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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  rollover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aliveandwell - August 18 - 8:33 am

  I have had problems with the Jeeps skidding on even slightly wet pavement; replacing the tires with the best all-weather Michelins did not help. The steering is very sensitive, which does not help. I did have a rollover with this car, and was able to walk away, but the Jeep was totaled.

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  Need more - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pfunk - August 17 - 9:13 pm

  I just cant wait for all the aftermarkets to come out, Ram-air and turbo-charger

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  Short Time Owner - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By TFB - August 17 - 8:00 pm

  Weve had this vehicle several weeks now and love it. Dont believe expert reviews - look at one and drive it yourself. I came very close to passing this vehicle up based on expert reviews, but Im glad I reconsidered and drove one. An excellent, solid, quiet well built vehicle

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - August 17 - 5:56 pm

  I have an 04 Grand Cherokee, so the Liberty is actually my wifes vehicle. The V6 provides a good amount of power, more than I expected. At first, I wasnt a fan of the Liberty. I thought it looked a little wimpy, but its grown on me. Could use a bigger glove box and map pockets. Im a big-time Jeep fanatic and let me tell you, the off-road ability of this is nothing short of amazing.

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  Looks great has a lot of problems. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By hindsboy - August 17 - 4:54 am

  The car has issues. The windows always fail. It always has recalls and my key will not come out of the ignition. When my air condition is on it makes a horrible noise. I went to turn the other day and there was a loud bang then it stopped turning (serious safety hazard) now it keeps happening. The transmission is also making weird noises. I wish i would have never got it. My other jeep was great. The car looks nice but it is terrible. if i could afford to make the thousand in repairs i would but now there is no use to for down in this downwards spiral Chrysler calls a car.

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  2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Y - August 16 - 12:26 pm

  We bought this car used with 24k and it had no problems whatsoever, but after the 15 day return of the vehicle we have had nothing but trouble ever since. It has been to the dealer more than 3 times. It shakes really bad when you drive it and the air will not work unless it is on lo of you put it any higher the car will break down. The check engine light is constantly on and has been reset. We have owned a jeep before and just had a few problems with it but I would not recommend any type of jeep to anyone. With all the money we have spent on parts it should work just fine even though it has 80,000 on it. Every time it goes to the dealer there is always something with it. So dont buy one.

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  Incredible Value - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By 1cor118 - August 16 - 11:40 am

  I have never been a jeep fan, but I wanted a vehicle with decent room, good gas mileage, and inexpensive. I looked at toyota, honda, and others, but prices were too high. Then I read about the patriot here on Edmunds and got interested. I reluctently went to the local dealer and drove one and I was shocked! I selected a 4 cyl with front wheel drive and a 5 spd manual and it drives more like a honda accord than a jeep. It is very basic (A/C is the only option) but I purchased the vehicle brand new for $13,288 including dealer doc fees. (The MSRP was $18,000) My first tank ful of gas I got 30.1 mpg! The Patriot is solid, an incredible value and highly recommended.

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  Get One! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Love it! - August 15 - 11:53 pm

  Got this for the Sky slider roof (trading in a Miata because I needed more space). Now I have a "convertible SUV" with all the space and comfort I need. Even my 74 year old dad says that it rides beautifully! Highly recommend!

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  All exellent consumer reviews Why do the pros not like this vehicle - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By adrexel - August 14 - 4:44 pm

  I have a 2004 wrangler sport and just traded in a 2009 grand cherokee with a quadra trac 1. Living in maine I wanted a vehicle that was trail rated and could seat 5 and tow 5000lbs This liberty fit the order. My wife and I love it. I being older the crossovers do not appeal to me if I want a soft ride I would by a car. Great vehicle!

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  Not worth the price - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dazedgrl - August 14 - 11:03 am

  I fell in madly love with my green Jeep grand Cherokee 2 years ago. Ive taken amazing care of her hoping that this would be the vehicle to last me the next 10 years. At my last oil change it was noticed my battery was seriously corroded. Last week I started it up and ended up with a funny rattle. I let the Jeep warm up like usual but when I backed out of the driveway and pushed on the gas nothing happened. I was stuck in the road. Took it to the dealership and they say nothing is wrong. A week later it wouldnt start it was towed to the dealership. They said it was my battery but still having issues with it hesitating you push the gas. Ive been stranded twice in the last two weeks.