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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  Jeep Rocks! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Spitfire - May 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Ive purchased. The only reason Ive bought three is that I like to update the Jeep every so often. I had a 1993, 1998, and now a 2001. Before I bought my 1st & 2nd Jeep, I test-drove pretty much every SUV available. By far, the Jeeps reliability and comfort are the main reasons why I will continue to update my Jeep with another Jeep. My other car is a BMW and if I could only have one, it would be the Jeep Gr Ch LTD. It has all the options I wanted and the price was right. Its a great SUV.

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mr. FAT BOY - May 9 - 10:00 am

  You dont purchase a vehicle like this because you think its going to ride like a car, so dont compare it to a car. The (5) Speed Manual Transmission shifts like silk with no effort and the steering is highly responsive. This Jeep Wrangler looks great in Silver and I have received numerous complements. If you want a SISSY CAR with Heated Leather Seats and a high end suspension package then thats what you need to buy. I traded in a FULLY LOADED, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, (6) CYLINDER (5) SPEED for my Wrangler and I dont miss that car at all.

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  Took Me A Couple Weeks to Really Love It - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GLO - May 8 - 10:30 am

  Traded in the 2005 Rocky Mountain Edition 4x4 JCG,which I absolutely loved. Have been waiting for 1 year for the new 2011.Purchased the 4x4 6 cyl 26X pkg. (same color Inferno Red) What took me a couple of weeks to get used to was the wider/higher size. A few blind spots & I wasnt as comfortable changing lanes. But I do love it now! The interior is 100% improvement. The media center/stereo system is fantastic. Great not having to carry all my CDs w/ ability to download to the media hard disk drive. Love the rear assist camera and flawless smooth ride. Mostly small city driving, so do not care if I have 6 or V8 , but much better pick up with the 3.6 L, 6 cyl. than the previous 6 cyl.

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  Drives Like a Dream - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rameses000 - May 5 - 10:19 am

  Have owned this model Jeep since 2005 and have had the usual maintenance problems others have talked about. The rotor trouble is easily fixed by installing a reputable brand brake rotor - not one made by Chrysler. Have the same front rotors for the past 7 years with no problem. Accelerates like a sports car and fuel consump is 18/24. Otherwise usual maintenance only. In 2007 the front end of my Jeep was hit and completely run over by a Semi while it was parked at a store. $3300 in body damage only. Mechanic said nothing to worry about, Its a Jeep. Thing runs like it just drove off the showroom floor. For me, its a keeper.

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  2012 Unlimited Sahara with 5spd automatic - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By tlucyk - May 5 - 12:27 am

  Drove from Williston, ND to Jackson Hole WY so terrain was a combination of flats, hills and mountainous. On the flats, the Jeep had no problem holding the speed limit using the cruise control. In the hills and mountainous areas, it down shifted 1 or 2 gears to maintain the speed limit. Our best fuel economy was 24.3 MPG (no wind, no A/C, highway speed limit less than 60 MPH); our worst fuel economy was 17.7 MPG (10 MPH head wind, A/C running, highway speed limit 75 MPH). 95% of the mileage was highway. Fuel mileage was hand calculated (miles driven divided by gallons to fill), not based on vehicle computer.

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  Unleash the beast - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By i love my jeep - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep and would trade it for the world. Ive never had a problem and would recommend to anyone. The inline 6 is great. Gas mileage is great for an SUV. I get about 26-28 hwy and 16-19 city. I put on over 5000 miles in the last 3 months and still no problem. I added some new features such as wider rims and cold air intake and its the hottest thing on the streets. Reliable, strong, efficient. Keep it up Jeep

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  Excellent - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Granberg - May 1 - 10:00 am

  After coming from a 2010 Volvo XC70, it is clear that the Jeep is better in every regard. After moving from Florida to Alaska, a vehicle with more off-road capability was necessary. To see how good the vehicle really was I drove the whole way. 5000 miles later, my only complaints are that the rear seat is on the smaller side and the front seats dont massage. The Jeep makes up though by being the far most capable off road in the group I tested (Infinti QX56,Hummer H2 and H3, Cadillac Esclade, and Lexus Lx570 as well as having the smoothest ride. Front seats are very comfortable and have good array of adjustments. This vehicle is great and should be able to bring Chrysler back into the game.

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  I like it - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gene - April 27 - 8:26 am

  I got the Jeep with 43000 miles in Jan 2004. It now has 91000 miles. My wife liked it because of the soft leather seats and seat heaters. I have towed a 20 foot trailer in the mountains in snow and mud. No problems. I have had one brake job, and regular maintenance. It is fun to drive, quiet and smooth. Sound system is OK.

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  6th Wrangler purchase - 2016 Jeep Wrangler
  By Douglas Lower - April 26 - 2:25 am

  When I went for this purchase I knew what would work for me from my previous purchases. I went for the Unlimited Sport with the S package and automatic. My previous Jeep was a 15 Sahara Unlimited, It had a stiff suspension, 18 inch wheels that the dealership had a tough time with one sided balancing. I thought it was Wranglers luxury model, Its ride was a disappointment. The 430 Nav Stereo was a disappointment. It might have been better with the speaker upgrade. On my new Jeep the ride is nice, It has the 17 inch wheels and softer suspension. The biggest surprise is the headliner in the 3 piece Hardtop, It really quiets the interior. The base stereo with sat radio sounds great. When I was dealing with a stereo shop with my Sahara To improve the sound, the tech said to always go with the standard stereo and put your own stereo in. But I do not think I will need one. I added the Sahara sidesteps, they really protect the side paint. I went for the automatic because I live in a big city, and rush hour can get real old . I went for the 3.21 rear end for better gas mileage. I added Trac-Loc so one day when somebody wanted to do some serious off roading, they could. If you are mainly a street driver, opt for the Unlimited Sport . It takes a few thousand miles for everything to smooth out and break-in. I purchased a black one,so everything blends in, including the painted pieces in the interior. I ordered the Sahara bumper appliques front and rear in Billet Silver which should add some nice contrast with the black paint for $174. including tax from the dealer. The engine and transmission are so smooth. I love that it is a convertible, 4x4,and utility, or tow vehicle, so flexible. I love the way it drives. The Unlimited is not as squirelly as the 2 door, and has better safety ratings. I think I should have ordered the optional side airbags, maybe on the next one. I do not know how they would work out if you were doing serious off roading.

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  Special Edition it is! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PhillyMcD - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this Jeep!! Favorite car ever. Want to buy another one. Drive this car in Northern Michigan through deep snow and it drives right through it like nothing else. Sticks to the road like white on rice! Far better performance than my friends avalanche, tahoe and explorer! Jeep. Theres definitely only one!