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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  Buyer Beware - Electrical Issues - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By Terri - December 17 - 11:51 pm

  I bought this vehicle in July. Was very excited with my Brand New Compass until the issues started. The first electrical issues where with the screen (radio) is temperamental and will decide to not turn on. Then the issues with the engine started. When starting up the Jeep it would acting like it is running only to not have the engine starting. I have had it at the dealership three times for the service engine light. The first time they said that there were no codes and it started properly every time they had it. The next time they found a vapor leak above the fuel tank and now when it went into the shop to be fixed it now also has a cracked hose. Because of these issues they said it was causing an issue with the carburetor which cased the engine to stop?!? My car only has 2,900 miles on it!! There should not be this many issues with a Brand New car. I am greatly regretting my purchase!

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  Bought Used, Love It - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By jer - December 17 - 10:23 pm

  Bought this used and love it. Runs great, looks rugged, the gas mileage is a draw back. Have had a couple of small interior things that needed to be replaced, but overall nice interior design. The third row seating is nice, but not a lot of room back there, especially for a tall person. Had a Grand Cherokee before, bought this Commander and I love it. It is fantastic in the snow as well.

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  JEEP - takes you where few have gone bef - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MGA - December 17 - 2:00 am

  comfortable to drive, no reliability issues, just standard preventive & scheduled maintanance fixes, Quad Track 4WD just walks through deep snow

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  Outstanding, practical vehicle - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Delighted owner - December 17 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds.com makes several claims that are 100% false. 1. They claim "uncomfortable ride". We just completed a trip to Vegas, about 500 miles round trip, most of it over some very rough and beat-up back roads. It was remarkably smooth going over potholes and patched up roadways. 2. Unimpressive acceleration? Well it doesnt compete with a fast sports car, but we passed several vehicles safely on two lane roads, and went up long steep hills with no problem. Power is definitely more than adequate. 3. Noisy cabin? This one takes the cake and makes me wonder if Edmunds was paid off to rate this vehicle so poorly. It is whisper quiet, about the quietest vehicle Ive ridden in.

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  Causes lots of good stares - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By John - December 17 - 2:00 am

  well, it does live up to the JEEP way of life. decent handling on the pavement for such a rugged SUV

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  Commanding Review - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Mom - December 15 - 12:20 pm

  I could not be more excited about a car! This is more than any soccer mom could want. I love my new Jeep. We have three kids, and we all fit perfectly. The kids love the back seat. We have the Limited with the HEMI and there is a huge difference between that and a regular 4.7L. I loved it from the minute I drove it. Plenty of power for a mom on the go and always in a hurry. The DVD and wireless headphones are great, not to mention the SIRIUS radio ready, and great sound system. The leather is great, the roominess is great, I love the chrome on black. Its one sharp ride.

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  Still running great - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim in alabama - December 14 - 12:50 pm

  Coming up on 2 year of ownership and still no problems. Normal mx and just replaced tires. Never added a drop of fluids between changes. I change my oil every 5000 miles and my Cherokee still runs like a top. Jeep did good when they built this one. Leather is still in great shape. All the bells and whistles still work as advertised. Just bought a Liberty for a tow vehicle for my motor home, hope it is as good as the Cherokee.

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  Keep away from this SUV - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 2784 Penn State - December 14 - 2:00 am

  One of the worst vehicles Ive ever owned. In the repair shop all the time. Spent over $6500.00 in 24 months on repairs. A/C, transfer case, power windows, moonroof, C/V joints, brakes...QUAD TRACTION is a nightmare. Consumer reports warned about this vehile...they were right.

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  2002 Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By love my liberty - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Liberty after buying it new from the dealership. I initially felt that it pulled to the right when driving on the open highway. My dealer got it in and adjusted the alignment. I have no complaints about the mechanical performance. Overall my expectations have been met or exceeded after 18 months of ownership.

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  2004 Freedom Love those Rock Rails - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank Koonce - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and I have not had it very long but in that short time I have had it I have enjoyed it more than I have any of the other 4X4s that I have owned. I moved to the Jeep from a P/U and have not missed the P/U at all.