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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  2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee / V8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian R / Detroit - September 14 - 3:56 pm

  Great value. We cross-shopped the Honda Pilot, Dodge Durango and Chevy Trailblazer. We chose the Jeep based on overall value. We have put on 32,000 miles in the first 15 months and have had zero problems with our Jeep. We "moved-up" from a Cherokee and this vehicle is a big improvement all around over the smaller Cherokee.

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  4WD Hemi Heaven - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4wd heaven - September 13 - 1:00 am

  If you thought that USA was out of the auto race you are wrong. This is one classy vehicle. A solid, well built true 4WD Jeep that includes every option known to man. Plenty of room inside, nicely arranged for maximum comfort. Wilt Chamberlain will not be comfortable in the back seat, leg room is tight for tall folks. Put him in the front, and turn on the heated seats. He will be happy. The Hemi will impress you with its power. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Electrical and Service Issues - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - September 12 - 8:33 am

  I actually bought the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 5.7 Hemi V8 4WD. I loved it, but about 10 days after I bought it it started to have electrical problems that caused the engine to die while in motion. The dealership where I bought it were clueless about what good service is so I took it to another jeep dealership and they have been wonderful. But, the vehicle has been there for a week now. The part needed, the engine computer, has to come from Detroit and may be on back order. So it may be some time before I see my Jeep and my rental car is becoming very expensive. So I would not recommend the new Jeep until they iron out some of its mechanical problems.

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  Good ride and fun for kids - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By GG - September 12 - 5:23 am

  Traded in my Tacoma Truck for the Wrangier. Been a good ride so far except for a faulty ground in the first 1000 miles. Once fixed it has been a good ride. Only complaints are the hardtop to softtop instructions are vague. Soft-top is very snug and hard to manuver into closed position. DVD option is the dumbest design and poor planning. Jeep tried to used radio from other vehicles not thinking through the screen concept. Only option is to get built in headrest screen but that isnt practical with soft-top (theft). Great on lake road I live on.

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  Solid Transportation - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jamye - September 11 - 3:43 pm

  We have enjoyed our Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. We bought it about 6 years ago with 98,000 miles and now have 170,000 miles with no major issue. It is starting to leak some oil, but hey its almost 14 years old.

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  Grand Cherokee 4.7L V-8 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luther Peay - September 11 - 6:46 am

  The only thing bad I have to say about the vehicle is its poor fuel economy, and I dont have a lead foot.

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  Its A Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drive it - September 11 - 2:16 am

  If you know Jeeps, theres not much to explain. The car comes super loaded, more so than most new cars now. With the V8, gas mileage isnt too great, about 16 mpg, but what do you expect. The only problem Ive ever had on mine (now at 98,000 miles) is the heated seats which seem to have a tenancy to go out every couple years even if you keep getting them fixed. But most cars dont even have them in the first place so its not a big deal to just not have them. To me, its one of the best looking SUVs ever made with comfort to match. Even at 10 years old, its everything you need in an SUV. Recommended to anyone not worried about gas mileage.

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  Best Jeep Ever - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Skip - September 10 - 11:43 pm

  Just purchase 2011 grand cherokee limited with 5.7 v8. Dealership was great and the Jeep is even better. Glad that Jeep has found its way back and this model should reestablish the brand as the one to buy. Tested SUVs from lexus, toyota, hyundai, acura, chev, and honda and the Jeep is by far not only the better vehicle but the best value.

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  Sooo happy! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By bigpoppaxxl - September 9 - 2:00 am

  It is a lot of fun but be prepared to pay the piper when going to the gas station or getting your insurance bill.

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  Poor Control - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marstexas - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased mine brand new and have had nothing but problems..Im only at 18,000 miles and am ready to dump it. The steering is very poor, stability and the Tire Pressure Monitering sucks..I have a loaded one w/on board computer, etc..I must have been loaded when I bought this as Im very disappointed with its performance. The lights flash on and off ..I could go on forever...