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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  I can live with it - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawnlark - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  Drives beautiful. Never had a mechanical problem with it, but very uncomfortable. I was hoping I would love it as much as I did my old Cherokee, but it doesnt compare.

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  94 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Don Richards - March 2 - 10:00 am

  very reliable vehicle with all the bells and whistles. routine service at dealership every 3 to 4 k miles. body and interior in excellent condition. collision with small deer when vehicle was 3 weeks old. damaged grill and headlight. all repaired at dealership.

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  No Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Frank from L.I. - February 28 - 2:56 am

  This is my 3rd GC. Had a 97 and 04, all leased brand new, and had no problems with any of them. Cant understand why so many people state these SUVs are terrible. This one by far rides and handles the best, although I liked the styling of the 97 the best. Serviced at dealer all the time, no issues. The 07 is the Red Rock Chrystal color, changes in different light, and gets many compliments. Currently has 41,000 miles on it with no issues at all. Could be a keeper, but that will depend on the new GC coming out this spring.

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  Purchased 2014 GC Summit Demo - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By curtis75 - February 26 - 4:40 pm

  I picked up a 2014 GC Summit (Demo) with the 5.7L V8 in Jan 2015. So far its been an excellent SUV, plenty of power, very comfortable, touch screen very easy to use and connect my devices. Interior fit an finish is excellent really like the leather seating and suede headliner, Black interior, Harmon Kardon sound, LOTS of bump. The drive, as it is a heavy Vehicle and me coming from a sports sedan, is very comfortable, Sport mode well thats a hole different beast need I say more. Jeeps done a really good job with the GC. But my only issue with it is that the Uconnect is not available in Canada, Whats the hold up...?

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  2002 Special Edition - Love my Grand! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGCSELovr - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned 2 Explorers before I finally crossed my fingers on the reliability issue got a Jeep. Its a superior vehicle all around: better ride, very comfortable seating, awesome power and acceleration from the 4.7, more tow capability, REAL off- roading ability. Averaging lifetime 17mpg (4.7 w/4wd), only 1 mpg less than my 99 V-6 2wd Explorer. Fewer quality/warranty issues than I expected. Best, most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Jeepn - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kenneth L. Woodard - February 24 - 4:26 am

  My Jeep has been with this family for nearly 8 years. It is a good ride and has given us a good ride for the bucks. It was bought as a vehicle for our daughter to drive at KU! Now it is a vehicle for our son who is also at KU! It has good gas mileage and has give us decent repair bills. Mainly, spark plugs and tires. It will make someone a good third or fourth car.

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  The green Jeep - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Geologist Ken - February 19 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Jeep and not my last. I have owned 4x4 trucks in the past, but this Jeep is the best. It is very capable off road and my mom who is 82, really likes to be seen in it too. Mpg is good, in the 20 per gallon range with the 6 cylinder under the hood.

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  Works for me - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By sbmackie - February 19 - 3:33 pm

  Bought to fill light hunting/skiing duty in New Mexico. Gets 17 around town (light foot), and about 21 on the highway in hilly/mountainous country. I coast a lot down hill and keep the speed down to 70 max. Have three kids; a bit cramped in hip room in back seat. Front ample for me, rear leg room OK if I pull the front seats forward a bit. With rear seat down, dog, guns, gear, etc. fit nicely. Rides fine. Have put 10,000 miles on it since I bought it (total 56,000) with only the standard oil/filter/lube. Easy for this very non-mechanical person to work on. I would recommend for anyone who needs a good four person small SUV that has SUPERB off road capability and adequate in town manners.

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  Solid - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By leben - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my jeep 2 years ago after having a variety of cars with power everything that were nothing but trouble and expensive to replace. My jeep has power nothing, and I love it. Nothing breaks, nothing squeaks or rattles. Every time I turn the key it fires right up. It hasnt let me down in the snow, rain, mud, or rocks. My only repairs in 25000 miles of driving have been new front discs and new tires (expected). Simple enough to make repairs by myself.

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  Good but not Great - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Laublaw - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the 3rd Jeep Ive owned and Ive always had great luck. I havent spent a dime on repairs with any of my Jeeps, however, I dont have as much confidence in my 99. Its a great SUV but the few premature squeeks and rattles, and overall quality has got me thinking if I should start looking for a replacement. Maybe a Japanese product??