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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  Jeep Commander - 2009 Jeep Commander
  By JohnSt - February 27 - 9:10 am

  I picked up the Jeep Commander two weeks ago and have greatly enjoyed driving the truck. Prior vehicle was a 2004 Land Rover Discovery which was totaled. The overall package is very nicely done with the interior being far more impressive than I expected - the khaki color makes all the difference! I would have preferred the 4.7 liter V-8 but none were available in the Sport model - the 3.7 liter V-6 seems up to the task and it even has a nice growl on acceleration. The ride is magnificent for a truck and the transmission shifts smoothly. Leg room front and back is fine with lots of storage/cubby holes. Initial impression is extremely favorable!

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  I got a Lemon - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Albert - February 26 - 11:03 pm

  While driving on the freeway it moves, I think its out of alignment; it almost wants to fish tail. As I start to press on the bake it makes a noise, not only that it makes a clank sound underneath. I took it back to have it serviced, but it still moves, suddenly it pulls to the right. This is not a safety car.

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  Not meant for 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By POS_Liberity - February 24 - 6:43 pm

  Dont ever drive the 6 speed manual in sand. I did twice and the bell housing got full of sand, lost the clutch on the way home and now have to pay big bucks to get fixed. I called corporate office and nothing can be done. Why buy a 4X4 you cant use. Jeep is no longer what it used to be. This thing is a big joke! My Tracker was a better 4X4 than this thing. Never had a problem and drove it on the beach all the time. Anybody want to buy my useless 4X4?

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  Confused Liberty Owner - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Vander Woude - February 24 - 1:33 pm

  Drove all mid-sized SUVs reported to be the best in class, Highlander, Outlander, CR-V, saw ads about lifetime warranty for Jeep products and decided to test drive the Liberty, could not believe how the Liberty handled, read Consumer Report review and was confused if they drove the same Liberty I did, have tried to find a good review on the Liberty with no luck, vehicle may lack refinement the others have but considering incentives and warranty this was a easy decision.

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  Just joined "Its a Jeep Thing" club! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By The Radnad - February 23 - 1:13 pm

  Just bought this for my wife/family vehicle. Its our first SUV and first Jeep and so far we love it! Totally comfortable inside, plenty of room for 15 year old, 4 year old, and 1 year old with room to spare for napping on long trips. Cargo area is very ample for the twice a month grocery run and hardware store supplies. Never thought I would own a Jeep but so far we are having fun with it.

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  Try it for yourself - 2012 Jeep Compass
  By snowman54 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  If i had made my decision soley on edmunds review i would not own a compass. totally satisfied plenty of power if you want more buy a 8 cylinder.i got 26 mpg on the highway cruising at 70 mph drove 400 miles my first trip comfort was excellent.my wife loves it

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  Great all-around small family SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By kal13 - February 22 - 4:51 am

  Great little family SUV if you need real off-road performance. Bought it used with 50,000 miles and now three years later with 107,000 miles have had to do nothing but routine maintenance. Just drove it across country (3,600 miles in one week) with no issues going 80+ mph. I change the oil & filter every 6,000mi along with tire rotation and alignment; all other fluids every 30,000 miles and it still drives and runs like new. Has plenty of power and even more torque, no problem passing when needed. Have used it off-road almost everyweekend for three years and always gets me there and back. Handles 12+ inches of snow or mud with ease and has no issues in two feet of water.

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  5.7L Grand Cherokee exhaust problem. - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sidvest - February 21 - 8:23 pm

  Unacceptable exhaust resonation/vibration from Hemi engine. Chrysler has no fix. Random electrical problems & no fix.

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  great suv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By carobsessed1 - February 20 - 2:16 am

  I fell in love right after the test drive. The V8 has just the right amount of power. It is comfortable and the turning ratio is better than the vehicle I traded in. It handles great. The use of the navigation and all the other buttons are very uncomplicated. The dvd is great the way it is set up. Easy input for the children to do. The location to insert the disc is at the back of the middle console and my son loves it. The seats are comfortable and easy to take a ride in. If the third row is up it is hard to see out the back window. I love the box look; it is awesome. I got the white with chrome accent and saddle leather. It is hot looking. This is my first Jeep and so far no complaints. Fun to drive.

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  The last real 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Christian - February 18 - 3:55 pm

  The all wheel drive 4.7 v8 gets about 14-15 city mpg I think that is perfect if you live in a climate where all wheel drive is needed. The car has perfect power, steering ability and off road performance. I had a 1997 grand cherokee and I can say jeep has come a long way perfecting it. All the way around it is a very good car!!! Its now at 175,600 miles and all I have had to replace is 2 raiditor hoses, brakes, bulbs, and fluids!!!! It is a very strong suv!!! Ive had it for 3 years now and will never get rid of it