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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  Theres Only One - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Seth - January 28 - 4:10 am

  Without doubt or hesitation the most fun Ive had in any vehicle Ive owned in 25 years. This is a REAL off-road vehicle not a tall car with 4WD. The perfect combination of on-road manners and off-road go-anywhere ability. A bit thirsty but this is a tough, solidly built truck. Ive driven past half a dozen broken GMC and Ford vehicles on trails and Im sure they get worse mileage. This truck has taken some of the toughest trails in N. America (Moab for instance). Nearly all the capability of a Wrangler with twice the comfort!

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  Happy with the GC Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By saburk - January 26 - 12:30 pm

  This is my 4th Jeep product (2 Wranglers and a 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited V8). The Overland is very powerful and the 4WD is great in rain and snow. I love the chrome wheels. The stereo in the 98 Limited was better. Gas mileage is not that bad -- about 15.5 mpg with mixed highway and local travel. Closer to 19 mpg during extended highway driving. My only complaint is the front seats. The leather suede mix is nice, but the seats are not firm enough and too small. The vehicle has some body roll when cornering and the soft seats contribute to a feeling of poor handling.

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  Not sure yet - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By jordanggg - January 26 - 10:40 am

  Purchased a Jeep Commander 4x4 4 months ago and have put 8,000 miles on it. Bought with 19,000 miles on it. 2 days after purchase, Jeep spent 9 days in the shop with transmission problem. Dealer is/was awesome. Since then no issues, average 17.5 miles per gallon. Tight handling, solid build quality. The quality seems great. Can fit 7-8 people for a comfortable 2-3 hr trip. Roomy, and very capable in any driving condition. Very safe, and is great looking. We would recommend it.

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  1st Jeep - suv owner - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By heartland28 - January 25 - 3:39 pm

  I have purchased this Jeep used with 1,12000 miles on it. I used Edmunds to research & price this SUV I got it for 6k with negotiations & cut the dealers charges - bogus cost add on using the how to buy a used car guide. So I got it for less then TMV I feel really good about it & now feel confident in my new learned skills. This Jeep is great my 1st SUV I wanted Reliability & A Safe ride. Gas mileage is good most vans like my past pile Dodge caravan with a 3.3v6 get about the same as this jeep. Tho both are Chrysler products this Jeep is the bread & butter. Fun to drive, very comfortable, & sticks to road with lots of power drives more like a truck rides better then most vans.

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  Rear windows and fabric seats. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Serafina - January 25 - 11:30 am

  I bought my Jeep in 2006 brand new. I love it, I dont have any complaints, very reliable SUV. I have 47000 miles on mine and I never have any mechanical problems, but the rear windows are a pain when they stop working, the fabric seats stain even with water, and the handle of the passenger side got broke and guess how much the dealer wanted to replace it $525.00, I decided to fix it myself with a real long screw. Inside is like a toy car very low quality but other than that very reliable SUV.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By carguy03 - January 24 - 9:26 am

  I had a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. This Jeep had the 4.0L I-6 with a 4 speed automatic transmission. It was a very good vehicle for the West Virginia winters, my driveway is just over 2,000 ft up a hill, and it never failed to make it all the way to the top. I liked the vehicle, but it didnt have enough room. I would reccomend it to any of my friends.

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  Great car but trans lever is horrible! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Phil - January 24 - 5:45 am

  Just got the car this week. Our old 99 grand Cherokee was on life support. The 99 had served its purpose, hauling, towing, winter driving, but had been troublesome from day one. Reads lots of reviews and it appears things have improved. Got a 2014 with 28k miles, v6, 4wd. Drives nice, quiet, plenty of power and tows our boat very well. Loads of nice features. The car has a heavy, solid feel. But the damn shift lever! What is that about? Its a ridiculous design and it takes total concentration to get the thing in D or R. Maybe well get used to it in time.

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  Thought I wanted an FJ, but went for 2012 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By gmaster - January 24 - 1:16 am

  Wanted FJ, so I thought I did. Drove FJ, 2011 Wrangler and the 2012 Wrangler. FJ felt cheap. New 2011 Wrangler engine sluggish and auto trans grinded on shifts. 2012 Wrangler WoWed me!

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bouker - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2000 since it was new. I could not be more pleased. My wife drives it so I rarely get the chance but I hope in 7 more years when we replace it for her I can finally drive it daily. The in line 6 should still be fine. The people that drive in 6" of snow and want a car feel should stick with the front wheel drive models which should be called SVs or better yet Mini Van. They should save their money and get triple A in case they get stuck in a ditch. Either way they may need to make the call. Jeep has few contenders but many pretenders! Yes I am biased

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  My Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jarrett Kwiatek - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I think the my Jeep Grand Cherokee is fantastic. I test drove a 4runner, Explorer, and a Montero Sport, and the Jeep blows them away. Great ride. Very comfortable. Since Ive bought mine, 3 of my friends have bought one b/c of how great mine is.