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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  Apparently no option for a V6 Trailhawk review... - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By bodhizuffa - November 25 - 2:38 pm

  So this is what I have. I love it so far but only have about 500 miles on it. Like I said, I love it, it drives great, love the uConnect system. Keep that in mind as I will only list my gripes so far here. The A Pillar is very big, so gauging traffic to the left and turning and/or pulling into traffic takes some getting used to. The throttle is really sensitive. Takes some time to get used to it. Also, the steering is very boosted at slow speeds; more weighted otherwise. I prefer a direct and consistent response, but thats my preference. I also wish the tilt/telescoping steering was a little more adjustable. It doesnt go low enough for me. But a great vehicle so far.

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  a very reliable vehicle - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By c.g. garcia - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my jeep used with about 40k miles and it now has 95k miles on it and it still runs great. only problems ive had were with catalyc conv. and AC other than that this is a very reliable suv. 4wd handles great and regular upkeep should keep it running in good condition for many years to come. interior is roomy and comfortable. overall a good vehicle.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tim Gydov - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because of its large size and high ride. I was not disapointed! Over the past 3 years Ive had a lot of fun with this car, and its saved me tons of money in UHAUL trailers because of its large cargo capacity. Occasionally I would use the 4 wheel drive for snow and ice, and it worked well for that. The only real problem Ive had with it was the fuel pump. I had it changed out twice. The A/C would also give me problems from time to time. I think it has a small leak. Otherwise, its been well worth the money.

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  JEEP - Wrote the book on 4WD - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chsheaf - November 24 - 2:00 am

  After looking at several other SUVs I again went back to the Jeep. Nothing like it for the money. Great style, great comfort and fun to drive. Rugged eough to go off road whenevr you want. This is my 5th Jeep. Just traded in a 99 Cherokee with 100K miles.Never did anything to the engine. Routine service really does work. Even though I look at the others, there is still only one- JEEP

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  jeep #3 - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Happy Jeeper - November 24 - 2:00 am

  just came out of a 3yr lease but drove 65000 miles never a problem always a great suv

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  Value for your $$ - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Bill C. - November 20 - 4:49 am

  I bought the Jeep Patriot sport se 4x4 model. I traded in my 2011 Grand Cherokee that had 140,000 miles on it. The fact that I can drive a 4x4 suv worry free from repair costs, is quite comforting. As I was still making payments on Grand Cherokee and repairs would come out of my pocket. Now as for the patriot, it aint no Cherokee, but its not intended to be! Overall Im impressed with this package on the patriot, the extra attention to details, heated seats, trim accents, etc. Ride quality is good, tolerable road noise, front seats excellent, easy to park, perfect vehicle to zip around town in. A few nit picks I do have is, the lower entrance height, and the lower height of roof area when back hatch is lifted up. I tend to smack my head on these as Im 6ft tall. Just need to get used to it and be careful. The only real problem I have so far is the absurd location of the usb port. Its not on the radio, not even in center console area, its in the GLOVEBOX! Really?! Its almost impossible to find, even in there. The dealer couldnt even locate it. It is above the opening of the glovebox, up into the dash area. You need to blindly reach up and feel around for it. I have no clue how this is a useful spot to mount this. To use it, you need to drive around with glovebox open and place phone either in glovebox or above on small shelf built into dash. Horrible design on this! This will be my 3rd Jeep and I hope to get years and years of use from it.

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  mikeark - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mikeark - November 18 - 9:33 am

  Purchased new in 1999, now have 90000 miles. Still love the looks and power of the 4.7 liter 8 w/ quadtrac. Some problems with brake rotors in front ... nothing serious. Mileage not real good, 15/19, but this is a heavy 4wd vehicle. The heater in the drivers seat has not worked in years and the hood will not stay up. I am concerned about the future after reading these reviews ... am looking at a Mazda3 5 door.

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  Experience after 1 year - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pjweb - November 16 - 8:23 am

  The Jeep has been nearly perfect and I put it through a lot of beating. It has towed my 19 boat 15 times this year. Most trips greater than 50 miles. I have 23K on the odometer. Nothing has failed and nothing really needs replacing. I do get the oil changed every 3K and have done all of the scheduled service.

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  Its a JEEP - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ray Miller - November 16 - 5:16 am

  I have owned 18 jeeps from the CJ3 to Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and this is the best yet! I knew from past experience that a Wrangler is a Jeep as far as ride and design. Still I love the Rubi!! Auto transmission is the best yet. Gearing is super. It is the peppiest yet. "NOW THE BAD" My biggest complaint is the darn pinging. Jeep says thatÂ’s the way it is, live with it! And use 89 octane when the book says runs on 87. Got no help trying to fix this problem after 4 trips to 2 different dealerships.

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  Very good vehicle - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fastdude - November 15 - 9:44 am

  Overall Im very happy with the car itself. However I wish I bought the V8 instead of the V6. The engine feels underpowered since the engine has to work very hard to get the 2200 kg weight moving in city driving. Cruising on the highway the engine works better, so long you dont climb any hills. The 5 speed auto trans mission is geared to high. Need at least 6 gears to make driving more fun. Gas consumption was good at first but now after 12000 miles/19000 km my consumption is 20 City and 23highway.