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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  Never Again - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rhpenny - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I will never buy another American made car b/c they arent the type of quaily and dependabilty I am used to with foriegn products.

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  Maybe I got a bad one? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JTC - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I think I may have just got a bad one. The under side is all rusty looking, Brakes moan when backing up, been in the shop 4 times and had a transmission part replaced. Still does not always shift and downshift right. Too much road noise. Missing a lig nut. Make sure you get a good one.

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  Excellent on road and off - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jjjpowers - March 17 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Overland is loaded and looks great. It is smoother and quieter than the 2001 Limited model. Set up of interior is excellent. HO engine is fast and smooth.

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  My Jeep Rocks! - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jimmy guns - March 16 - 12:20 am

  My Wrangler is just the best! Ive gone out hunting in places where you see Chevys and Ford trucks park and their owners walk! In November, a couple of my buddies and me went to our version of "the Dunes", and the Jeep never let me down once!

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  All American Quality + Value - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dennis - March 13 - 10:20 pm

  Edmunds review is too harsh for the Wrangler Unlimited (4 door). Ride is more sure-footed than the 2002 Liberty it replaced. Styling is simple, and superb. Gets many compliments. Gas mileage runs about 16.5 local driving; not much highway experience yet to comment. Two option musts: side air bags (<$500) and hard top. Fabulous deals to be had (Im in Northeast); 0% financing over 4 years. Buy American. This vehicle is styling, fun and fabulous value for your dollar. If you have to buy now (like me) think about this one.

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  best car in the world - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jordan - March 12 - 8:40 am

  Love this car it is fun and cool to get in to everyday... I have the sky slider roof and its so much fun. The car begs to be taken on vacation and very comfortable. Only problem is the mpg which is not that bad and driver feet space. Overall the car is great and you can tell Chrysler/Jeep put lots of effort towards designing this car.

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  Pleasant but ... - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By diligent_buyer - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Useful tip for potential buyers: Drive preferably in slow traffic. While going on an uphill or flat road accelerate the car to 25 mph, let off the pedal and you will feel the car shaking. This will not go away as long as you own the car. If you can take it, you will be ok. This applies to the Jeep Patriot as well.

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  2007 Jeep Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By J Reed - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my liberty used with 36,000 miles on it last January. It now has 46,000. All my Windows have broken, when the back left door window broke it fell down inside my door & shattered ( this happened going down the road in the winter ) I have all of my Windows ratchet strapped up with the door panels off because its the only way to keep them from breaking because every time they are replaced. They break again. I though I would love this SUV but it has been a nightmare, I would not recommend a Jeep to anyone. Its a p. O. S. To put it nicely :) I will never buy or own another Jeep once Im able to trade this one in.

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  99 Sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tim - March 9 - 3:13 am

  Always wanted a Cherokee since the early 90s. Bought new in 99. Goes just about anywhere you want. Only problem was with the front windows. Both driver and passenger motor brackets broke within a year of each other and caused the window to drop to the bottom of the door. I pull a 2000 lb camper all over the Tennessee hills at 80 with no problems. Easy to work on or modify with uncountable parts available for greater off road performance. Limited only by your imagination. It is truly a shame that Jeep stopped making the Cherokee. Nothing else can compare.

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  fun to drive and built tough - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - March 8 - 10:23 pm

  In my experience, a mechanically sound year for Jeep Wranglers. Had to replace sway bars twice in its lifetime and the starter once. Also the connection to the speedometer and heating control had to be replaced during warranty due to corrosion from water leakage (left top down once during rain storm). Unfortunately, a local repair shop molested and murdered my first love. Go straight to the dealer or someone who knows Jeep clutches. If you love your jeep, 1. Dont machine the flywheel, just replace it with OEM parts 2. Same for the clutch kit, buy OEM parts just to be on the safe side.. 3. again, to the dealer.