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:

• 

  2006 Jeep Liberty Sport - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By xc guy - March 23 - 2:30 pm

  I have had this vehicle for three months and am very satisfied. Good power and smooth operating engine and transmission. Excellent heater and a much better radio than I had expected. So far, a very good winter vehicle.

• 

  Jeep Laredo 00 - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dawgy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Good solid vehicle. I really like taking it off road even though its not 4wd.

• 

  Wranglers are now practical! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By RLawson - March 22 - 3:00 am

  The new 4 door Wranglers drive as smooth as cars on the highway, features incrdible upgrades as far as interior design and space are concerned, and gets much improved gas mileage from the older Wranglers (about 360miles to a tank). I have nearly 5000 miles on my Jeep and have not had any problems. For my third Jeep vehicle this is by far the best.

• 

  BRING IT BACK PLEASE! BEST JEEP EVER!!!! - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By aquaman - March 21 - 12:56 pm

  I recently have bought my 4x4 Jeep Cherokee classic with 110,000 miles and it is the best thing I have ever bought in my entire life I love it! No doubt if they came out with one I would buy it in a heart beat! :) runs great have had no problems with it. Completely reliable with the inline 6 engine! I cant decide if I want to put bigger wheels on it or not because I love the body style so much as it is! Jeep needs to bring it back! Worst move ever by discontinuing it!

• 

  3.0 Ecodiesel Review 1 - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By c12ack - March 21 - 5:41 am

  First Jeep/Chrysler. First 4x4. First diesel. Bought new. Build date: 04/18/2015. Odometer: 381mi Previous SUV: 2007 Escalade. Was hesitant to pull the trigger. Reading bad reviews for 2014 model (electronics/Uconnect/tranny, etc.). So far so good. Diesel/tranny responds quick. Diesel lag is normal. Picks up quick on the highway to overtake or merge. So far averaging 26.5mpg 55-60% highway. Expect it to go up. Uconnect and drivers display is large, informative and sleek. Quick response to user input. Air suspension drops for easy passenger entry/exit. Overall cabin is spacious. Nice leather trim. Convenient/luxury features. Cant wait for 2nd review.

• 

  One Of The Best - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Boston - March 21 - 2:56 am

  I really cant say enough about my 1996 Cherokee Sport. It has been an amazing vehicle, and Ive had my share. No doubt about it, this is a JEEP, not a luxury car - and it looks and feels that way... rugged and utilitarian. However, they are great for a varity of scenarios, including the urban jungle. If I had to pick a bad spot, Id have to say gas mileage and comfort on longer trips. This classic model is a bit aged these days, but theyre a wonderful value for the price.

• 

  Better equipment further to get stuck - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By hammer - March 20 - 9:23 pm

  I havent driven a jeep in 20 years. The Rubicon has a good comfortable ride, low range no doubt is a true rock crawler, to truly enjoy the vehicle have no less than 5K on the vehicle. Great equipment, Keep in mind the better the equipment the further to get in deep trouble and far away from the nearest towing garage. I was once told that you need to buy an Wrangler X to build it up a true jeep. Dont believe that, there plenty of more building to get the Rubicon where you want it.

• 

  so far so good - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By downsizinginpa - March 20 - 9:40 am

  I wanted to write a review because when I was looking for new car automatic the Edmunds reviews were very helpful. I scaled down from a minivan to a small SUV, but really the Jeep Patriot is a modern day station wagon. I wanted better gas mileage and am I getting it, averaging 25 mph and on strictly highway 31 mph. Thats what should happen with a 2.4 liter 4- cyl. engine, peppy and ride is smooth enough. Went w/out 4x4 to get better mileage. Basic sound system fine. One chip in the paint around the wheel well thats a concern. Since Ive only had it a few months Ill try to check back. Status of my extended warranty unsure now but still try to buy American.

• 

  Love to Drive my Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul - March 19 - 7:46 pm

  Just came off a 2400 mile trip. The I found the Grand Cherokee comfortable enough to drive 14 hours straight switching drivers. We hit very heavy rains at times driving home and I always felt the Jeep was stable with the ESP and the Quadra Drive system. The inside cabin was comfortable, and all the controls were easy to reach. I am looking forward taking the Jeep off roading.

• 

  Possible Problems? - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Possible problems? - March 19 - 4:40 am

  Just bought my new 2009 Jeep Compass with touch screen radio 3 days ago. Overall this vehicle is wonderful with some exceptions. The touch screen radio is not working! All other touch screen components are fine but radio is very temperamental. Compartments in console are very tiny and are too small to really put anything in them. Cup holders a bit hard to get at however, love the optical interior improvements from the 2007 compass that I rented last year, but is this electrical problem a sign of things to come?