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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  Awesome Ride - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By skeletonkey - August 26 - 1:56 am

  Bought this beauty with 69,500 miles on it and I am enjoying every minute of my 2001 Jeep Cherokee 4WD! By far the best car Ive owned. Great acceleration, sweet transmission, rock solid inline 6 cylinder. Cant ask for a better 4WD Vehicle. Rugged, great looks, reliable vehicle.

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  Haters gotta hate. - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By RPCherokee - August 25 - 6:00 pm

  This is my third Cherokee. Obviously I believe Jeep delivers a great product for your money. There are always going to be those people who hate whatever they choose. You can see one star ratings in every make and model. I have never had any issues with my Jeeps other than they just get to old and worn out. Yes the 2.4L is a four cylinder, what do you expect? A 800hp outlaw dirt track racer. Do your research. If this isnt for you get something else. If the sales numbers come in like they more than likely will, Jeep will have out sold its competitors for the fifth year in a row. My wife loves the new Cherokee. The kids love it. When its time to go somewhere its " Dad can we take the Jeep?"

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  I love my Compass! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By L. Russell - August 25 - 3:23 am

  Since buying my Jeep Compass last year, I have absolutely no regrets. It is the perfect vehicle for young, hip professionals that need more room than a car but dont want to sacrifice style in the process. It comes with a great sound system, comfortable seats, and lots of legroom in the back. Driving the Compass is so much fun! (Get the sunroof- its worth it!).

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  fun offroad and on road - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zjeep - August 24 - 4:00 pm

  No major hitches, with little mods It did Moab wonderfully. On road quiet and roomy. Best front seats of anything I have sat in. Modest 6 banger performance is sufficient. Plan on keeping it till I cant find parts.

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  Love this Limited! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbphotographer - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Pretty good overall. Runs smooth and has only less than 80,000 on the clock.

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  super fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By peteredmunds - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Love that Liberty! Not noisy like the Wrangler, not big and tippy like the Grand Cherokee, but rather its quick, nimble, agile, stable, and solid. As I read on Edmunds: if youre looking at the Freelander but want a "capable" vehicle, buy a liberty.

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  Jeep Fundamentals - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ryan - August 22 - 8:23 pm

  Having traded a supercharged Grand Prix for a 4 cyl. 1.5 ton vehicle, I was a little weary about losing the performance I enjoyed. I was shocked with the performance of the Jeep and bought the vehicle after further review of reliability and economy. It wont be setting any land speed records; however, buying a 4X4 setting speed records should be of least concern. The Patriot has 600 miles now and averages 24-26 mpg including 4X4 use from a recent snow. All controls are easily located and the steering wheel controls are very handy since my GP had a similar set up. The Patriot handles like a car, but strong winds can push the Jeep. Chose the Patriot for the traditional Jeep look. A+ Jeep

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  Great vehicle for money! Its all relative - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Patrick Davies - August 21 - 4:52 am

  I was looking for a no nonsense, good economy, versatile vehicle with a lower repair cost down the road and less "systems" to break. I got just what I was shopping for. For the money, this vehicle is a great bargain! I traded in my 2006 Cadillac and I could not be more pleased. I prepared myself for a huge sacrifice in comfort and I just have not experienced it. It is lighter of course, but I am getting almost 15 miles to the gallon more with the jeep. Surprisingly enough, the jeep is as quite at high speeds as the caddy was, that shocked me. Another thing I really like about the patriot is the large front windshield. It is forward and extremely large for the size of the vehicle. Great visibility all around. I read reviews and heard that there was a problem in the past with some kind of water leak. I have not experienced that with my vehicle. I am happy with my purchase and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to my friends and family.

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  2005 Jeep Wrangler X model - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Nick - August 19 - 5:50 pm

  Great little vehicle, fun too. Not the smoothest ride but I knew that before I bought it. I get about 16-18 MPG, not the best in the world for a 6 cylinder, but not too bad either.

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  AWESOME! - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Blake - August 18 - 8:46 pm

  I bought this Jeep about 2 weeks ago and I love it. It handles great on and off road and the soft top is much quieter than I expected. My wife and I hit some trails this past weekend and this thing is unstoppable. We covered lots of mud and rocks and it never even slipped. My only complaint so far is the operation of the soft top. It comes off fairly easily, but getting it back up was tough, though not as bad as I have heard some say. Bottom line: the Wrangler jk is awesome!