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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  AGAIN - Brakes - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JackO - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Less than 30K miles and two brake jobs later I went up to the dealer and they admitted that there is a TSB out to rplace brakes, but they do it only in extreme situations (hm, a lawsuit maybe?) and that did not apply in my case. They said it would be justified if I had two brake jobs in less than 10K (sic!) and really uncomfortable braking exeprience or trouble. I gave up. My car was paid off, so I quickly decided to get another one. Cant really be spending $500 on brakes ever year I owe it.

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  16 years of jeeping and 5 jeeps later - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By rubicontj - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving jeeps for 16 years, I used to drive and race motorcycles. A Jeep with its roof and doors off is the closest thing to the sense of freedom I had. In the winter I look forward to hellish snow storms. Its simply a blast to drive! Overall, you have to love jeeps or youll hate the ride, interior space, roof hastle (hard and soft)lack of fuel economy and other little quirks!! Im getting ready for my 2004 jeep, rubicon or sahara? still debating, waiting to see whats new for 2004.ps. Ill probably continue driving jeeps as long as ...

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  GREAT CAR FEW PROBLEMS - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JBNYC - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my liberty after doing a lot of research. I already knew about the gas milage but I was willing to compromise. It had everything I wanted at the right price. I have had just one problem. Since I have had the car its staled on me 3 times while parking.

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  Love My Jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C Sims - August 13 - 7:46 am

  I love everything about my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It has all the room we need and is very well designed. This Jeep has been my dream vehicle. I have 64K miles now and it is still going strong. I choose the 2 wheel drive, because we already have 2 other 4WDs in the family. I usually trade vehicles when I need tires, but never plan on trading my Jeep. You will not be sorry with this vehicle.

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  Unlimited is the One - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By EddieGee - August 12 - 11:36 am

  I love the Wrangler Unlimited. I believe that this is the first year they came out. The longer wheel base and extra cargo make this a more versatile Jeep than the standard Wrangler. The 15" wheels are substantial but could be bigger but the longer wheel base makes this a solid drive on or off-road. The straight six is more powerful than advertised or at least it feels that way. This is a fun drive with the Sunrider Top (front seat only pull back on top). I may get one of the newer Unlimiteds as well. Great ride with the only drawback for me being 16mpg city and 21mpg highway.

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  Nice. Could use some improvements - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tucsonwildcat - August 12 - 10:10 am

  Overall we are happy with our new Jeep, which is the first Jeep we have owned. The drivers seat is uncomfortable ... seems to be off balance. I am only 5 10" but my head almost hits the ceiling when driving. Back seat leg room is tight. The quality of workmanship seems to be high, although we have had warranty service on the Jeep already for a faulty airbag light (had to do with the seatbelt assembly). Gas mileage is poor ... avg is 15 but that is what we expected when we bought it (we have a 6 cylinder).

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  cheap - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By plastic - August 11 - 7:16 am

  Find that it makes a lot of noise on the highway and the engine shakes and rattles.The Interior Design is poor, hard to get at any thing. I would not buy North American again

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  Problems already - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By davidirn - August 10 - 5:09 pm

  I have about 3500 miles on my new Grand Cheorkee limited. My first problem started almost immediately, the touch screen on the dash went out. I had no air conditioning no radio no navigation system nothing at all. When I took it in to the service department it suddenly started to function and they said unless it fails when they can see it they can not fix it., one day I was able to get it into the dealer when it had failed and they did fix it but it took three weeks to get the part in. My next problem is the transmission it shifts very bad between 1st and 2nd and from 2nd back into 1st. The dealer calls it a Jeep characteristic. You feel a clunk when it shifts and you hear the clunk.

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  love my compass - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By penny1520 - August 10 - 11:01 am

  I bought my 2010 Compass used with 36000 miles automatic variable transmission I dont know why edmunds gave it such a bad review I love love love this vehicle the only thing I have to complain about is that I wish I would have gotten the latitude or limited instead of the sport but the next compass I buy will be one of those 2 models

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  Solid SUV with Good Gas Mileage - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By theov - August 10 - 10:35 am

  I bought the 2009 GC at the end of 2009 and was able to get this 4x4 SUV at $24,750 before state taxes. The vehicle is an excellent blend of on-road and off-road prowess. On the road, the Jeep has excellent handling getting 17-18 mpg around town and 21-22 mpg on the highway. This is better than the original advertised ratings and this still holds true after 115,000 miles on the vehicle. As good as this vehicle is on the road, it really excels in the snow. I feel very confident when bad weather provides a challenge to safe driving. The Grand Cherokee handles with confidence and good feedback to allow safe driving decisions. A great, reliable used vehicle if you can get one.