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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  MY WORKHORSE - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerrymax - June 19 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor in Dec. 2007 and have put 21,000 miles on it. Ive taken it to upstate NY 21 times, a 600 mile round trip. Only got stranded once when the water pump seized up on a trip to Pennsylvania. Snapped the serpentine belt. Had to replace H2O pump, belt, tensioner and radiator. Car severely overheated but it did not damage the cast iron engine, an indestructible workhorse of a motor. No other problems. With 158,500 miles it still runs like a freight train. Always starts. I have the Quadra-Trac system, full-time AWD. On a recent road trip at 65 mph without the AC running I averaged 20.3 mpg. I use 89 octane so it runs cleaner. Great old car.

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  One great jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rjfster - June 19 - 8:13 am

  I bought my 2002 grand Cherokee 4.7 v-8 model at then end of 2008, as an upgrade from my 2x4 94 Cherokee. I have to say this thing is amazing, I take it off road almost every weekend, this thing drives as good off road as it does on road. Absolutly no problems with it. Only minor, routine repairs, brakes, one tie rod end and alignment, one o2 sensor. Perfect balance of size, good amount of cargo/passenger space, but not too big that its awkward driving.

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  Give Me Jeep Liberty, Or Nothing Else! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep owner - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a year. What I really like about my jeep is the body styling, the look of the interior. Its got a solid feel to it, which I like very much. It,s got a comfortable ride and Its not too big. My wife didnt want to drive a big SUV. My only fault with the Liberty is the way the rear seats fold down they dontt lay flat. I am very satisfied

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  My New Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nnurse - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Everthing is great except the gas milage. The sticker predicted 17/23 but I am averaging 13 mpg.

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  For $$$$ you cant beat it! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By 101proof - June 14 - 5:53 am

  I bought this Patriot new, it is a base model no a/c, no power anything, but I only paid 14K out the door. So for the money I could not be Happier. Great performance (for a 4cyl) even better gas milleage. It may not have the creature comforts but it comes stock with all the safety features that the top models have including the tire pressure monitor and canopy airbags. The best part is it still has a cd player with AUX input for ipod and tinted windows. So once again for the money I challenge anyone to find a better SUV. BUY AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  6th Grand Cherokee each keeps getting better - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Brawner - June 14 - 2:28 am

  The Grand Cherokee has been a quality built SUV since my first one in 1996 with no serious issues to deal with. My 2013 is a Laredo X which has the hemi, the 9 speaker sound system, and all the bells and whistles slightly short of the Limited edition. It drives and handles like a champ for an SUV, the gas mileage is challenge but to have the hemi power it is well worth it. I would highly recommend this model jeep since I have had 6 of them!

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  5th Jeep GC - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive best describes the 2009 Jeep GC. The X-package give the Jeep owner all the best and desired options. 2009 was the last year of the 4.7 engine which is an awesome performer. The ride is incredibly smooth, and the interior is roomy and functional.

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  New 07 Sahara is excellent! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By blaire - June 12 - 1:56 am

  I have owned 2 previous Wranglers and by far this one is the best off the showroom floor I have ever seen. The interior is more spacious, comfortable, and quieter. The new 3 piece hard top is great and is easy to take off and put back on. One my favorite views of this Jeep is the rear, with the new hardtop it has a very mean look. I took it off road this past weekend for the first time and had other Wrangler owners in amazement at its capabilities. I am also very surprised that I am averaging over 20 miles to the gallon! I would highly suggest this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a fun vehicle with improved practicality!

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  Great Vehicle... Highly Recomended - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan Fraser - June 11 - 11:06 pm

  Short history - I traded in a 2015 Tahoe LTZ for this car. Traded in the Tahoe with only 10,000 miles on it, after numerous problems, rattles, quality issues, etc. Even with taking a major loss on the Tahoe, I am still so glad to have purchased my Grand Cherokee. I have had the Jeep for exactly a year, and have just recently passed the 20,000 mile mark. I can honestly say this is the best car I have ever owned. Great ride quality, comfortable cabin, intuitive controls and features. The list goes on and on. The interior quality of the jeep makes my old top-of-the-line Tahoe look cheap. When driving over railroad tracks, the brand new Tahoe rattled like a tool box! Not my jeep - Not one rattle, even after 20,000 miles. This car is a blast to drive, and is very capable off road as well. The Air suspension is a great feature! Highly recommended!

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  Performance and Style Review - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Manning - June 11 - 3:13 am

  I traded in my 1998 Range Rover for my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/5.7 Hemi. Ill never go back to a Land Rover brand vehicle.