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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  Somewhat Disappointing - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DEAN BONNEMA - May 15 - 6:23 am

  We have found this vehicle to be somewhat less than what we expected from Jeep. We have four main complaints. 1. It does not get anywhere close to the promised gas mileage. 2. It down shifts very hard when on the interstate. 3. The comfort of the seats is not good for long trips. 4. In the first 30,000 miles we had to replace brake rotors & pads, and had to replace fuel injectors, very little of which was covered under warranty. I would not buy another Jeep SUV.

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  C.P.s 1999 Cherokee - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cliff P. - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Several problems with brakes but dealer did most of the work in warranty. Other than that, this has been a very nice vehicle. I will definitely buy another one. Dealer service very good.

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  99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pbs8704 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Although it looks nice and rides nice, and the engine has been basically dependable, Ive had so many "minor" things go wrong with this vehicle that I would NEVER buy another one. Currently less than 41,000 miles. Stereo speakers blew, O-rings replaced, front rotors turned twice and rear rotors turned once (at less than 36,000 miles), leaking windows, misc. electrical failures, three recalls, tailight assemblies replaced, front driver seat assembly replaced ... the list goes on and on.

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  Boredom - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By furry s - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy since buying my jeep liberty freedom edition. I wish that the cross bars on the roof rack came with the vehicle standard instead of an accessory. With the manual transmission, a drink in the front cup holder hits your hand on the 1st to 2nd gear shift. I dont like the auto door lock feature. These are the only things I could think of that could use attention, and it took a while to come up with them. I would definitely buy the liberty again.

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  Fun in the sun - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fireman Steve - May 8 - 10:53 pm

  For the most part, this is a fun vehicle to own. Keep in mind, however, that for some, a vehicle is a long term investment and you have to think about where you will be at 5 or even 10 years down the road of life. If you dont plan on taking many long trips, needing space for cargo, or many passengers, and if you can afford the gas, go for it. It is exceptionally fun to take the top down, go off road, and also handles great in the snow. If you have a family, take a lot of long trips, or feel the need for a smooth ride going to and from work, you may want to consider something a little bigger. I have had a Jeep Cherokee in the past which has many of the same capabilities as the wrangler.

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  Awesome on and offroad! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hemijeeperz5_7l - May 8 - 2:33 am

  This is one of a few vehicles that offer an electronic limited slip front/center/rear. Other vehicles like the H1 and the Range Rover offer this type of four wheel drive system and both of them cost over $100,000.00. I love my Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.7L Hemi. I have changed the exhaust to a 3" Magna Flow and put an inexpensive Cold Air Intake on it. I can run a 15.68 second quarter mile time and the thing weighs 5200 lbs with me in it. That is awesome. The road grip is second to none hands down. I have been in school 210 miles from home and had to drive it home on weekends this past winter and had no issues, even with 6" of snow on the Highway.

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  No More Grand Cherokees for me! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Billdozer - May 6 - 12:53 pm

  The first major problem was the rear differential. At 62,000 it was toast. OK, my fault. Never had it serviced. Periodic maintenance "forces" you into Schedule B (any driving in freezing weather) which includes changing front rear axle fluid every 12,000 miles at $140 an axle, etc. Never serviced any of the 5 Subs either. The Nav sys display has quit working. It has come on a couple of times, then off again. Dealer says to replace it. Today it goes into local shop. Sometimes it just stalls. Now the elect. fan just runs for no reason. Engine temp OK. AC went last year. Has new compressor. Now it has quit. This is the SUV from hell!

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  Good but not the best for the price - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jose - May 4 - 10:22 pm

  After 16,000 miles sometimes I hear some noises from the suspensions.The ride is quiet,good comfort but stability in wet road is not the best,have to be carefull,I think the tires are too cheap(Fortera).Is a good suv,but I make a mistake when I trade my 2008 Acura MDX.

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  Krissis Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Krissi - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way that the vehicle drives. It is very comfortable and fun also. I like the jeeps that have leather interior and I love the color black for the exterior color. The interior color should be grey.

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  Just an update - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Katrina Woiten - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive posted here before but I am doing so again for two reasons: one, all of us having issues with the admittedly awful cloth seats need to be aware of one little trick, get some tuff- stuff upholstery cleaner (available in all automotive departments) spray the entire seat, wipe with a wet cloth.This will reset the cloth and return it to a uniform appearance. I also recently had to have a shift module replaced by the dealer, a 750 dollar part made in the Czech republic, remember the tranny in this car is a German one with all the good and bad attributes of such. what precipitated this repair was at times the car simply would not start and after some key wiggling etc it would.