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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  Rubicon Great Start - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By ldmpam - September 30 - 10:00 am

  As a limited purpase vehicle it is a excelent. The ride is firm and controlled. As a road vehicle there are better ones to choose. But the fuction this vehicle was designed for make it the best to come from a manufactor todate. Most single purpose offroad vehicles are built not purchased, this is the first one that can be bought and do 90% of the built offroad vehicle job and still have a factory warrentee.

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  Its A Jeep Thing - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy from Cato - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I live in CNY and went through a rough winter of almost 200 inches of snow and ice. 4000 lbs and sure grip on the road, being able to switch from 2WD to part time and full time 4WD is absolutely wonderful. That Jeep took the heavy snow on the roads wonderfully. It is great on the highway. Very comfortable. I love to run errands with my Jeep. The size is wonderful! The Jeep is tall enough to not feel intimdiated by the big trucks out there. The Jeep is 110 percent wonderful. The summer was great with it too! (The true test of a Jeep is how it handles the bad stuff too!) It is a truly wonderul vehicle.

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  Awesome, especially for the money! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Scott - September 29 - 10:56 am

  We just picked up our Jeep on 3/25. The loaded up base V6 is fine, but the Limited creature comforts are nice and its not that much more money. We shopped vs used LR3s and GX470s - both nice as well. However, when you take into account the 0% financing and that fact you are getting "new styling" that wont be outdated soon, it makes it very affordable vs other competitive used $30-35K SUVs. It looks sharp and its very comfortable - and quiet! Dont believe dealers who wont discount with the 0%. We got it well below invoice with the 0%. MPG is a drawback, but we really like it overall.

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  MPG of a car with a ton more room! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By J. Steele - September 29 - 5:13 am

  If you are looking for a no frills vehicle with just your basic comforts, this is a great choice. The price is also a huge plus. For basic driving, the Patriot is comfortable and very adequate. I am 6 ft 1, and I have plenty of room, as well as good foot room for backseat passengers. The LED detachable light is great and so is the IPOD jack.

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  08 liberty rules - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jd - September 28 - 1:26 pm

  the ride is nice, even at high speeds i have no probs with wind sound and i have the skyslider. works awesomely in the rain and snow in 4 wheel drive. if anyone else says otherwise, then they dont know how to drive :P

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  Real world review by Jeep lover - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeepster - September 24 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned Jeeps for decades. Our Compass is a jewel. Our family moved to a small town about 90 miles from a big city where I work. I commute everyday. Our family has over 700 hundred acres of Central Texas Hill Country to roam as well as livestock to care for. I needed a fuel efficient 4 WD for both off and on road. My Compass has over 15,000 miles on it without a hiccup. Ive hauled hundreds of pounds of feed and angle iron for welding projects in the back with the seats down, over and through rough terrain without a problem when in 4WD. Weve had ice storms and flooding. The Compass handles it all. On the highway, the SUV is quick, agile, comfortable and very fuel efficient. Great SUV.

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  Good Used 95 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MeLuvJeep - September 24 - 10:30 pm

  The 95 is my 3rd Grand Cherokee Ltd, white, pillow leather, moonroof that has over 100K mi and still going strong. The interior is beautiful. I know my Jeeps and have purchased a new 94 and new 03. The older generation were better build with less reliabiltiy issues. The 95 Jeep only weigh 3800 lbs without me! Thats 2000 lbs less than many other SUVs and 1500 lbs less than the new jeeps. The Outland package has 3" lift, Bilstein gas shocks, skidpads up front, transmission, around gas tank and with a comfortable ride! The tow package adds big radiator, high amp alternator, transmission cooler and stronger gears for higher reliability! Quadra-trac 4x4 goes anywhere!

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  All Smiles - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Five0retired - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  This is a Fun Vehicle. Not one to cut down your fuel costs . This is the vehicle that brings a smile to my face first thing in the morning as I drive to work, with the top down weather permitting and the radio cranked up. It also returns that smile at the end of the work day as I drive home. It never fails to Not get polite and admiring remarks from passersby. From young and Old they all say what a Sweet ride she is. So to the reviewer on Edmunds , I would say "Get a Life, Get a Jeep"

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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Estelle - September 22 - 3:00 am

  Enjoy all the space in the front and mid rows. Great for when family is in town to have the third row. Would have liked a little more space behind the third row when the seats are up. Best handling mid to large side SUV I have driven.

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  One neat little Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Fiddler - September 21 - 9:30 pm

  I needed an economical small SUV. This is one great small car. It is comfortable, much less expensive than the Japanese competition. Yet it meets all of my requirements. It is economical, comfortable, handles just fine, and zips around the city. On the expressway it can compete with the big boys, just not quite as fast accelerating - after all it is only a 4 cylinder. Try it. You will be very surprised.