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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  Best vehicle ever! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jake88 - November 10 - 1:06 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new in 2000. I traded in my trusty old 88 Toyota Pickup for this, and Im not looking back. The build quality is perfect, the ride is actually smoother then my truck was, and its a lot quieter. The A/C works great, even in 110 degree weather! The 4.0 6cyl. is a torque monster, and loves to move this Jeep up to speed quickly! Off-road its THE best vehicle, unbeatable! After 160k miles, the only thing Ive replaced is the water pump. My only gripes about it are the 3 speed auto, which can bog it down going up hills, and a weak sound system.

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  Tires, Battery, Belt, Shocks, Brakes - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeeper Since 79 - November 9 - 7:50 am

  I have 170,000 miles on the Cherokee - it had 32 when I bought it. I am on tire set 5, shocks set 3, belt 3, battery 4, brakes 5. Ive replaced the plugs three times, the valve cover gasket once, serviced the differentials twice each. Oil changes every 5 to 7000 miles, (in spite of what is recommended). One radiator. Bulbs and headlights and what-have- you: once or twice. The worst repair was the air, once, $1300, and how bad is that, really? I doubt Ive put more than $6000 into it over the many miles, about 1/6 th of which were off-roadish, it has carried me. If your Cherokee hasnt done the same, I dont think you put enough love into it. Jeep owners will understand this.

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  06 Commander 4.7 V8 - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Jeff - November 8 - 6:56 am

  Nice. Rides very well. Quiet and comfortable. I love it. Very smooth ride.

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  Know what to expect and you will love it!! - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By thomm99 - November 7 - 8:19 pm

  If you want a Wrangler you know there isnt anything else that will do. I love my 2011 unlimited. The changes that were made to the interior have made a world of difference in the comfort of a daily driver stuck in traffic, but havent taken anything away from what it can do off road. Be prepared for extra attention when you take the top and doors off. A wide open 4 door gets a lot of appreciative looks at stop lights!! As long as you know what to expect in terms of comfort and performance you will be very happy with a Wrangler. Having kids I highly recommend the Unlimited. Plenty of room for everything. The power is reasonable, mileage is decent for what it is, exterior is iconic!

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  Love my Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Karen Turner - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Its my 3rd Jeep and my best one yet!! No problems, just normal wear and repair.

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  EHHH - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Holycow - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Bouth our Limited V8 because of looks and power. THis is the only thing I am happy about with our jeep. We have 14,000 miles on our jeep so far and it has been to the dealershipe 5 times. Two times for paint peeling off the driver door. The back leather seat actually chipped away. The outside passenger mirror actually had a hairline crack in it. The oil pressure indicator had to be replaced. This is my first and only Jeep. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AGAIN. I cant believe it paid 35+ for this piece of YEA! Were trading it off on either a Explorer or a Tahoe!!!

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  Havin a good time - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Kneedles - November 7 - 10:00 am

  July is 1st year anniv. for 1st time UTE/Jeep owner. Ive enjoyed driving my Jeep very much. Tranny downshift during deceleration was pretty jerky. Dealership put it on the computer to "re-learn" which seemed to have taken care of the problem for the most part. Still not as smooth as others have reported. Love the stiffer suspension and knowing that this puppy will be able to handle anything that crosses my path. Very responsive vehicle - am quite content w/the power of the V6.

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  Another Great Creation From JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By johnnyca7 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WOW. I feel like Im a teenager again!

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  jeep cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rosie - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Things I would improve: The arm rests need softening, the center console could be a little larger, the rear privacy shade over the "trunk" area should be included,not optional,deeper netted pockets in trunk area, pockets needed on back of front seats(no place to put an Atlas).

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  A Solid and Reliable Vehicle - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By haraldm - November 5 - 7:33 am

  Dont believe the reviews done by Edmunds - they must work for Honda or Toyota. This vehicle runs like a top and never gives me any problems.