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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  Still at the trailhead for the Trailhawk - 2017 Jeep Cherokee
  By Joe Sidlauskas - March 31 - 10:26 am

  Too early to tell with just 347 miles. So far its great. The 4 cyl tigershark is fine.

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  Muffler Gone Bad - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By TamiW - March 31 - 8:30 am

  Purchased 08 Wrangler 2 weeks ago. Own a 94 and wanted a new one for once. Absolute blast to drive. Very disappointed with the muffler. Two weeks old and 500 miles later its a rusted mess and Chrysler wont do anything about it. Do they actually want me to drive around and advertise for them? Why would I want to purchase another one? What are my options? Why should I have to replace the muffler and will I have to every two weeks I own it?

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  Glad I leased it - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tf18722x - March 31 - 8:23 am

  Owned the car for 8 months and 3500 miles. The 8 speed transmission with the PentaStar V6 is terrible and the other Edmunds negative reviews on that transmission are 100% accurate. Upshifting between gears 1-3 is poor, and it slams into 1st gear at the downshift. Have been to the dealer many times, the software updates to transmission only last for a few days before it goes back to shifting badly.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alabamaabby - March 31 - 1:44 am

  We researched many vehicles before buying our 2011 JGC in Nov 2010. It is beautiful inside & out. Comfy seats with great adjustablity on the drivers side, lots of legroom, responsive & adjustable steering, large cargo area, very quiet, smooth ride, & good gas mileage. We came from a Toyota Tacoma that got 19 mpg no matter. Our JGC gets 18 to 20 city & 24 hwy. We have had no mechanical issues at all & we are at 10K miles. My only gripe is with the auto transmission. It is just plain weird. I mainly drive the Jeep & I still am not used to the way that it shifts. My husband has no problem with it. I dont feel the weirdness when riding as a passenger. Very happy with our choice!

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  Its a Jeep thing.....Just buy it! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe Chanin - March 30 - 4:56 am

  1st time Jeep Wrangler buyer and I love it. My wife loves it. Even may cats love it (ok..not the cats). I am not a big off roader but this is a blast. Added some accessories to make it my own and it is great. Everyone comments and stares. Its a Jeep thing. If you buy it youll understand.

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  Pretty solid, Good bang for your buck. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Luganathan - March 30 - 12:46 am

  I did a lot of research before making my purchase, my previous vehicle was a subaru forester which gave me all kinds of problems. The Patriot is an upgrade from my forester. Much more comfortable, similar engine speed and highway performance. Love the sound and sunroof options. Nice getting a free year of sirus radio. This vehicle brand new cost me $4k less than the new forester I was looking at and the Patriot has more options. Love the real 4x4 as opposed to awd all the time. Also, in my day I have drivin foresters, crvs, rav-4s and Honda element, all competitors and 4 cyl engines. I can tell you the Patriot has just as much get up as the others with a much better 4x4 system.

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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug - March 29 - 8:13 am

  This is my first new Jeep. I owned 2 used ones previously. I love it. We needed a new vehicle and I held out for the Jeep. Very happy I did. I like its build quality and simplicity. Just got around to installing the soft top and am wondering why I waited so long! Much better than the older ones, at least to me. Sunridre feature is cool. I am 51 and this is my "toy". My wife and I plan to get out into the Jersey Pine Barrens (once my daughter gets her license and we have the time.) Just wish I had the manual transmission, but the auto is ok.

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  Get the 5 speed 4x4 - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Lucas - March 28 - 7:20 pm

  I just got my Dark Green Patriot. Love it. Power is perfect, I have no clue why people bash it. I have the 5 speed which is peppy and gets great mileage. My first tank I got 26mpg and I went 309 miles before the fuel light popped on. This lifetime powertrain warranty was the selling point for me. No need to buy the FDII model unless you go off- road a ton. My FD I performs well, plus 90% of my time I will be on the highway If you can afford it spring for the 17" wheel package and the moon roof, the stock 16" rims are hideous

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  Great MPG for the Trail or City - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Shane - March 28 - 11:33 am

  The Patriot has been great. The most off road and on road performance in a go almost any where package. If you want 27/30 mpg get the fwd manual. For off road purchase the Freedom Drive II with 4x4 low the Trail Rated version. It can ford water just 1" lower than the wrangler. The MPG off road and at the beach is 17 mpg where other suv/trucks get 6/10 mpg. Flat highway will get 23/24 mpg if you nurse the gas peddle. The pedal is your mpg control. If you want sport driving get the Auto Stick but no 4x4 low with the Auto Stick. I drives like a compact wagon on road. Very sporty for an SUV. This is a unique vehicle that combines the dirt and street. GS Platform - Wikipedia it.

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  I absoltuely love my JGC - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fingaz - March 27 - 3:41 pm

  I bought a used 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.5 years ago and I couldnt be happier with my purchase. It is a very comfortable vehicle, drives great... with the upgraded interior (leather, navi) its really a comfortable luxurious truck. Its VERY reliable, too. Currently I am at 75,000mi and other than normal maintenance (change the oil every 3,000 miles), I havent had any problems what-so-ever.