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-Dislike relationship - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Julie - September 28 - 4:26 pm

  Bought with 600 miles - two weeks after purchase in shop for blower motor in fan, gas cap light on, whistle in air conditioner. 1 month later - gas cap light on, still noise in a/c, wind noise from all doors, low voltage light. 2 weeks later - gas cap light on, seats badly stained from water, etc! 6 days later - check engine light on, still noise in a/c (after being repaired-ha-each time). 1 1/2 months later - seats replaced; still stain, noise still in a/c, problem with rear vent. Had surgery, so not driven for a bit. May 06 - wind noise around all doors, sway bar links bad, 4WD light on, bumper paint peeling. All have been repaired, but Jeep customer service is a joke and cant get answer on lemon status.

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  08 liberty rules - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jd - September 28 - 1:26 pm

  the ride is nice, even at high speeds i have no probs with wind sound and i have the skyslider. works awesomely in the rain and snow in 4 wheel drive. if anyone else says otherwise, then they dont know how to drive :P

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  Update after 3 weeks of ownership. Shame on Chrysler! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By racing_s2k - September 25 - 4:58 pm

  Took delivery of my new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Drove it less than a mile from dealer. Transmission would not shift out of first, and radio would flip continuously. Faulty steering column control sensor. Took 1.5 weeks for the repair. Drove it for a week and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Dealer said they could not duplicate the error. Searching forums, I found others have this problem. Faulty ABS module. The dealer contacted Chrysler at my insistence, who said the ABS module is bad. It is on national B/O. I have been a loyal Jeep customer for years. Just know you are beta testing this vehicle. Never again!! Chrysler said they will not cover a rental, to make matters worse.

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  Real world review by Jeep lover - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeepster - September 24 - 11:50 pm

  Ive owned Jeeps for decades. Our Compass is a jewel. Our family moved to a small town about 90 miles from a big city where I work. I commute everyday. Our family has over 700 hundred acres of Central Texas Hill Country to roam as well as livestock to care for. I needed a fuel efficient 4 WD for both off and on road. My Compass has over 15,000 miles on it without a hiccup. Ive hauled hundreds of pounds of feed and angle iron for welding projects in the back with the seats down, over and through rough terrain without a problem when in 4WD. Weve had ice storms and flooding. The Compass handles it all. On the highway, the SUV is quick, agile, comfortable and very fuel efficient. Great SUV.

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  Good Used 95 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MeLuvJeep - September 24 - 10:30 pm

  The 95 is my 3rd Grand Cherokee Ltd, white, pillow leather, moonroof that has over 100K mi and still going strong. The interior is beautiful. I know my Jeeps and have purchased a new 94 and new 03. The older generation were better build with less reliabiltiy issues. The 95 Jeep only weigh 3800 lbs without me! Thats 2000 lbs less than many other SUVs and 1500 lbs less than the new jeeps. The Outland package has 3" lift, Bilstein gas shocks, skidpads up front, transmission, around gas tank and with a comfortable ride! The tow package adds big radiator, high amp alternator, transmission cooler and stronger gears for higher reliability! Quadra-trac 4x4 goes anywhere!

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  All Smiles - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Five0retired - September 23 - 10:06 pm

  This is a Fun Vehicle. Not one to cut down your fuel costs . This is the vehicle that brings a smile to my face first thing in the morning as I drive to work, with the top down weather permitting and the radio cranked up. It also returns that smile at the end of the work day as I drive home. It never fails to Not get polite and admiring remarks from passersby. From young and Old they all say what a Sweet ride she is. So to the reviewer on Edmunds , I would say "Get a Life, Get a Jeep"

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  Happy but sad - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By HUTTA - September 23 - 2:30 am

  I love this Jeep, its my first one and Im totaly satisfied with the ride and reliability. I only have two problems, one is that the roof leaks (I have the 3 piece hard top) and the other is that the front bumper gets damaged to easily. regarding the first problem with the leak, I brought it in and the dealer changed the rubber seal,(that didnt work), I called the dealer back and he told me that this has been a problem with the freedom top and to bring it back in and maybe I could get a one piece top that doesnt leak. The problem with that is the weight, you would need 3 people to take off the roof(boo).Im just gonna wait and see what else jeep can come up with to fix this problem.

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  Nothing quite like a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sparky - September 22 - 4:13 am

  OK, to start off let me say Im a foreign car guy. Ever since my first experience with taking my 1995 Dodge to the shop on a weekly basis its been nothing but imports. That being said, this is the best product Jeep has put out in quite some time (but dont forget those beautiful little words–Lifetime Powertrain Warranty). I have 2500 miles on my 2 Dr Sahara so far and it is rock solid. No squeaks, rattles, in fact the ride is nothing short of spectacular for a vehicle with its suspension type and the short wheelbase. Sure, its not Lexus quiet, but thats not what youre buying. There is high speed wind noise and you aren’t going to win any road races, but that shouldnt be expected here.

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  Great family vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Estelle - September 22 - 3:00 am

  Enjoy all the space in the front and mid rows. Great for when family is in town to have the third row. Would have liked a little more space behind the third row when the seats are up. Best handling mid to large side SUV I have driven.

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  One neat little Jeep - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Fiddler - September 21 - 9:30 pm

  I needed an economical small SUV. This is one great small car. It is comfortable, much less expensive than the Japanese competition. Yet it meets all of my requirements. It is economical, comfortable, handles just fine, and zips around the city. On the expressway it can compete with the big boys, just not quite as fast accelerating - after all it is only a 4 cylinder. Try it. You will be very surprised.