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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  My 1st JEEP... what joy! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By BLUTOV - November 21 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 2 weeks now and it is outstanding. Its a Sahara unlimited 4x4 2008. It sits on forte chrome blunt 22"wheels with toyo tires. Chrome gas cap, door handles, and side steps. Custom paint (the hard top, bumpers and mirrors too) rescue green. Katzkin leather seats with suede in the middle and a 368w 7-speaker infinity sound sys incl subwoofer with Sirius satellite radio... Remote starter... A bought it from the dealer like this and got a real good deal... The rake is beautiful... It stands tall... Looks and is tough... In short a show stopper... I love my Jeep! Buy American! The drive is smooth... Average gas consumption 19.5 mpg. People just gawk at it or grin with glee.

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  The Little 4x4 that Could - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By Jeepmakemehappy - November 21 - 6:52 am

  I have owned my Jeep Compass for a little over 1 year. I purchased my 2012 Jeep Compass after driving my Buick Enclave down the wrong road and the hill was too steep to drive it out. Yes, large towing bill. I decided to buy a 4x4. I looked at most brands. Nissan, GMC/Chevy, Ford, you name it. I was looking for comfort (I drive a lot), best gas mileage possible (from a 4x4), and overall enjoyable to work in. A sales rep called me about a trade they just made on a 2012 jeep compass. So I took it for a test-drive, after 1-mile, I did not feel any tension in my lower back and I can spend all day in and out of this jeep. It handled great, the acceleration was sluggish from take-off, but with manual options, I have compensated. Other than take-off, passing gear works great. The real test game when I had an inspection of a property with a real steep muddy driveway. It had been raining for days and the driveway was a mud puddle. Here goes nothing and a possible 400+ tow bill if I bought the wrong car. I made it down, now I have to go back up. The truth is, I never slid uphill before, I put the shift in manual, keep in it low, stepped on the gas and went up that hill like an off-road racing champ (in my own eyes). The driveway curved twice so I slide around them and made it uphill, got out of the Jeep and did my celebration dance. I have since been up and down similar roads with ease. My jeep has auto-start, Bluetooth, satellite radio, upgraded sound system, heated cloth seats, standard plug-in, Freedom package II, and a flashlight. Please do not just go by the Edmonds.com review. It has been an enjoyable, reliable vehicle, that I hope to keep around.

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  Great underrated vehicle! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By cpsteam - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my jeep for just a few months and it has been more fun than my wildest expecations. I ordered it from the factory and still got it close to 500 under invoice. I have alot of MOPAR and aftermarket options including BFG AT KO 31 inch tires on the canyon rims (A GREAT COMBO.) These tire work great in the desert. Only slight negatives is that it can be a little loud above 70 on the highway with high local winds, and a little bit to handle do to the high profile. Basically, unless you need to move alot of people or cargo..........the TJ is an OUTSTANDING vehicle and a really great value.

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  2011 Grand Cherokee Hemi 4x4 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We previously bought a GMC Terrain but it was not as good overall as this Grand Cherokee with the Hemi, and Im not talking just pure power. The Terrains fuel was OK but dropped to 24mpg highway when fully loaded for trips. The Grand Cherokee, 4x4 with Hemi, is giving us 21mpg. Ill take Hemi and 7000 pound towing (twice the Terrain) for not much more money thank you very much. The interior is another league compared to others. Its roomy, comfortable and the ride is unbelievable - this is a Jeep? Very comfortable for us in all seasons in the midwest. At 3000 miles we changed the oil to Mobil-1 and are easily towing our camper ~3000 pounds that the Terrain couldnt. Grand Cherokee A+!

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  Ill Buy Another - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richmtch - November 18 - 6:30 pm

  I was hesitant to buy a 2-wheel drive Jeep, and I didnt know that such a thing existed until I moved to Florida. I hear that the 06 and 07 models have limited slip differentials, which makes me anxious to buy an 07. Ive had a near perfect experience except for that queasy feeling when it rains and your right rear wheel slips and spins. Theyve fixed that now, I think.

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  Jeep x wrangler - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By john doesitright - November 16 - 2:00 am

  great overall vehicle, powerfull, poor on gas, shackes if you dont down shift, but the truck as a whole is nothing but a pleasure to drive

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  Jeep Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By arstevrich - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this on the advice of a friend who has had hers for about a year says its the best car she has ever driven or owned.

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  I love this Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Callaway Girl - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this Jeep, it would be the perfect vehicle if it got better gas mileage. I feel confident driving it where ever I take it. We camp a lot and show dogs so we are off road many times, does great.

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  04 Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramjb - November 16 - 2:00 am

  This is our 4th Jeep. I sometimes wonder if well ever own different kind of vehicle. We are definitely a Jeep family.

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  2004 JEEP, NO CHANGE IN STYLE - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jace - November 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS A SECOND TIME BACK TO BACK BUYER OG JEEP, MY PREVIOUS WAS A USED 1999 LMT V-8 JEEP. I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE COMFORT OF THE 2004 MODEL OVER THE 1999. IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM THE V-8 ENGINE IS UNSERPASSED AND NICE TO HAVE THE USE.