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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  Love My Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C Sims - August 13 - 7:46 am

  I love everything about my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has all the room we need and is very well designed. This Jeep has been my dream vehicle. I have 64K miles now and it is still going strong. I choose the 2 wheel drive, because we already have 2 other 4WDs in the family. I usually trade vehicles when I need tires, but never plan on trading my Jeep. You will not be sorry with this vehicle.

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  Unlimited is the One - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By EddieGee - August 12 - 11:36 am

  I love the Wrangler Unlimited. I believe that this is the first year they came out. The longer wheel base and extra cargo make this a more versatile Jeep than the standard Wrangler. The 15" wheels are substantial but could be bigger but the longer wheel base makes this a solid drive on or off-road. The straight six is more powerful than advertised or at least it feels that way. This is a fun drive with the Sunrider Top (front seat only pull back on top). I may get one of the newer Unlimiteds as well. Great ride with the only drawback for me being 16mpg city and 21mpg highway.

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  love my compass - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By penny1520 - August 10 - 11:01 am

  I bought my 2010 Compass used with 36000 miles automatic variable transmission I dont know why edmunds gave it such a bad review I love love love this vehicle the only thing I have to complain about is that I wish I would have gotten the latitude or limited instead of the sport but the next compass I buy will be one of those 2 models

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  Best car ive ever owned - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tethsojh - August 10 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car in Jan 06. Traded in a 04 Mazda 6 for it. I had always wanted a Grand Cherokee and the dealership obviously gave me a great deal considering i was trading down. In the 4+ years ive had it ive had very little problems. Just went on a 3000 mile trip from Iowa to Florida, Georgia, etc; and had zero issues. And thats with 175,000 miles on the odometer! I consistently get 21 mpg on the highway and 17-18 around town. Four-wheel drive is superb. Always goes in, and doesnt clunk of stick like some other older suvs do. Have taken it thru lots of off road places, crossed rivers, and gone thru 3 feet of snow without getting stuck. I would definitely recommend this car.

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  True SUV - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By far - August 9 - 10:16 am

  Fun to drive. Great performance on snow covered roads. Jeep should add Xenon head lights standard on limited edition!!

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  Best bet for the money - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Curt-Northern Mich - August 6 - 3:43 pm

  Was looking at Pontiac Vibe, Ford Focus, and other gas sippers when I came across the Patriot. Got a new 08 front wheel drive, fairly loaded, with a manual tranny for 15600 including taxes etc., how could I say no to that? Getting 30 mpg on highway, great ride, lots of head room and seating, nice layout. Jeep did a great job on this, and the lifetime engine is just more icing on the cake. Got $3000 total rebates, I dont know why theyre selling these so cheap.

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  Superb Vehicle! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JWR-11 - August 6 - 7:53 am

  Purchased 2003 Jeep Overland new in October 2002. Now have 90,000+ trouble free miles. Only recall by Chrysler was to repair the electric seat warmers. This Jeep still has its original Goodyear tires on it! Rotated all 5 wheels every 10,000 miles. Great power and comfort. Will tow anything I have put behind it. I would have purchased another vehicle by now it were not for the great performance and reliability of my Jeep.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - August 5 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2005 Grand Cherokee. The Patriot gets much better mileage. We took it 450 miles on vacation a week after we bought it and averaged about 27 mpg with the automatic transmission. Classic Jeep styling and great handling. It has a very tight turning radius. Fun to drive. There is some noise when accelerating but it is not unpleasant and tapers off when up to speed. 2.4 engine has adequate power. Basic model doesnt come with many thrills but I consider this a plus as you can tailor this vehicle to suit your preferences with the large selection of options available. Dont listen to the so called "expert" reviews, drive one yourself and see what you think.

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  Best GC Ever and I should know! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jimbof60 - August 5 - 5:20 am

  This is my 6th GC and is simply the best!!! And for all you suv owners whos cars have never left the pavement, as I have done with all my Jeeps, this one will be hitting the beach dune trails this summer...

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  best decision Ive made - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BOB NOLAN - August 2 - 8:40 am

  Well, this is truly fun to drive, with a stiffer but comfortable ride. Interior is well designed. The cloth seats are of excellent quality, appearance, and comfort. This is the first 4WD I have had and its GREAT. Gets through snow and ice covered roads deliciously. Have about 700 miles on it, and I am getting better than 18mpg; not bad. My wife and I battle over who gets to drive it. (I win most of the time, Im the boss and she said I could say that. PS: good power with the 3.7l!