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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  Lovin my JEEP! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joretta - December 17 - 3:02 pm

  I have had a recall on my 4 wheel drive which has been repaired 3 times. I am now awaiting a call from my case manager to see what Chrysler is willing to do this time. Chrysler kept my Jeep for a week and it would appear as though it is now repaired. Thanks to Edmunds, I will keep this review updated. I neglected to mention....my door handles ( all 4) are held on with plastic and have all broken....I have had to replace my driver side door panel so I can exit the car.....very poor materials in that respect. I rarely use my back except to transport my dogs to the vet. They do need replacement however. They have now fallen out. Anyone in the backseat is unable to exit the vehicle without outside assistance!! By the way....my Jeep is a 5.7 hemi and she runs like a scalded dog!! As of 11/23/17 nothing has changed. Door handles continue to fall into floor board!!

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  Patriot a pleasant surprise! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Larry from Michigan - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Have had the Patriot for two weeks now, and I am so far very pleased with this vehicle. The five-speed transmission is forgiving and responsive. The ride is quiet (in fact, the first time I came to a stop sign, I thought the engine had killed). The suspension is perfect- firm but not brittle-feeling. Vinyl seats have been nice, firm and comfortable. The vehicle rolls very freely in neutral, and the resultant glide is nice if you like to coast in to stop signs for better gas mileage. My first tank of gas gave me 33 mpg in mixed suburban driving, no freeway. There is good visibility around the car. I love driving it.

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  Comfy in Colorado - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BGFATI - December 17 - 8:46 am

  its my third jeep and couldnt be happier. gas mileage is suspect, possibly due to break in period. very comfortable,great paint,interior controls are very friendly and close without over reaching. what gives with the bug shield?? need a better mounting system for that otherwise beat it up and treat it like a jeep!

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  4th Jeep Owned - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - December 17 - 7:23 am

  This is my fourth Jeep vehicle, three Grand Cherokees and one Liberty in between, (dont waste your time with a Liberty). This 2005 is the best of the lot. Comfort and reliability are the best and gas mileage is what they said it would be, not real great. Auto wipers are fabulous, but auto lights could be more sensitive to a dusk environment. Navigation system is limited, but sufficient. Ride is responsive and sure footed. You will feel real good driving this with confidence. They did a real nice job with this vehicle.

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  50k miles and going strong - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ashe - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when they first came out despite being hesitant about buying a new model. I have had it for over 2 years, putting 50k miles on it already and it still looks like new, drives like new, and I LOVE IT! People complain about the fuel economy, but I drive in heavy city traffic commuting every day and still get over 18 mpg -- certainly not great mileage, but pretty good for an suv, small or otherwise. I can honestly say that there is not another suv out there I would take in its place, whether small, big, luxury or economical.

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  Jeep liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By demonto - December 17 - 2:00 am

  We love our liberty,we now have 42k and no problems. Truely an amazing vehicle for the price and a quality design. We would recomend to everyone!!!!! We have a 2.5" lift and 32" tires and can gor almost anywhere!!!!

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  Built Jeep Tough - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By icemanjr23 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  The best Jeep yet. I love it, it handles great on the road and in the snow. The Jeep could almost drive it self.

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  steady and reliable - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Giuffrida - December 16 - 10:00 pm

  My 98 had 2 miles when I first sat in it; it now has 131k. I have not put a penny into engine work yet and she still starts on the first try. I am just this year being plagued by some undercarriage rusting and mechanical difficulties. This has been by far the most steady and reliable car Ive ever owned. I cringe at the thought of selling her.

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  I love my Libby!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ColbyCupcake - December 16 - 11:43 am

  I test drove the Liberty just for comparison and once I got in it and drove it down the street I fell in love with it! It handles like a luxury car. The fuel economy is not as bad as most SUVs. I get about 24 highway, 19 city. The only thing I dont like about it is trying to change the oil because the oil filter is behind my skid plates and it is tough to get to. My Liberty is completely loaded...not an option missing...I could not have done that in any other vehicle I was looking at for the price I paid. Not to mention this was the most solid and safe-feeling vehicle I have driven.

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  Jeep Liberty Review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Norman OBrien - December 16 - 10:00 am

  I have hadan exceptional experience with this vehicle. I had a Cherokee before and this Liberty handles better,rides better and is more comdortable. my only gripe is that it does not have as much cargo room as my old Cherokee.