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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  fun offroad and on road - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zjeep - August 24 - 4:00 pm

  No major hitches, with little mods It did Moab wonderfully. On road quiet and roomy. Best front seats of anything I have sat in. Modest 6 banger performance is sufficient. Plan on keeping it till I cant find parts.

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  unfinished gem - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By teendriver - August 24 - 12:40 pm

  if only this suv wasnt thrown out on the assembly line...has great potential but seems unfinished. it has a lot of power but almost too much. i feel like Im going to tip over every time I turn. The interior isnt much to look at and the radio could be better. It has a lot of power but I wasnt impressed. It stinks on bumps but is great in the snow with the 4 wheel drive on. I would rather have the Escape which feels safer and is cheaper. The jeep is "trail rated" and yet when you look at websites most recommend not to use the Liberty when off roading. Also when I was driving it a little rough it started shaking and the engine light went on.

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  Pimp My Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Ron T. - August 24 - 4:50 am

  Jeep Commander, what can words really say. Ive had my rig for about 45 days. Ive already racked up 1,800 miles. At 41 I feel like a kid again, just lookin for a reason to go crusin. I added 20" Chrome Wheels to my truck which really changed the look of the vehicle, but did decrease my gas mileage considerably. Two trips to the shop already; once a faulty warning light advising me to check 4WD system. Also I had to have one of the computerized keys reprogrammed. Upon starting the vehicle it would run for a few seconds and die. A red dot would appear on the dash along with a message "Try Alternate Key." I was told this had something to do with the security system. Overall I really like my truck.

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  Love this Limited! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dbphotographer - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Pretty good overall. Runs smooth and has only less than 80,000 on the clock.

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  Fun, Gorgeous but unreliable - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By larrym - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Offroad performance is amazing. The JCG can go where only custom 4WDs dare and do so with greater comfort and speed. I cant imagine a better offroad experience. Around town and on the highway the JCGs performance doesnt stand out except for the peppy acceleration from the 4.7L engine, yet its still comfortable and predictable. Unfortunately, reliability is lousy. Ive replaced power window motors 5 times twice out of warranty, 2 side view mirror motors, an engine computer, a fuel pump, transmission leaks, and a radiator! Still, overall Id buy again: the good points far outweigh the bad if you can afford to deal with the unreliability.

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  After all, there is only one..... - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By jmiron1 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  It seems to me that this vehicle is either loved or hated for the same reasons. So either you get it or you dont. All I can say is the only people I see waving to each other as they pass on the road are Jeep owners and Harley riders. Not bad company in my book. Just own one and youll understand.

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  super fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By peteredmunds - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Love that Liberty! Not noisy like the Wrangler, not big and tippy like the Grand Cherokee, but rather its quick, nimble, agile, stable, and solid. As I read on Edmunds: if youre looking at the Freelander but want a "capable" vehicle, buy a liberty.

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  A very satisfied owner - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ccm5k - August 23 - 4:43 am

  If you read a lot of the reviews here, it seems a lot of people have had very negative experiences with their Jeeps. I guess I am one of the lucky ones! After almost one year and almost 20k miles of ownership, I have never had a single problem. Not one! In total, I have 70k miles on the vehicle and it still looks and feels new. And, when it comes to bang for the buck, I could not be more pleased. I was cross- shopping 00-02 Range Rovers when I bought this Jeep, and the Jeep is more comfortable, more powerful, and far more reliable. Find a well-cared for example and you will not be disappointed!

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  Jeep Fundamentals - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Ryan - August 22 - 8:23 pm

  Having traded a supercharged Grand Prix for a 4 cyl. 1.5 ton vehicle, I was a little weary about losing the performance I enjoyed. I was shocked with the performance of the Jeep and bought the vehicle after further review of reliability and economy. It wont be setting any land speed records; however, buying a 4X4 setting speed records should be of least concern. The Patriot has 600 miles now and averages 24-26 mpg including 4X4 use from a recent snow. All controls are easily located and the steering wheel controls are very handy since my GP had a similar set up. The Patriot handles like a car, but strong winds can push the Jeep. Chose the Patriot for the traditional Jeep look. A+ Jeep

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  Cant wait! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By sailormom - August 22 - 5:56 pm

  Posting this comment to those who might be shopping for a jeep also. Have wanted one since I was 16 and now I am 41--been driving and paying for a Honda Accord for the last 5 yrs and cant wait to trade for a loud, bumpy, "wind in my face" jeep! Might have to work a 2nd job to pay for the jeeps drinking problem, but you wont here me complaining when my husband, Aussie, and I go to N Ga camping and hiking. We are going to get dirty,have dog hair everywhere and a smile on our faces! Thanks for all the consumer reviews-helps a lot in my decision to trade the Honda to a whining jeep owner.