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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  Know what to expect and you will love it!! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By thomm99 - November 7 - 8:19 pm

  If you want a Wrangler you know there isnt anything else that will do. I love my 2011 unlimited. The changes that were made to the interior have made a world of difference in the comfort of a daily driver stuck in traffic, but havent taken anything away from what it can do off road. Be prepared for extra attention when you take the top and doors off. A wide open 4 door gets a lot of appreciative looks at stop lights!! As long as you know what to expect in terms of comfort and performance you will be very happy with a Wrangler. Having kids I highly recommend the Unlimited. Plenty of room for everything. The power is reasonable, mileage is decent for what it is, exterior is iconic!

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  Another Great Creation From JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By johnnyca7 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WOW. I feel like Im a teenager again!

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  A Solid and Reliable Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By haraldm - November 5 - 7:33 am

  Dont believe the reviews done by Edmunds - they must work for Honda or Toyota. This vehicle runs like a top and never gives me any problems.

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  4 Door Rubicon - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bucky - November 5 - 3:26 am

  I love my new Jeep. Smooth on and off the road. No problems with it yet.

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  Dam,Dam fine ride - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim - November 4 - 8:57 pm

  Better get you one b4 they are all gone. This thing is like riding in a towncar. No noise from the road, engine, tires, or anything else. The ride is superb. The way this thing handles is like a sporty car not a bigger car. The price is good and the way the options come are really good for the buck. Get you one b4 we end up buying another one.

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  Good Jeep - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Great Car - November 2 - 10:53 pm

  I like my Jeep Patriot. It is a very good vehicle. When bad weather hits I never have to worry about getting to where I want to go. It gets decent gas mileage for an SUV, and I havent had any mechanical problems. I wish it had an automatic transmission instead of a manual transmission. All-in-all, its a good car that I would recommend to Jeep lovers.

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  Great Midsize SUV at an affordable price. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Nick - November 1 - 9:25 pm

  Extremely comfortable drive, love the seats and all interior features. I am 64" 220 and feel very comfortable driving in it for long periods of time. We love taking it on road trips. If you dont need the V6 or 4X4 you can make a super economical purchase. If you do go with the 4X4, is the same 4 wheel drive system as a wrangler, and helps the resale value, and a lot better to take off road than most other mid size SUV 4X4. 4 other Jeeps have been in our family, we love them. If youre not into Kia, Hyundai, Honda, Mazda, etc. This is def an affordable option to explore.

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  Love It! - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepman - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Its a Jeep thing and you do have to understand. My only major issue was the awful stock tires they put on this Jeep. Other than a bad wire harness, no major complaints. Goes anywhere in any weather.

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  For off road the best!!! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By firewind33 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  For on road fun to drive, for off road I have not found a better 4x4!!!

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  Buy One Before They Go Up In Price! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JKS - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 540i BMW for this wonderful Jeep Liberty Limited Edition! The leather interior is outstanding and reliability super! Buy one now before Jeep realizes what a super vehicle they have produced!