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 Liberty Pray for Low Gas Prices - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rmhtj - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Jeep Liberty is FUN to drive, especially in adverse conditions, ie. heavy snowfall, and offroad. It is a pleasure to drive onroad, especially with the kids in the backseat. Great view of the road, a breeze to steer and tight turning radius. Breaks are magnificent, I had to lay on them once, and they came through when I thought I was going to end up in the trunk of the car in front of me who stopped past their turn. VERY IMPRESSIVE!

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  Finally bought a Wrangler - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug - June 2 - 2:56 am

  I have been wanting a Wrangler since the beginning of 2009, but held off because I expected significant changes to the 2010 Wrangler. The rumor of the Penstar engine was already circulating, plus I was hoping for other surprises. I broke down and shelled out 30K for the 2010 Wrangler Sahara with side seat airbags and every other option you can get. I totally love the vehicle! I do not understand the critics or the people who complain about the ride and performance on the road. The Wrangler is an American icon and I read somewhere that the Wrangler is like a penguin, “awkward on land, but a bullet in the water”. Wrangler may be a little awkward on the road, but a bullet off road.

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  WJ - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By demos - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding on/off road performance, great style, powerful engine.

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  bring back the islander - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By manasquanbenny - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second wrangler, had a 90 Islander previously. No other vehicle is as versatile or fun to drive, especially summertime with doors off. Perfect for carrying my boards to the beach. this vehicle is not for everyone though, I commute 90 miles a day in it, wind is loud on the highway when I have the soft doors on. Gas mileage isnt that bad, I get close to 20mpg.

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  Serious off-road performance - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By tylerdurden - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Out of the box, the best performing off- roading SUV available.

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  Practical & Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Howler - June 1 - 10:00 am

  My first Jeep. Ive owned other 4X4s. I need one for winter driving in Alaska. My new Liberty five speed with a V6 is perky and fun to drive. It pulls a little to the right, which I dont understand why. I took it to the dealer and they said it was an alignment problem. I got it back, and it still pulls to the right! So... another trip to the mechanic needs to be scheduled. That is a real time waster for me, but Ill get to that before too long. Hopefully they will get it straightened out! Other than that, it handles great, especially on the winter roads in Alaska!

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  Delivers everything - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By redjack9 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a 1996 blazer with under 80,000 miles. On a hoot i drove a 2004 jeep grand cherokee larado. Needles to say the blazer is sold and I am very satisfied with my new car. Contrary to what Edmonds.com says (they must be driving something other than a jeep) the ride is very very smooth, handles corners at high speeds like a dream, comfortable,good looking dependable solid, comes standard with items you have to pay extra for on other vehicles - I have owned many cars but this jeep is by far the smoothest one ever - i will definitely purchase another one and willnot waste time looking at other makes.

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  JEEP JEEP - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdias311 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Grand Cherokee. We had it for about a month before we took a 24 hour drive over the course of two days and it was the most comfortable I have ever been in any car/truck for that period of time. Gas mileage was better than on the sticker for the longer ride, even with the cargo area and back seat full. This truck feels solid around just about any corner at just about any speed, much better than my former Chevy Blazer. Sound system is even good enough where I dont feel the need to replace it. Overall the best standard mid-size SUV I have ever ridden in or driven, hands down.

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  best Ive ever had - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eric - May 31 - 10:30 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever had, hands down. I had always wanted a Jeep, and finally I just went ahead and got one. After two years plus, Ive never regretted it, even for a second. Its incredibly fun to drive, very reliable, versatile, and stylish. I have the solar yellow Sport model with the 5 speed transmission (definitely recommended). Ive replaced the factory soft top with an aftermarket Sailcloth top from Bestop (also recommended), and during the summer I use a safari bikini top and duster. Theres nothing better in the world than having a convertible in the summer thats also a go-anywhere winter vehicle. I dont think Ill ever have another vehicle again.

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  ok so far - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By gisco48 - May 30 - 9:03 am

  I have a tendency get into the gas a little. Im not sure the cvt can take it. After a few quick starts, I could smell rubber burning. Fortunately, guarantee is lifetime. Ive backed off the gas lately, afraid to kill this tranny in a few months. I would like to hear from others that hit the gas a little, and have the Patriot with the cvt.