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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  First Jeep - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By skycop1226@gmail.com - September 25 - 12:47 am

  I believe that the overall value of this vehicle comparring ride comfort, affordability and quality put it at a moderately high level. Recently moved from South Florida to the northwest corner of Arkansas. I soon realized with the approaching winter my 2015 BMW 428i coupe was not going to survive the snow and ice associated with winters in this area. Taking all the variables into account , I started researching viable four-wheel-drive SUVs. Comparing the cost-benefit ratios and my needs as a single person, I chose the Grand Cherokee over other Jeep models and the competition. My 4 x 4 Limited is a nice mixture of the luxury amenities as well as the traditional Jeep practicality. Not 100% sold on the 20 inch wheels however. Without purchasing the upgraded off road terrain package, it was only available in the 20 inch platform. For the individual wanting to truly experience the off-road, I would recommend upgrading and purchasing the 18 inch wheels. If youre looking for a performance vehicle, the 3.6 may not be the engine for you. With fuel cost currently being as low as they are, Im personally wishing I had purchased the V8. Must I must say, I didnt purchase it as a performance vehicle though, so the 3.6 will suffice. Interior visibility is less than optimal, but thats attributable to exterior styling. I must say, shifting the automatic transmission takes some getting used to. I actually took it back to the shop because I couldnt get it into park without getting stuck in reverse. Then going through a two-step process of reengage the "release button" and jamming it forward. After a little tutelage and practical application it was determined that it was operator error. Ha! All in all, I must say that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a nice blend of luxury, modern styling and practical usage.

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  Rocky Mountain Edition Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PKey - September 23 - 2:26 pm

  I have owned 4 Wranglers and will own nothing else. Love em!

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  Just driving it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CAT - September 21 - 2:13 pm

  I love my jeep! This is my first Jeep and its not bad at all. It looks good, drives excellent and everybody I talk to wants one. I heard they dont hold their value and mines uses lots of gas which worries me. I may be forced in the 3rd year to trade it in for something bigger like a Jeep Cherekee or whatever. Will do homework next time before I buy for looks again! But overall its still worth the money I paid and I still would buy it again. I love it! Heading for the web site next to book the summer Jeep tour this year if its available, see you there!

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  First Jeep. Love it. - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Abra - September 20 - 3:19 am

  As many a reviews say, this car is about value and about being Jeep. I moved from Subaru legacy sedan that served me exceptionally well and with ZERO trouble for 7 years (cars age 10 years). I am an outdoors guy and love my camping trip and a bit of sofy-roading. I was split between Forester and Patriot. Few factors that swayed me to the Jeep - latest Forester has become just like all other cute-utes. Jeep stands out with is retro look. Secondly the value, features and dealer discounts. Lastly the ride height and SUV like suspension. I would have bought and XT but couldnt justify the cost. About 1000 kms on it. So far no issues. Mileage has been improving and currently at about 10L/100kms in mixed hwy and city. Great sound (and it is not the Boston Accoustics upgrade); remote start; leather trimmed seats; smooth shifting though slower to start from stop; ride comfort. Will watch for repair issues and resale. Hope it beats the Subaru I loved. ---- Just over two years and 22k kms on the Patriot now. No issues whatsoever. Followed the maintenance schedule. Feels comfortable and safe esp in winter snow. Not the best acceleration from stop, but that is not what i bought the Jeep for. This Jeep is a keeper.

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  Drip Drip - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jdog63 - September 20 - 3:06 am

  This is my first Jeep. The interior design is excellent. Power is OK but the fuel economy is poor. The issue with the leaking doors/top on the soft top is troublesome. I’ve had mine back to the dealer twice. They finally showed me a notice from the manufacturer that basically said it leaks and there is nothing to be done. Thanks Chrysler for leaving the drain plug in the floor and giving the 2.0GPA engineers a job – at least they’re not building bridges. If I’d known the doors/top leaked and every time it rains the carpet would get wet it would have been a deal breaker on the soft top. Oddly enough the wind noise is acceptable. To say the least I am not pleased – the dealer has had 2 attempts to fix it, we’ll see. Three strikes and it’s a lemon.

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  Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By mattv - September 18 - 3:53 pm

  I bought the Jeep back in January of 2007. It was not to a few little dings and soft top. I got it in Georgia and I dorve it to North Carolina and latter to Colorado. The thing gets about 18 to 20 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. Right now it has about 90,000 miles on it. The only problem I have had is the trakbar on the front axle. I have had to replace it twice but it happened within 5000 miles of each time it went out and the dealer replaced it free of charge the second time. The stock front bumper is a piece of junk also. I got a tube bumper that looks great and I am going to drive it back to North Carolina when I get back from my deployment.

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  Very Happy With My Jeep! - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jonathan - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this used 1995 Cherokee Sport with 100,000 miles on it two years ago and now have 150,000 on it. I have not had to put any money into this vehicle other than oil changes. I bought the vehicle for its 4WD capabilites to traverse mountain roads, some paved and some unpaved for my line of work. I have nothing to say but good things, this truck has the High Output 6 Cyl. and has plenty of power to get me wherever I need to go and fast. I have owned many new vehicles over the years and this has become my all time favorite. Way to go Jeep!

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  Sounded like a good SUV @ time - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ana - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Where should I start mmm...bought with 42,000 in 99, interior hardware failing,side mirrors memory set failing, stereo buttons sticky hard to change mode, heating seats dont work anymore, back wiper sticky, replaced CV boots(@93k),power steering brackets before 90k, theres acouple of other things that have failed right before it hit 100K but overall still runs great. Weve been across the border twice and other long trips in the state, not sure what other SUV we could have bought at time (NOT FORD). Would like to sell but only for gas mileage reasons, I drive alot in town.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SBerger - September 18 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep does alot of things well. It is nice around town, very capable off- road and in the snow, and has proven to be more reliable than I thought it would be. My only complaint is the poor gas mileage. It was not unexpected, but nonethless, I think Jeep could do better in this area.

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  poor rear suspension - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rough - September 18 - 2:00 am

  plenty of power from v6 but the goodyear wranglers that came on the liberty give very poor traction on anything but dry pavement. at about 8000 km. rear suspension started to bottom out even under light load by 10000km. it was so bad if you filled the gas tank it was enough to make it bottom out.