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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  95 Jeep YJ - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Brant - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Jeep for my wife. She feel in love. I have developed Jeep envy...big time. Want one too!! Fun to drive, enjoy the Jeep wave. A money pit for add-ons but fun shopping. At 60k, blew main seal in trans & 1500 bucks later...runs like a champ. Basic mode of transportation. Love the top down and the tunes up loud!! Gotta love it!! I really do!!!

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  Disappointment - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By wedgeup - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I was really jazzed when I bought my jeep, but things have gone down since I have passed the 30k milage marker. I had to replace my rotors, I have an electrical problem that will not go away, and every oil change, it is time to balance the tires again. When the tires are out of balance, it sounds like a plane traveling down the street. Biggest disappointment is how fast the value of this 3 year old vehicle is dropping.

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  jacinda - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By linda - February 15 - 2:00 am

  comfortable low milage rust gaurds good gas millage

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  Great suv - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdl1989 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I would have to say that this is the best jeep ever built, I bought it a few years ago with 100,000 miles it currently have over 260,000 miles. It is in great shape minus the only problem I have come across and will complain about is the gas mileage Im glad I did not purchase the V8 version! I cant honestly say the only thing I have ever did to it was the reg services and a thermostat which is common.Other than that a great first car, Now proudly am buying a new Jeep Liberty I hope it holds up as well as my JGC limited , truly is a great car would recommend it to anyone. I am a little weary about the location of the gas tank though. Also it goes great in the snow never been stuck in up to 3fsnow

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  a few problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MeeToo - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this is an OK vehicle. My major complaints are the same as everyone elses...brakes warped at 12K, dealer machined for me free but they are bad a again at 24K. Have 26K now and realize Jeep has a TSB otu on the brakes. Dealer is supposed to add a kit to spread the pads further from the rotors and replace the rotors and pads for free. Heritage in Bel Air, MD wont so this for me. Unsure highway driving as steering is a bit loose. But everything else is OK.

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  Love it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MissA1987 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Ya know someone said they would rather have a toyota, yeah go ahead itll be recalled in no time. I did have a foreign car before I got my Jeep. But I hated it, it was awful on the highway. Ive had no problems with my jeep with the past five years that Ive had it. And here I am almost 100,000 miles later and Im still driving it. And I actually started a trend because right after, I let both my sisters, my best friend and my cousin drive it and ya know what they traded in their foreign cars for a JEEP as well. And Im not trying to be mean, but maybe yall dont know how to drive. The only thing I dont like are the seats, but if thats the price I have to pay to buy AMERICAN so be it!

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  Great Ride! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim J - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded a ram truck on the Laredo with the leather and hemi engine. Edmunds does not list the hemi engine in the review drop down menu for some reason, you listening edmunds? With the hemi it flat out moves..quickly. Of course gas mileage is terrible but I knew that trading from a hemi truck. Quality seems good so far but I only have 800 miles on it. The Cherokee is not a very large vehicle, I wish it was just a tad bit larger but it has good drivability. If you can afford it get the quadra lift and 20 inch wheels and quadra drive for better function and driving.

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  2001 Jeep Cherokee -- and excellent SUV - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By thornton - February 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its classical style combines with top notch performance for an excellent style. Peforms perfectly in any condition, from the interstate to blazing its own trails across a mountain. The limited includes all the comforts you need for a classy vehicle, but retains all the capabilities that Jeep is renowned for. Ill be a Jeep owner for life!

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  A Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By forever jeep - February 13 - 6:16 am

  For those that complain about mpg or comfort in this Jeep, then you bought it for the wrong reasons. I have had my Wrangler for 5.5 years now. For the first five years it was my primary vehicle and I loved it! The top down, sun on your face and enjoying the summer. I have done so much to mine, and I cant stop! Lift, 33" tires, winch in the front and lights everywhere. It is the definition of SUMMER! Our first baby is due in April and I could have traded it in and bought a new F150 or fancy car, but I just couldnt part with this JEEP. So I bought a commuter car for the me and the baby and that still allows me to drive my Jeep in the summer. People think I am crazy ... except JEEP owners!

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  leaks,leaks,leaks - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By snobnk - February 12 - 10:26 pm

  If you are planning on buying a four door wrangler think again.I love the ride, style,ruggedness but cant stand that I paid 30000 for a vehicle where the floorboards fill up with water when it rains........6 times serviced and still leaks. Before buying Google jeep leaks..to bad because I love jeeps, my 2006 didnt leak at all.Chrysler has known of these problems since 2007 and still not fixed..They dont care theyve got you money....mad mike