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 hate the start stop - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - November 20 - 1:30 am

  I love every thing about this except the start stop function and that is my reasoning for the lower rating. It just is not working for me. It hesitates on start stop when you want to accelerate fast from the (A mode /Start /Stop Mode) into heavy traffic. The engine just can not start fast enough to react. The button to turn if off is deactivated on each start which is a problem. If I could turn it off forever I would have the perfect SUV. I was told everyone wanted this to save gas that is why they installed it. Well I like good gas mileage but lets be honest. Are you really buying this for gas mileage? Buy something else if you are if you are! It is a JEEP!

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. No limits. I ordered mine just like I wanted it and it has been a surprisingly reliable, unstoppable vehicle. The gas mileage runs 16-20 mpg, not great but OK for what it does. Everyone loves this thing - it has been great fun to own. Yes, its noisy on the highway, the ride is marginal if you put on good shocks and the tires are a bit pricey, but driving it, owning it makes you love it. They are wonderful. This model is the sweet spot in the Wrangler line. No leaf springs and still small enough to be an outstanding 4-wheeler, plus the iconic look that Wranglers are known for. Just perfect.

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  2011 Grand Cherokee Hemi 4x4 - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  We previously bought a GMC Terrain but it was not as good overall as this Grand Cherokee with the Hemi, and Im not talking just pure power. The Terrains fuel was OK but dropped to 24mpg highway when fully loaded for trips. The Grand Cherokee, 4x4 with Hemi, is giving us 21mpg. Ill take Hemi and 7000 pound towing (twice the Terrain) for not much more money thank you very much. The interior is another league compared to others. Its roomy, comfortable and the ride is unbelievable - this is a Jeep? Very comfortable for us in all seasons in the midwest. At 3000 miles we changed the oil to Mobil-1 and are easily towing our camper ~3000 pounds that the Terrain couldnt. Grand Cherokee A+!

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  Ill Buy Another - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richmtch - November 18 - 6:30 pm

  I was hesitant to buy a 2-wheel drive Jeep, and I didnt know that such a thing existed until I moved to Florida. I hear that the 06 and 07 models have limited slip differentials, which makes me anxious to buy an 07. Ive had a near perfect experience except for that queasy feeling when it rains and your right rear wheel slips and spins. Theyve fixed that now, I think.

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  You Gotta Love the Jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By crazywvlady - November 18 - 8:26 am

  I have owned my 98 Wrangler since June 2004. I originally bought my first Wrangler in 2001 (a 98 model), that was hit head on by another Jeep! Totaled! I loved the vehicle so much, I bought one of the same year. Im so glad that I did. It has never left me stranded and repairs have been under $200 since Ive owned it. I baby it though, wipe it down every night, change oil every 3 months or 3000 miles. If your Jeep is maintained, will probably last you a lifetime. My next vehicle: hands down: A JEEP!

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  Good vehicle - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By erickson - November 18 - 7:03 am

  Vehicle is very reliable. It is a safe and trusted vehicle. Very durable and drives through snow and light off road very well. The vehicle does have very poor fuel ecomomy, which is why I proably will not buy another. The vehicle makes you feel very safe in any driving condition. Jeep just needs to make the vehicle more fuel efficient and the vehicle would rock overall!

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  Lemon - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By IDW - November 17 - 6:13 pm

  I bought the patriot in may of 08 my parents have one and I liked it. I had mine for about seven months then it stopped shifting from 4th gear to 6th gear. i took it to jeep. They put in a new transmission, wiring harness, and circuits, that still did not fix the problem. They had it for 2 months, and could not fix the problem. They were in the process of buying it back when they went bankrupt. Now i have no jeep and im still making payments. Until that point that point it worked great. I drove it to Seattle from Tucson, then from Tucson to Durango, Mexico. Awesome gas mileage. Fun to drive. If I trusted Chrysler I would buy another one in a heart beat.

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fort worth flyer - November 17 - 4:26 pm

  The looks of this vehicle make you fall in love but the repair bills and time in the shop make you hate it. We bought our 2002 Limited in 2004 with 25,000 miles. Thank goodness for extended warranties. During the 2 years of ownership the vehicle was in the shop 8 times for something major. Climate control, engine cooling fan, window regulator(s), CD changer, hood struts, seat heater(s), you name it... it broke. The rear end was clunking and front end was making weird noises when we traded it AND THIS VEHICLE WAS WELL MAINTAINED! If youre going to buy it, get a good warranty or have several $1000s in an account to pay for the repairs.

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  Never Again - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kurt - November 17 - 1:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Cherokee and my last. Mind you, this vehicle spends more time sitting in my garage than on the road. It has been babied all its life and looks like the day it came off the showroom floor. To date, the A/C has been replaced (all components), all the window regulators have failed, the brakes have warped rotors, it is noisy (wind) when driven at highway speeds, the A/C is not blowing cold again, the drivers power seat is broken, all the side mirrors have broken at least once, all the hydraulic lift supports have been replace several times, the clear coat is soft so anything that touches the paint leaves a mark. The list goes on and on.

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  Back In A Jeep Again - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By backinajeepagain - November 16 - 11:26 am

  Drives smooth, quiet, tracks straight, handles great for SUV. Getting actual 18.5-21mpg. Roomy for my 63" frame. Hard & Soft tops are much better quality. Trans shifts smooth, quick, and hardly noticeable. Very fun to drive. 3500 miles in 5 weeks, doors off 4 times. Love the room of the 4 door. You wouldnt be afraid to drive this to a black tie event. Gets lots of looks and questions. The electronic throttle is diferent,. takes a little getting used to. Could use more power. Mopar needs to offer post style mirrors that go in top hinge when doors are off, got mine off the internet. Really enjoying the amenities cruise, a/c, elec wdws, pwr locks, 6 disc, sirius. I drive 30K+ per yr.