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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  Sport (2.4L 4-cyl, 4x4 CVT automatic) - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By reegee - July 24 - 1:22 pm

  First, Edmunds doesnt even list my model. I bought a basic, bottom of the line compass. I even had to purchase, and install cruise control in the vehicle myself. It was an easy 20 minute job. The cruise unit, was plug-n-play! Rides great, very comfortable seats. Fit and finish of both the interior and exterior are great! Its my first American vehicle since 1984. I was pleasantly surprised of the quality. The price was fantastic compared to any other of the vehicles in its class!!! The back seat, when in the "up" position, really interferes with rear vision, so mine is always down. Combined mileage is a consistent 24MPG. HWY mileage varies between 27 and 29MPG.

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  Its the best value! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tonkatrucks - July 24 - 7:19 am

  Im very happy and impressed with my new Jeep purchased 2013 between christmas and New Years. The vehicle feels solid, smooth, and is fun to drive. My search for the best SUV started early 2013 with a 2013 BMW X5 loaner while my wifes car was in for service. I test drove them all, but with the focus on a two-row, mid-size that provided good handling (for and SUV), decent acceleration and lots of leg room all around. I did not want too much storage with the school bus feel. Exterior styling and luxury interior with a large touch control/nav. screen along with a good sound system also on the wish list. The Summit provided all of these things and much more, like strong off road abilities.

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  Jeep Lib Ltd 02 -review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Nocky54 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent first year production vehicle. Very German in feeling, esp steering. Quick response times both turning and accelerating. Has more power accelerating than braking, but brakes are very good when used hard- if the need arises. Comfortable interior. Great for long trips and fine around windy local New England roads as well. Requires some effort to jump up and into seat, esp with a skirt on- optional running boards would probably help solve that.

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  Its Still A Chrysler Product - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary Ciborowski - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Jeep is noted for recalls and this one has had a few already. While I love the apparent fit and finish, there are obvious design flaws in Jeeps year after year. Certainly overpriced when optioned out. I think Ill find a more affordable vehicle when this one wears out. If you own one for just a couple of years, you may avoid the expensive repairs, but for long-timers like me, they will get you well before 75,000 miles.

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  Liberty not Liberating - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Schisler - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy this Jeep. It is THE most uncomfortable car I have EVER driven. It gulps gas. It has been back to the shop with transmission and engine problems twice. I chose the liberty over the escape for looks...shouldnt have been so shallow...I think the escape is a better ride.

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  Great Overland - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By UncleSampson - July 23 - 3:00 am

  I love to drive this vehicle. It feels like a kid wanting to play. Hit the gas and youre off to a race track. Its got enough torque to sink you into the seat. Very fun to drive! Everybody has to realize that this is an SUV and it isnt supposed to corner like a race car. All in all I think it does just fine.

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  Good for everything - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kody47 - July 22 - 11:00 pm

  I got the Jeep from my uncle with 200,000 miles on it and since have added 30,000. I havent had one issue with it. It still has good power uses zero oil and gets 20-ish on the highway despite awd and 3 in over sized tires. It does quite well off road. Ive yet to meet a hill it wont conquer. Good all round vehicle from the city to the country from the 1st time vehicle to the one thatll last forever

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  I love the Jeep - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By John Graham - July 21 - 9:40 pm

  First wrangler I have owned and I think it is the most fun suv on the market. I love the top down and really hope they never change the jeep look because it is one of the last American icons left.

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  Jeep to the core - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Countsparkula - July 21 - 8:43 pm

  I wasnt exactly sure what to expect from the Liberty, but from the moment I pulled it out of the lot on my test drive, I was impressed. This is a Jeep all the way! Nothing short of awesome. Although it does like to chug a little gas, the V6 is very responsive. This car is solid and extremely well built. Instantly you can tell it was made to be taken off road. Great interior design, great exterior style, couldnt be more fun to drive!

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  JEEP CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By patentguy - July 21 - 1:30 am

  This Jeep has been outstanding. Great power and excellent mileage. Hard to beat in off-road ability. I needed a vehicle that was small enough to park easily, had good mileage, could tow and launch small boats, and was capable off-road. This vehicle gets high marks in all those categories. The diesel engine really outperforms any gas engine I have used in the past.