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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  Unlimited Soft Top review - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JD - February 15 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first Jeep. The ride is great in the Unlimited, steering is very nice, and the 4 wheel disc breaks are excellent. The Unlimited Wrangler shifts into 4X4 seamlessly. My only gripe is the gas mileage, I have average 15.5mpg the first 1000 miles. But, I didnt buy it for its gas mileage.

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  Great SUV - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GolfNut - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My Limited has been a pleasure to own. The brake problem is the only dissappointment. Chrysler should take responsibility for their poor brake design. Other than the brakes the vehicle has been totally trouble free.

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  Jeep has stepped it up - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeremy Bevans - February 12 - 12:50 am

  Honestly I had never considered a Jeep when I started my search, nor did I realize the following that Jeep brand has. Im a young-ish guy, hit my early thirties and decided that I wanted to finally trade in the Murano SL Id been driving for 7 years and upgrade to a moderate "luxury" vehicle as a reward to myself for hard work. I started with looking at the usual... BMW, Mercedes, Land Rover, etc. Then I decided to broaden my search to include the $35,000 - $45,000 range for new and used. Thats when I came across the Jeep GC Overland and Summit models. As I looked over the features, every one of the features that I found so appealing of luxury vehicles was built into this thing. Im a tech-person, so the touch screen, digital display in the drivers hub, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot warnings, reverse cross traffic warnings, ventilated / heated seats, powered lift gate... Seriously the list goes on... When I discovered all of these in a vehicle for at least $10,000 to $15000 less than the other brands I had looked at, I could no longer justify spending >$60,000 for the base model of stereotypical "luxury" brands. The test drive is what sealed the deal. Smooth with just the right amount of power. Love it. The only issue Ive had in 2 months is a small rattle that was coming from a loose engine cradle mount of some sort. Took it back and they fixed it in a couple hours. I havent joined the cult yet, but I can see why so many people stick with Jeep. I hope it holds up.

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  Gently Used - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By teflonjpr - February 9 - 6:16 am

  Purchased it gently used with 31x10.5 tires already installed. Rides a lot better than the 97 I had previously driven. 2.4L has better horsepower than older models. Transmission and clutch operate very smoothly. Can hear some clunking into gear, and very stiff in the single digit temps of Iowa winter. High back seats are comfortable for long drives, but dont expect to get much above 65mph with the 4 cyl. Looking forward to spring off-roading.

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  160,000 Miles and We Still Love Our Commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Brett West - February 9 - 3:21 am

  Ours is a Sport 4WD with the 4.7 Flex fuel engine...it is not a Limited (Edmunds doesnt have all the trim levels correct). The Commander is an awesome vehicle with seating for 7 (were a family of 5) that runs smoothly and quietly down the highway while being super capable off-road if you want to go there. It can transition from comfy highway cruiser to off-road beast instantly. Weve taken ours over some of the highest 4x4 passes in Colorado without any trouble at all. We have also driven it in snow and ice with confidence. Weve had no mechanical trouble other than having to have the main computer replaced around 30k miles (warranty). Fuel economy is poor averaging around 16 mpg combined but we expected that in a 7 passenger 4x4 SUV. Ours is equipped with the Boston Acoustics sound system but it could use more speakers in the rear of the vehicle. We own a 2015 Jeep Renegade 4x4 as well but it does not even begin to hold a candle to the Commander. Overall it has been a great vehicle and one that we plan to keep as long as possible.

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  Jeep seeking mud - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By WAVE NY - February 9 - 12:16 am

  I love my new JEEP! I like walking up to it from a store and just thinking this thing is just a big ol toy! About the leaking, there was a notice about the freedom tops leaking due to inadequate weather stripping. What warranties are for! Plenty of power for me, and i dont think anyone buys a wrangler that is overly worried about shelling out for gas. Keep Jeepin and Wave!

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  Excellent Value! - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By brobin - February 5 - 10:53 am

  The Commander compares favorably with SUVs costing twice as much as this one. Many friends have commented "THIS is a Jeep?" when they first get in. In terms of comfort, power and reliability its every bit as good as a Land Rover, Lexus or Escalade.

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  Wrangler; Im back! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Butler Jeeper - February 4 - 4:26 am

  Traded in my Mustang convert in order to get back into a Wrangler. This is my third one and they just keep getting better. Sahara has the perfect trim level for cruising. The 18" wheels and Dueler A/T tires can take you anywhere. Plenty of power and acceleration for freeway cruising. The 6-speed shifts so smoothly! No complaints about gas mileage. The trip computer consistently shows Im getting just over 23 mpg average per tankful (30/70 city/highway). Almost 6000 miles and not a problem. This vehicle gets a lot of looks. Cant wait for Camp Jeep 2009!

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  Jeeping! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zees - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 111k miles, love it. Exhaust manifold was replace by previous owner as was A/C leak, several rubber joints in the suspension, had real seal on difference replaced ($50). In lin e6 has lots of power. Low gas mileage 13.2 mostly in town. Rides great, very comfirtable seats in front, kinda of small in back (typical mid-size anything).

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  You got to ride in one - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By big black jeep - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of those Automobiles that makes you smile every time you hop in. It has excellent build quality, it has never had any problems.