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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  Love my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By empirecat - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the top competeing model against this vehcile. Although it was a little bigger the ride and comfort was not nearly as good. I love this vehicle.

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  3rd Jeep - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jd - November 22 - 10:13 am

  Whats the Caddy commercial say about returning the favor? Yes! My JGC definitely returns the favor! Nice ride, fun to drive and the 4.7L has great pick-up. Havent tried the E85 yet - so cant comment on performance/mileage there. Now that gas prices are down - my purchasing a V8 in June when gas was near $4 doesnt look so stupid. How are people complaining about gas mileage in these reviews? You saw what the EPA estimates were when you bought it - as long as youre not getting worse mileage than EPA estimates, how can you rate gas mileage as poor? Im consistently getting a couple of more mpg in comparison to EPA estimates. Got 21mpg on 600 mile highway trip recently.

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  cry of the jeep owner "never again!" - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ron - November 22 - 12:13 am

  Purchased this vehicle brand new off the lot in 2002, have had nothing but problems since day one. Breaks down at least twice per year, I am writing this becaue I am on Edmunds lookin for a Toyota, last night Christmas eve was the last straw, broke down again, seems like it wont come out of four wheel drive and am burning something, smells like oil. Am guessing from the transfer case. Constantly in for brakes and rotors, this is a design flaw, was even a class action lawsuit for the breaks. Power window on pass gone, not working, has been in the shop way too much for a new vehicle. Never again will I buy a Chrysler product.

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  what I think - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By smith jones - November 21 - 10:00 am

  It is great I think I handles fine on the roads

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  whistling commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By cdawg - November 21 - 7:40 am

  Love the commander, comfort is great. 700 mile trip very comfortable. Wind noise(whistling) on passenger side that NO ONE can hear but us and anyone that rides with us( how funny is that) Service says there are not service advisories on it (why not? Jeep forum is FULL of complaints.) The service department thinks we are crazy. Lately it only happens once in a while. but changes in temps will be happening very soon here in LA. We shall see.

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  2008 Patriot Sport 25E - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By dan - November 20 - 11:53 am

  After a quick 2k miles in less than 2 weeks we love it.Turned in an 05 Grand Cherokee lease. Bought Sport E25 5spd,17" rims heated seats. Great Great Mileage (27+,compared to 17-18 mpg)). Very comfortable, as nice if not better than the grand, little smaller, nicer handling and driving, found the 5 speed to have plenty of power. True 4x4 will be nice for upstate NY. Front seat folds flat for super storage if needed (great option) patriot really is impressive. I like the interior (despite what the big boys say) this is the 6th Jeep we have owned. We highly recommend the patriot. Shop at least 2 dealers. We stepped down in price but gained every way imaginable. Gas gas gas

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  Liberty Limited - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Thor - November 18 - 5:30 pm

  Compared to other small Utes, the Liberty Limited has them beat. Little things, such as: Memory Seating, easy exit, remote start. Put this rig above the rest. The V-6 is lack-luster and it doesnt get great mileage in town, but I got 23 MPG on a 2000 mile trip. The seats are very comfortable and even though the foot wells seem crowded, there is plenty of room and Im a big Norwegian. I had a 4x4 Escape before and thought that was a great car, but the features, such as: 4 wheel disk brakes and real 4x4 put he Escape to shame. The Jeep didnt even cost any more than the Ford. It rides well and runs great. Looks good too!

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  thumpy/non economic - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By king - November 18 - 5:33 am

  A great looking vehicle, reliable, sturdy. Comfort in city driving is very thumpy. Fuel economy with this 03 Liberty is poor city driving-reasonable on the highway for driving. Rear seat is uncomfortable, while the front seats are great for comfort and support. The auto transmission shifts hesitatingly and I am on the second transmission. The first one shifted up and down like a yo yo. I am certain I would not purchase a Liberty again in an auto transmission.

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  Cherokee at 4000 miles - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rgoodspeed - November 17 - 9:41 pm

  First and foremost I have been a jeep guy for several decades so I do like the product. This is my 8th Jeep and my Trailhawk replaced my beloved 2006 Liberty CRD that was mint at 100,000 I must say! The Cherokee has exceeded my expectations in all ways...the car is fun to drive the V-6 has a ton of power the MPG are over 20 all the times. I have had zero issues over the first 4000 miles, I took it in for the lastest transmission flash but I was not having any issues or problems. The best vehicle in its class for sure, a little on the procey side when you get it loaded up and I do not like the 15.5 gallon gas tank that is filled from the right side. Great vehicle in all aspects.

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  Forever Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HappyJeeper - November 17 - 9:36 am

  I drive a Jeep Laredo Cherokee 05. I bought it used with 18K already on it. I have owned it 3.5 years. Other than routine maintenance, I have not had to replace one part. At 46K, I even have the original brake pads. At the last brake inspection, my trusted mechanic said I may go to 50K or beyond on them. A year ago, I was rear ended by a hit and run driver, on one of the famous Massachusetts rotaries. In a smaller, foreign car Im certain my car would have had some serious damage and I would have been sore or injured. Because, I was in my Jeep, I had no injuries and my car only had a few scratches, easily fixed with touch-up paint.