off the line. The 4x4 and Hemi are excellent.

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  Reliable SUV - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan Houle - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Strong SUV, feel very secure and very reliable. Negative: No futuriste gadget (GPS), no lock on gaz system, expensive to maintain in good codition

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  A good buy - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Owner - January 10 - 10:46 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 Liberty for over 3 months now. Consumer Reports does no justice for the Jeep. The ride is great, smooth and comfortable. Interior is well fit together. This Jeep is great for traveling, camping and just getting around. Gas mileage could be better. Sticker range is 16- 22 but I get 18-24. Consumer Reports also says that the engine is week and difficult to pass on the open road. Found that NOT to be true at all. Id recommend this over most in its class.

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  I like it more than my Cherokee. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim Cantor - January 10 - 10:00 am

  A wonderfull ride! Solid, comfortable, and far more stable than I expected. Looks great too! A good replacement to Cherokee. The value for dollar is simply outstanding. No rattles, and the doors sound very solid when they close.

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  Thanks to Edmunds for the poor review - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By skier15 - January 9 - 1:30 pm

  I needed a low cost reliable replacement for an old 4WD that was costing me a fortune to keep on the road. Thanks to the bad review, I was able to scoop up a certified used Jeep Compass with 2 years on the warranty for less than $16,000 (automatic with power package) -sweet! Why the bad review? It isnt a big tough off road vehicle, a honking big family/gear hauler, or a luxury vehicle. It is just a great everyday car. I found the interior nicer and more comfortable (reclining rear seats=less cargo space) than the Toyota RAV and it is less noisy and had better reliability than a pre 2009-Subaru Outback - both more $$. Getting 27 MPG mixed city/highway!