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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  A new JGC Driver - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By R Reid - November 18 - 5:06 pm

  I have never owned a Jeep and have driven just a few but this newJeep Grand Cherokee Limited was on my picks list for SUVs. It has a well cut SUV appearance with a Hemi to back it up without being oversized. Jeep Grand Cherokee has the history of being a great reliable ride and I am told will only improve with the snow. My two young kids love the DVD and the NAV system is a fun gadget that (so far) has got me to various tough to find golf courses without a hitch. The Hemi is a BONUS which makes this ride a lot of fun from the drivers seat. Just realize poor gas mileage is dependent on your youthful right foot. I also feel safe in this vehicle and can see around me with ease. Bottom line: My celebrated SUV pick.

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  Fun to Drive to the Mechanic!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - November 17 - 10:56 pm

  I can tow anything, drive anywhere, and have a blast doing it!!! The truck has looks, power, comfort, options, everything you would need. I wouldnt go near it again. Its a gas guzzler and spent just as much time in the shop as it did on the road. Mainly axle and suspension issues for me. I did drive it hard but I thought thats what the overland was built for. My mistake, didnt mean to use the 4 wheel drive, or drive through that mud, or pull that wrangler/tahoe/land rover out of the sand. My bad!!!

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  old reliable - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jsannes - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Jeep used with 98,000 miles on it (4.0L six, 4x4). It had an oil pan leak, had no radio, needed tires, and had a crack in the exhaust. Once those items were addressed, I have to say that this Jeep is more comfortable and easy to drive than the 1992 Cherokee that I had before. My average gas mileage is 18.5, it doesnt burn any oil, and it always starts. The 4 coil suspension makes driving around town and long distance very comfortable on my back.

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  Best Jeep So Far - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Ryan - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car with 19,000 miles and have put close to 19 on it myself. I have it serviced at the proper intervals and have had no problems at all. Looks like I will need my brake pads replaced ssoon as theyve recently been squeaking (37 k miles). The MPG is typical for a 4X4, but worse than my two previous Ford Explorers. Great sound system- I love the 10 disc changer. Power is average. If you crave power, you definitely need to get the V-8. My only real complaint is the A/C-- on really hot days it is terrible! Have taken it off-roading and through deep snow-- goes through it easily. Very good ride on long trips.

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  My first jeep - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Howard Arndt - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Just a few weeks ago I drove a jeep for the first time. I never considered one before because of hearing about how easy they were to tip over. Although after driving it I found that I felt just as safe in it as any other suv.

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  Theres only one! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelly99 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I feel like alot of people get an SUV to just have one- If you watch Ford Commercials they show Explorers in the middle of the city- please thats not an SUV- The Liberty is a great OUTDOOR vehicle. Sure its great in the city- but its also nice when the weather is far from great, or the roads are slick.

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  Not like my last one - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Milkster - November 13 - 3:53 pm

  Had a 2000 Wrangler and loved it without question. I like this 2007 a lot as far as features go but build quality has proven to be bad. The Jeep has been back to the dealer 6 times now for things that shouldnt have left the factory: doors adjusted improperly, water leaks at top of doors, missing drain plug in floor (water leak again), rear window zipper defective on first try, fender flare not installed properly, etc. Since Jan. I have been without my new vehicle for about 25 days for repairs. Am seriously looking at a trade since it develops new issues every other week, but lemon law hasnt been met.

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  Why cant they build them all like this? - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Just Jeepin - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Its still any easy vehicle to maintain, you can still change the oil and perform own tune ups with out a Masters degree. This vehicle goes to Camp Jeeps and has as much off road time as on. But still only 35,000 on it! Great Ride. The only work EVER needed on this vehicle was regular maintenance and ego busting lift kits and big A** Tires. Need to get two more of these vehicles for my two kids. Most versital winter summer vehicle. Its a 4 season vehicle and dont have to have 4 different vehicles in the garage, after a long day of jeeping through mud and climbing boulders I can still stop at the grocery store to get milk.

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  The best jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeper02 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best and most reliable jeep i have owned. My family has 4 others cherokee, CJ-7, Wrangler, and commanche. The engine is great. Will pull most things easy. Drives great in the snow with trailer. Very realiable.

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  ITS BEEN GOOD - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep282 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I got my jeep grand cherokee with 114,000 miles. ITs been a great car. Ive had it for several months and ive had little problems. I had to replace the exhuast manefold cuase it cracked, but ive been reading up its a thing that happnes on jeeps so that was about 600 to fix. and it doesnt bother me because i got such a good deal on the jeep. Even at 115,000 miles now its a great truck to drive. 4 wheel drive is the greatest. THe stereo sucks though, so i replaced it.