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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  Drinks but it Drives - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By N Anderson - April 14 - 11:46 am

  Just recently bought a limited AWD floor-room model Liberty with chrome exterior package. I would recommend the chrome exterior/interior package as it gives the Liberty a more aggressive and athletic stance and separates yours from everyone elses. Plenty of great safety features and enough places to grab onto if you need an extra boost into the Jeep. Traded in a 2001 Ford Focus for the Liberty and amazingly the insurance costs remained the same. The 3.7L engine has very little lag, but dont expect 220 horsepower to be a comet either as the Liberty is no lightweight. Great extras I recommend are the sunroof, satellite radio, Infiniti speakers, leather seats, and rear view mirror with HomeLink

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  Transmission - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jeep owner - April 14 - 10:00 am

  We have one of the groaning, rattly and very noisy transmission patriots. We were very happy with the jeep until we hit 45,000 km. The noise started, took jeep in several times received all sorts of different comments from the service dept. At one point we were told we would require a new tranny, but it is still road worthy. Chrysler Canada test drove and said no to transmission. Biggest problem, we turn heads when driving at slow speeds and the jeep vibrates. How can we sell a vehicle in good faith when it talks that loud? Not happy

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  2006 JEEP LIBERTY POWER WINDOWS - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jan - April 14 - 7:03 am

  I love driving my jeep, however all my windows have torn up and the 2 back windows I cant afford to replace because they cost to much. The driver side I had fixed 3 times within 6 mos of buying the car and the passenger car i have had replaced only once so far. The interior or upholstery is terrible. Anything stains it and will not clean. If I had to do over I would not have ever bought this car because it is poorly designed and cost to much to fix the regulators. I also am surprised they havent recalled this jeep and admitted their mistake.

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  Great 4x4 - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Bradley - April 12 - 6:43 pm

  I love my Jeep! It has plenty of power for such a small SUV. I have not added any custom parts but plan too. It rides and drive great. Gas mileage is not so good.

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  Just bought it - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By weber - April 10 - 5:20 am

  The new Jeeps are very fun and much more easy to drive. they ride very comfortably. The problem is my door hinge was not bolted on all the way and now the brake light has come on and staying on. No fluid leak no loss of fluid.

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By great outdoors - April 10 - 2:00 am

  A few minor problems in the beginning. But dealership handled it and havent had any problems since. Never had a single brake problem like everyone else talks about. As a matter of fact i have only put one set of front brakes on in 88000 miles and no rear brakes yet. Handling is key in this vehicle, i would put it up against any other suv on the market for cornering, and believe me i have driven nearly everything out there in its price range.

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  Very Fun, bulletproof but expensive - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By agildner1 - April 9 - 5:53 am

  My first vehicle(a jeep isnt a car) is a 98 sport with the 5 speed. I have both tops and hard doors, and its still very loud(I have NOISY mud terrain tires which dont help). I have driven this things over ice, then the ice cracked and I was bogging through 3 ft of mud with ice scraping along the bottom and no problems from that. This Jeep has 192,000 miles and has been well abused like no other vehicle. But its been expensive. trans rebuild at 190K($800) is only vehicle related part but I still got many miles on it. Other problems that all cars will have is new power steering pump($120), AC system overhaul ($250), brakes ($150). I did all the work myself(very easy to work on). FUN!!!

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  New Liberty kicks assphalt... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers - April 8 - 3:06 am

  In my experience of 2 days with this vehicle..I love it..and cant wait to go to a Jamboree this summer and get it dirty. The ride is a lot better than I ever expected a Jeep to have. The interior is very comfortable and roomy. Has plenty of passing power and is actually very quiet at speed on the highway.

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  jeep cherokee sport - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jamison - April 7 - 10:00 am

  i put my jeep through hell, and it still come through for me time after time. i will drive jeeps for the rest of my life.

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  Big hit on depreciation - $15,000 1 year - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jacuzz - April 4 - 5:50 pm

  Good ride over 2004. Think Edmunds is wrong about the back seat being cramped - its better then 2004 and adequate. They all should still have the 4x4 high and low - not just on demand 4x4. Without the high/low command track its not really a Jeep just a 4 wheel drive with limited off road ability. The rear cargo area height is lousy, my dogs can stand but rub the head liner in this Jeep, in the other version they could stand and not rub the headliner and I had better visibility. The dogs are 26 and 28 inches tall on all fours. I AM NOT GOING TO KEEP THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE TRADE IN VALUE HAS DEPRECIATED over $15,000 in one year; the vehicle is loaded listed for $34,400 and its value is $16K.