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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  Three Jeep Family - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 17thmichigan - February 16 - 11:37 am

  I bought my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited in August 2008 and love it. Ive only had a few minor repairs done to it. My Jeep is properly maintained with all fluids being checked every time I take it in for an oil change at 3,000 miles. Of course having a son who is a service advisor at a Jeep Dealership helps. LOL We also own a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo which is still going strong at 198,000 miles, and a 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited. We are and will remain a Jeep family. Before our current Jeeps we owned 94, 98, and 2000 Jeep Cherokees.

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  Sweet ride - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shannon Bushong - February 16 - 2:43 am

  I love my new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the comfort of this vehicle is superb and love all the options we can choose from!

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  needs better gas mileage - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Virg752 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my jeep liberty. its comfortable, it drives well, and it is fun to drive. the only complaint i would have to make is that it uses a whole lot of gas.

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  2012 JKU Rubicon - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By stylee6 - February 14 - 9:18 am

  Excellent vehicle

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  This is one phenominal vehicle!!! - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hendy - February 13 - 5:06 pm

  I have owned many vehicles in my lifetime (too many according to my wife!) but this is by far my favorite. After 16,000 miles I have not had a single problem. My high on the highway is over 25 mpg and I get around 20 in the city. Often I run ethanol in it to be a little green but MPG drops quite a bit. The car is unbelievably comfortable and rides like a dream. This summer we took it on a 16 hour trip and felt great when we arrived (as good as we could have been). It is very quiet, has a great entertainment system and looks fabulous inside and out. I am amazed at the comments I receive from people about how nice it is. There is not much to not like about it.

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  The Grand Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mghicks - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had no complaints. So far it is i feel secure when driving.

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  Better than I expected - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick Kolovich - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I previously owned a CJ7 and it was probably the most unreliable vehicle Ive ever come in contact with. That was then, this is now, and what a difference! I looked at the Toyota RAV4 but it is underpowered. Daimler/Chrysler has really taken Jeep quality to the next level. Id highly recommend this vehicle for anyone thinking of a small to mid-size SUV. It truely is the only one in its class that you can take off road!

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  Fun and comfortable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Margaret Chmiel - February 12 - 8:00 am

  We have taken it skiing and it handled very well in the snow (4WD). We also tow a boat and found that it towed the boat so well, I had to keep checking to see if it was still behind us. Didnt effect the ride at all.

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  Jeep Liberty Trail Rated - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeeping in AZ - February 11 - 1:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle and it only has about 3,000 miles on it right now. This is an awesome vehicle for offroading! I bought this vehicle stock with power sunroof and the skid plate group. I will have to say that I am a proud Jeep owner, and I probably will never buy anything except Jeep in the future. I have been on several jeep trails already and the vehicle has handled awesome on all of them. If your looking for something a little more convenient and comfortable, but has the true off road capability this is definitely the vehicle! Also, the 4x4 selec drive is pretty awesome. I have never drove a better 4 wheel drive system ever!!

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  Satisfied - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By The Kid - February 11 - 10:20 am

  Well, Im shocked at the other reviews but not surprised. The things that happened to the others are just starting to happen to mine at 184,000 miles. Except for a serpentine belt, tires, oil, etc. this machine has been a real champ. Ive totally enjoyed driving it. I love the sound system, interior comfort, handling, and am ok with the mileage. I tow my boat, no problem. The differentials never posed a problem until Jiffy Lube put the incorrect fluid in. Then they started chattering when I steered.....that was fixed at their expense. I just replaced the tranny and transfer case so I am pleased that I can keep it for another 8-10 years. Never had a tune up or spark plug changed and still runs