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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  worst vehicle owned.... - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mikew_98 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  In the year and a half I have owned the vehicle, I have spent in excess of $2600 in repairs on it. Drivetrain is great and very reliable. Do not get one with and bells and whistles, it will only frustrate you to have to try and deal with Chrysler to get anything on it fixed =/

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  Most bang for BUCK! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By boo - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I spent countless hours researching to find what I thought would be my best bet in the SUV market. I was a little bit concerned about the Jeeps reliability based on some write-ups I had viewed. Well let me tell you, when preventive maintenance i.e. oil change,rotate tires etc. is kept up, the Jeep will be there when it counts. I will tell anyone, before you buy, give a Jeep a try. It will be the best move youve ever made regarding a vehicle purchase.

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  BEWARE - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert - November 1 - 12:53 pm

  The new Jeep is awesome; a 100 times better than the past Jeeps but the other day my mom (IÂ’m 16) was driving from a town in Puerto Rico. About 60 miles away from home when she was driving the Jeep started to smoke so she called home; then she waited for the truck, then called back and said that the interior smelled like it was burning. She went to the roadside assistance button and there was no button because there was a hole with fire on the button. She ran and the Jeep burned and melted. It was a total lost I loved the SUV but it burned into nothing. BEWARE. But during the time she had it (3 months) she and I enjoyed it a lot.

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  Love this thing!! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By hzorn23 - November 1 - 2:40 am

  Best car I have owned. I recently moved into a mountain home, and needed to trade in the city car for a 4x4. This car has not failed me in the mud, snow, or steep mountain roads yet! Would suggest to anyone.

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  Nice 2 drive... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bluepenguin - October 31 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased this used vehicle just about a year ago ... (lol knock on wood) so far ZERO problems . The ONLY thing I can say negative about this SUV is gas usage, but that is an EXPECTED given with driving a large vehicle. Overall so far, I am very happy with this vehicle and would absolutely recommend it.

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  I hope this car lasts forever! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GEF - October 31 - 12:43 am

  I love this thing. I want it to last forever. I have zero complaints after almost 6 years of ownership. Edmunds.com helped me make the decision to buy so I thought Id finally come back and pay it forward. I will say, Ive had to replace parts that I havent seen die out so early in other cars. Ive replaced the part that keeps your windows up. Ive replaced both front speakers. Ive replaced my belts and hoses. Ive replaced my battery a few times. Still, at the end of the day, my Liberty Limited is holding up quite nicely and no matter what car I end up renting or trying out, I always find myself more comfortable in the Jeep.

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  Liberty by Russian - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By La Brea Avenu Motors - October 30 - 4:33 pm

  Great price. Super solid -- no squeaks and no rattles, amazingly strong structure, no wonder great safety reviews, feel confident when my wife drives it. Rear limited slip differential is a must to put power down and for safe handling when raining. A little better material inside and 5-speed auto would make it the Mercedes Benz among small SUVs, but for $26k minus the rebates and dealers discounts you cant blame them. Precise and fun car overall. Totally recommend it.

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  Good for off-roading - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Clayton - October 30 - 3:03 am

  SOOOO fun to drive off-road, can handle just about everything. Weve gone up VERY steep hills that most likely not very many other Jeeps can handle like this one! My first time driving it off-road was hard since Im only 15 and dont even have my permit yet. But it was fun, we even went over some pretty big rocks with it. Can handle the heat -- we tested it out in about 98 degree heat and the color is black. Its a dependable car.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By autoengineer - October 29 - 6:26 pm

  Jeep defined the SUV with the Cherokee. This is my second one (first was a 1996, same color - black; I drove to 185k miles). They did a nice job refinishing the interior. Jeeps can do anything - I pull a 5000lb boat, haul carpentry tools and materials and drive through 3 feet of fresh snow (before the plows clear).

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  Wifes first new car - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By George - October 29 - 10:03 am

  We drove a 2006 jeep that we bought used. My wife has loved this car since the day we bought it. Now that it was time for another vehicle there was no changing her mind. She wanted another grand Cherokee. She absolutely loves it!