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 to Drive! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pashta - December 21 - 8:00 am

  Its fun and easy to drive. You have to be a little careful when turning on sharp turns; its not as stable as it could be. Great view of the road and I like the roomy feeling.

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  Toy Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By blacksan00 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I regret about getting the Little Jeep Renegade is....giving it to my wife. Now I only get to drive it if shes tired or on the weekend (with her only). At least I was allowed to take it to the Smokey Mountains and give it a "Manly" ride. I lost my rights after getting mud on the hood/rack/doors/heck everywhere. Easy to drive, great sleeper for a passenger side seat, and feels safe from other bad drivers. I had no problems whipping this in Atlanta city and the local suburbs. I would recommend the Jeep before any Toyota RAV4. I just hope I dont change my mind on its first maintenance checkup.

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  Freedom - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David V - December 19 - 10:13 am

  This Jeep screams! The HO engine is an unexpected pleasure at any stop light. Merging onto a highway is a dream. You often forget that you are in a Jeep.

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  skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By base - December 17 - 12:50 pm

  08 liberty skyslider roof when closed makes so much wind noise when traveling at 55mph and gets worse as you go faster hope there is a fixed for this

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  CRD 2.8 first thoughts - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD 2.8 IN - December 15 - 9:43 am

  Purchased on 2-14-2005. Drove to Alabama the next day. Seats are terrible. After 100 miles, it gets uncomfortable. 200 miles and you have to get out for a few minutes. Poor tires, Goodyear STs. Those are the bad points. Overall, love the engine and most other things about this vehicle. It could use a deeper cargo area.

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  Better than some at high price - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By JeepRunner - December 14 - 7:36 pm

  After researching the price compared to the amenities on all SUVs this size, I have found this jeep to be great. With proper maintenance, the jeep has never given me any trouble and works great when having to take it offroad. After owning it for over 2 years the only repair needed was the speakers which were on recall and I brought it in before the speakers go out. I bought the manual transmission due to the troubles still with the CVT transmissions and have no problems and getting around 32mpg. This vehicle goes long distances and goes offroad alot. I love this vehicle.

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  My third Grand Cherokee - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By naughty0519 - December 14 - 12:46 pm

  Bought the Limited with the 5.7 Ltr hemi (not an option in the Edmunds drop down menu). After owning a 95 and 99, decided to go back to my old friend. So glad I did!

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  08 Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Ridarc - December 14 - 8:00 am

  I like what Jeep has done to the liberty. It has great Jeep looks, the Ride is car like, and feels roomy inside.

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  Love it - Hate to see it go. - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepers - December 13 - 11:56 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 10 years now and I love it. No major mechanical problems, just the normal wear of driving it over 200,000 miles. Its not for the person who is looking for a quiet, smooth ride - its a Jeep, its built for fun and believe me it is. I have tested it off road only a handful of time over the years and that is where a Jeep is at its best. Saw a couple of Hummers struggling through the same trails that I had no issues with. Great in winter and fun in the summer. The only complaint I have is it is not a family car and since Im expecting a baby in a few months, I need to get something bigger - but I will get a Jeep again!!

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  My Tank - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By The Dude - December 13 - 9:00 am

  i bought my jeep with 200k miles and minor suspension problems. engine runs strong. four-wheel drive works great, i have towed people out of deep trails idling along in four-high. Ive also become accustomed to the term its a jeep thing it performs better than a car in that shape should. after some scheduled maintenance along with suspension work it drives solid as a rock. jeep won me over.