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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  Great all-around family car - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By derbs24 - July 4 - 6:09 pm

  Bought one of the first 2012 in fall of 2011 for $37K. 3.6 Pentastar was worth waiting for. Have Avg 20mpg over 74,000 miles. Have gotten 24mpg on multiple road trips from WI to FL. Wife drives it daily 50mi roundtrip for work and she still loves it! Not the most comfortable, not the quietest but it is a Wrangler. Freeedom top is awesome, we leave the hard top on and just pop the front 2 panels for sun. Had the cylinder head issue, but dealer fixed no problem, no drama with free rental. Love the looks, love the image (kinda like riding a Harley). Just got some trade numbers and dealer offered us $27,000 to trade on a new Wrangler. Resale second to none.

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  Just purchased a lease - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By flixx - July 3 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after driving it as a lease the last few years (I know, not a great financial decision but I did not know that I was going to purchase at the time). Had few miles on it and I really loved the vehicle. Gets through the snow in amazing fashion. Had to get to the hospital on Christmas Day in Omaha, NE after a huge storm and had no problem at all with no streets plowed. Have driven it on road trips all around with no issues. Rides well in the city, country roads or interstate. Very comfortable. Have had no mechanical issues (knock on wood) with this vehicle unlike what I have seen with other reviews. I am extremely pleased with this Jeep and would recommend it.

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  The Most Practical-Impractical Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Burger - July 1 - 10:40 am

  Jeep has flat out hit a home run for the person/family that loves to have the top down. After reading reviews I was a little leary of the 07 Unlimited, but this vehicle is outstanding. Driving 30 miles each way, hour and a half a day and this Jeep is great. Ride quality is great, seats are comfortable (did take a four hour cruise to see family already and the trip was easy as can be). Steering is responsive, no "roll" feeling in corners, very nimble. Enging is good, not great but Ive been plenty happy with acceleration, passing, cruising, etc. Interior is extremely roomy for a Jeep. Plenty of cargo room. If youve owned a CJ before, dont drive this Jeep, youll buy it!

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  08 Liberty Misunderstood - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rogie - July 1 - 6:23 am

  I researched the heck out of the Liberty. I had owned Liberty in the past and just recently returned a leased Pacifica, a nice sleeper itself. To make a long story short, I dont understand all the mediocre expert reviews, including the 9th out of 9 finish in a recent big magazine. Those reviews turned me off of the Liberty..but I kept coming back to it since it seemed far more inspiring than the boring Rav4, CRV and Escape. The reviews on Edmunds from real people convinced me to stick to my convictions that this vehicle is a quiet gem. I took the plunge and now have one. I love it. 30K and feature rich. No way Rav4, CRV and others can touch it for all around fun factor.

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  The Best! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By lovemyjeepsofar - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a Jeep Wrangler but, being in my late 40s, I thought it was a childish fantasy that I should finally put to bed. Then I came to my senses! Its fun, powerful, reliable (so far) and I can go anywhere in it. The 4WD-on-the-fly is easy and quite liberating. Im short (411) and to finally be able to see more than the back end of another car is one of the best features of this vehicle for me. Sturdiness and safety ratings are another huge plus. The awsome turning radius makes parking a complete breeze. And then theres the "Jeep Wave". It makes you feel at home wherever you are.

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  FUN, FUN, FUN!!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jerry Blankenship - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Over the years I have owned a number of suvs from all major american manufactures except Jeep. If I had known how nice they were, I would have had one before now.

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ramos - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I am an Office products technician by trade, I travel alot of miles between service calls, it holds my inventory with room to spare, so far in the last 2300 miles (its new), I have aved 18.5 miles per gallon. The ride is very smooth, great response, enough power to get out of the way and with the cruise control on, its a nice quiet ride. Sound sys, which is not the best they offer..is outstanding. Dont just sit there, go get yours.

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  extremely pleased - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By regor - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Went from Dodge Durango to Jeep Overland. Well satisfied with interior design and comfort, as well as quality of vehicle inside and out. Short legs so pleased with adjustable pedals, as well as memory adjustments and GPS. Performs better than my 5.9L Dodge. Ride is more like car than truck.

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  Its a Jeep Thing. . . - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By CJs TJ - June 27 - 6:16 am

  Before I bought my 02 Wrangler Sport, I used to see the slogan "Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand." Since owning it I do understand. Nothing compares to going off-road, climbing over hills and rocks, plowing through water or mud that is fender high, just to commune with Mother Nature. One thing I will say, the more you want to play, the more you pay. The acronym fits JEEP - Just Empty Every Pocket, but its been worth every penny.

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  The ONE and only...Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steven - June 26 - 6:46 pm

  In the past 25 years I have driven a lot of different makes and models of other brands of cars, but I have always owned a Jeep Wrangler as my second car. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited seems to continue with the tradition of past Jeeps of being reliable and dependable when other cars seems to fail. The longer wheelbase of the Unlimited makes for a smoother ride and the leg room in the back seat has increased, making it easier for the people riding in the back. The acceleration and handling of the Unlimited continues to impress me by its quick response in and out of traffic. The fact that the Jeep is sweet and simple to operate and drive makes it one of the many reasons the Jeep tradition lives on!