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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  GrandCherokee is a good SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lisa c - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Its fun to drive, comfortable and manuverable. I think you get what you pay for with Jeep. If you are looking for a luxury model of the SUV, go with the Limited or Overland. And make it a V8. I got the V6 because I wanted to have a smaller gas bill and "pickup" and acceleration of the jeep arent important to me. They are nice, a classic sports, beach, family & friends, great for shopping, traveling & they are roomy. Just do your appraisal and look at all your options before making your decision

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  THE TRUE SUV WORK HORSE - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Benjamin B - December 23 - 3:00 am

  Aside from using it as a commuter car, it was used as a utility truck carrying anything from logs to pavers to furniture, etc. A transmission leak was noticed on the 7th year which was never really "fixed" by anyone=although it never gave u a big problem=no breakdowns. Additional minimal problems up until the AC conked out on its 10th year. Had the freon loaded just to get through the summer. After the winter of 2008, we traded it in for an import. Overall, a very pleasant experience. Very reliable vehicle.

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  A lot more car for the money!!! Nissan is dead to me. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hurricaneoleg - December 22 - 9:52 am

  This car replaced my 2012 Nissan Murano SL AWD. Before I test drove the Grand Cherokee I swore by Nissan... Imagine my surprise when I found out that for the same $ I can be driving a v8, have real leather, navi, xm and a bunch of other things, like ground clearance, a lot more safety features, way better built body and (most importantly),an extremely reliable 4x4 system that NEVER overheats leaving me stranded! I love this truck that feels like a truck, despite being almost the same size as Murano! I test drove so many suvs and crossovers before getting this one with 20" wheels... No words, for the money (and otherwise) this is the best car you can get, bar none. Nothing else can compare.

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  Still in the honeymoon phase - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nancy - December 22 - 9:20 am

  So my ratings could be a bit slanted however, I love this car. It handles great, has a lot of giddy-up and looks good in my driveway. I havent had to make any repairs yet but I have discovered a definite drop in the mileage since my oil needs changing right now. Not as much space as my Suburban but I definitely love not paying $100 to fill up my car. All in all, a nice, luxurious SUV with all the bells and whistles. The Sirius radio is a nice perk.

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  Commander Luv - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jones67 - December 21 - 10:53 pm

  I am extremely impressed with the ride and handling quality in this vehicle. Also, the retro type of design is first rate. The 4.7 liter engine is impressive in such a heavy vehicle.

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  LOVE THIS VEHICLE! - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Linda HORRELL - December 20 - 3:30 pm

  I LOVE my 1996 Jeep SE Cherokee! I bought it new in 1996, been driving it ever since. Just today (10 years and 87,000 miles later) had to bring it to the dealer with a problem (no heat, but overheating). Its a nice compact 4-wheel drive that has given me no real problems for the past 10 years. Good for snow and good for city driving and parking. Pulled a boat 2,000 miles to and from Florida, hauled dogs and dry cleaning. I love it! I even love its 96 boxy design. Downside: back seat is small & the cup holders worthless, occasionally overheats a bit in the summer if Im sitting in rush hour traffic.

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  Unlimited Offroad - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Vinnie - December 20 - 1:03 pm

  My third Jeep without a single problem. The offroad capabilities are second to none. I drive on black diamond trails. The trails only a Jeep can handle. The Unlimited Wrangler has a smooth ride and handles well on the road. I would recommend to anyone.

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  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By garafola - December 20 - 10:29 am

  Well I paid too much for it used , but it was worth it, there have been problems but its my toy. Its was getting better...

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  Best Vehicle EVER!!! - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By avhowe - December 20 - 5:39 am

  I bought my 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 7 years ago and loved it! It took me everywhere and could do about anything. Ride was a bit rough, but thats a Jeep. Last month I was hit in the rear by an Expedition doing 60 mph. I made it through the accident with only a mild concussion, unfortunately, my Jeep did not make it. It was still going strong with 161,000 miles on it. I miss driving it everyday. I am now out looking for a new Jeep, but only go with used because I want the 4.0L I6 motor!!

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  jeep Redegrade Vehicle of the year - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Ann Marie Prince - December 18 - 4:51 pm