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 but ... - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By MichaelT - July 2 - 1:06 am

  I have had my Jeep since 2000 & 130K miles. It is a blast to drive. The 4.0 is bulletproof. I have had to replace several parts, transmission, transfer case, exhaust manifold, rear axle (3 times), & radiator. If you push this thing much off road you will have to replace something. Gas mileage is horrible, w/ 33" tires I am getting about 10 mpg in town. Aerodynamics are not helping gas mileage. Turning radius is tight. Not for long trips. Cant wait to get rid of mine.

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  Satsified Buyer - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mrs. Culver - July 1 - 10:43 am

  I wanted the feel of a SUV but something not as large, I traded my Expedition in for the Commander and I am very satisfied with the vehicle.

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  2000 Cherokee Classic in Chile - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Costabal Sebastian - July 1 - 9:03 am

  With my family we like to be able to leave the weekends, to be in contact with the nature, our Cherokee has occurred excellent experiences and we have been able to arrive with the practically to any place, it is comfortable, perhaps the consumption is high, but he has a very reliable and powerful motor. And we feel very sure in the one it is a solid vehicle.

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  Amazing Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Miguel - June 29 - 5:33 pm

  There is nothing that I would even compare to the Liberty, specifically the Renegade model. They have tons of power, they are strong, heavy, and built to do whatever you desire of it. My only problem is that it consumes gas at an alarming rate. This is a result of the strong V6 paired with nearly 5000 pounds of SUV.

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  Now, its Jeep or nothing! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Red - June 28 - 12:50 pm

  I bought my 2007 Wrangler 2 dr and love it but, there are some problems. I have had to have a roof leaf repaired 3 times, and now I am experiencing "Death Wobble" I sure hope that it can be fixed. If there is one thing I want to stress, DCX, please look after us Jeepers.

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  Not Sure Whether to Trade In - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By blazin65 - June 27 - 10:18 pm

  Ive had my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with all the extras and V8, since March 2011. Overall Ive been pretty pleased with this vehicle. Im debating now on whether to trade it in for 2014. So I have been reading reviews on Edmunds of the 2014. The only issue I have had that has been a pain in the 2011 has been the cruise control. It has been in the shop 3 times to get it fixed. I have found through experience that if I slam the steering wheel up and down with the tilt steering, it will become operable again. Its some kind of wiring issue. Ive told the service department this, but they just replace the whole mechanism. But overall, as Ive said, its 9 of 10 stars.

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  Lovemylaredo - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By luvmyjeep - June 27 - 1:33 pm

  I am very happy with my Jeep. I have owned very nice high end sports cars and was afraid I would not enjoy driving a Jeep but I love it. Its comfortable on the road, easy to drive and park. I love it .

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  Surprisingly Good - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By originalsteven - June 26 - 2:52 pm

  I bought the car used in august 2012, It had 150K+ miles on it I dont remember. At first I just needed a 4x4 in the winter in Spokane because the road can get bad. With no snow tires and basically all in part time 4x4 it handled flawlessly. Everything was perfect except for some creak in the driver door but hey. I didnt much care for the car but time and time again it blows me away. Infinity speakers, roomy and stylish inside and out. and Reliable. I even took it off road and I was impressed. have 170k in a few weeks and still strong. Got 12mpg in city at first but with K&N stock filter upgrade, new spark plugs, oil change and Seafoam It went to 15 1/2 mpg and over 21 on the HWY!

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  last of the Patriots - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Vince - June 25 - 2:39 pm

  Last year for the Jeep Patriot, what I consider the equivalent of the original Cherokee (I have a 99). We just love our 2017 Patriot Sport w/5 speed manual. Love the shifter position and the short throw. Easy to drive through the mountain twisties. Were in 8 inches of snow right now and the 4x4 work like a charm. Seats could be softer,yet they do give great support . could use better/bigger speedo. Dont like the rear view mirror. Everything else is great. Cant beat it for the price in the 4x4 class.

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  Nothing like em! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By tsjay - June 25 - 10:46 am

  I have found what I have been looking for! After owning my Jeep for 15 months, I am totally satisfied with it. This Jeep is BY FAR the most fun vehicle that I have ever owned, and I have owned sports cars, pick-ups, SUVs, and regular passenger cars. I cannot see ever parting with this Jeep! She is a white Sport with a black hard top, five speed, air conditioning, and some other goodies. Her name is Thelma Jane. :) tom