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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  One Of The Best - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Boston - March 21 - 2:56 am

  I really cant say enough about my 1996 Cherokee Sport. It has been an amazing vehicle, and Ive had my share. No doubt about it, this is a JEEP, not a luxury car - and it looks and feels that way... rugged and utilitarian. However, they are great for a varity of scenarios, including the urban jungle. If I had to pick a bad spot, Id have to say gas mileage and comfort on longer trips. This classic model is a bit aged these days, but theyre a wonderful value for the price.

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  Better equipment further to get stuck - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By hammer - March 20 - 9:23 pm

  I havent driven a jeep in 20 years. The Rubicon has a good comfortable ride, low range no doubt is a true rock crawler, to truly enjoy the vehicle have no less than 5K on the vehicle. Great equipment, Keep in mind the better the equipment the further to get in deep trouble and far away from the nearest towing garage. I was once told that you need to buy an Wrangler X to build it up a true jeep. Dont believe that, there plenty of more building to get the Rubicon where you want it.

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  so far so good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By downsizinginpa - March 20 - 9:40 am

  I wanted to write a review because when I was looking for new car automatic the Edmunds reviews were very helpful. I scaled down from a minivan to a small SUV, but really the Jeep Patriot is a modern day station wagon. I wanted better gas mileage and am I getting it, averaging 25 mph and on strictly highway 31 mph. Thats what should happen with a 2.4 liter 4- cyl. engine, peppy and ride is smooth enough. Went w/out 4x4 to get better mileage. Basic sound system fine. One chip in the paint around the wheel well thats a concern. Since Ive only had it a few months Ill try to check back. Status of my extended warranty unsure now but still try to buy American.

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  Love to Drive my Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul - March 19 - 7:46 pm

  Just came off a 2400 mile trip. The I found the Grand Cherokee comfortable enough to drive 14 hours straight switching drivers. We hit very heavy rains at times driving home and I always felt the Jeep was stable with the ESP and the Quadra Drive system. The inside cabin was comfortable, and all the controls were easy to reach. I am looking forward taking the Jeep off roading.

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  slippery when wet - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sgt - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Our Jeep Liberty has been a fun and very reliable vehicle thus far. I agree with the other ratees, the 2002 Liberty did not come with the ABS. My wife complained about sliding on wet pavements, did not believe her until I went sliding thru intersection at only 20 mph. Now wife is afraid to drive in rain or snow.

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  Love the truck, BUT ITS A GAS GUZZLER!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe M 3rd - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck but dont believe that windows sticker that claims gas mileage of 17 to 21. its more like 13 to 17 mpg. Local/city driving averages 13.5 gallon driven normally, agreesive driving brings the city number to 11.5mpg. Highway driving for me is 17mpg, however I was able to achieve 21mpg on a long trip doing 70mph but I had to focus on slow accelerations and steady speed. I average 15.2mpg city/highway driving. I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS TRUCK HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE POOR GAS MPG. I complained to Jeep several times.

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  Sportscar Companion - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Zzyzzy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We also own a Nissan 300Z -- and ten grandchildren plus one 93-year-old mother. They couldnt fit in the Zs back seat. So we shopped for a small SUV and liked the looks and layout of the Liberty. Now kids seats and grannys tush fit comfortably. The Liberty is fun to drive, even with a 300Z as competition. Of course the Jeep doesnt corner or accelerate like a lowslung rear-wheeler, but the autodrive is acceptably swift on the mid-range uptake. Has a surprisingly tight turning circle. We like sitting up high and seeing things we never saw before (like over highway fences). Ride not as jiggly, fuel economy somewhat better than described.

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  2004 Grand Cherokee Special Edition 4.7 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By uphusgm - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Drives very smoothly on the road and is dead silent. I dont know why its getting bad reviews for on-road performance. Ive never had a smoother ride.

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  Bad investment!! - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Marsha p. - March 17 - 3:16 pm

  Noisy, I just bought the Jeep in November and the unconnected is already not working.. so pissed off. I did not know that a lot of people had the same problem. People even sued over defective product. Acceleration is horrible. The damn thing is so damn slow I feel like Im driving ms. Daisy. It kills the gas because you have to press the gas pedal so hard to take off.... old fashioned looking features.. technology sucks. Which I did more research before investing. Now I am stuck in a82 my loan which the dealer failed to explain...

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  2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Deb Shaw - March 14 - 7:43 am

  I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. Now that I have one, I realize why I always wanted one. It is a blast to drive, especially with the top down and with the dogs harnessed in. It has so much response to it. I dont have to guess if theres "Enough time to pass this guy". The A/C rocks. The sound bar / system also rocks. I wish it got better mileage though. I get between 14-16 running around town, but never got more than 17.1 on a 500 mile trip. Oh well. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a "Fun" vehicle. My husband & I never take it off-road. It is fantastic in snow though. It is really put together sturdy