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 LAST car purchase - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rodney777 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is INCREDIBLE! My biggest motto in life is "You get what you pay for," and that remains true with the Grand Cherokee. Its AWESOME in the snow and the ride is incredibly comfortable. I have never felt this confident on the road. The seats hug you from the very start and as soon as you get on the road you can tell that this is no regular car. Plus the 0% interest deals? What more do you need. Just drive the Grand and see for yourself. Ive rode in a pathfinder and 4runner and those cars are a waste of money. Another guy put it right, Jeep could easily raise the tag by another $10,000 and it would still feel worth it.

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  BUY ONE! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepster - October 12 - 9:46 am

  I bought this vehicle September of 1995, and since then it has been a pleasure to drive. It has great handling, and NO blind spots! It also is extremely powerful with the V8 engine. The heated seats are great with my back, and the sunroof is just a pleasure. The trip computer is very informative, and has kept my Jeep moving. After 11 years of ownership, I have put 111,000 miles on this Jeep, and havent had a single problem; it has not seen the inside of the Jeep dealership since the day i bought it (other than routine maintenance). I bought a Mercedes ML 2 years ago, but kept the Jeep, I ended up trading the ML back because it was no comparison, and now I drive the Jeep! Amazing vehicle!

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  Best car i ever owned! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Peter - October 11 - 11:41 am

  Owned since mid 2013. Almost 90,000 miles . Had zero problems. doing all maintnance by myself. Very dependable vehicle. For future use - parts are cheap and avalible everywhere. If transmission goes bad they run around 400 slightly used. I drive a lot so I get usually from my cars around 250-350 k miles and i am sure i will get this out of this 2014 grand cherokee.

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  New OLs Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By oldmac1 - October 10 - 8:20 pm

  Traded the OLs JGC in for improved economy on gas mileage on another Jeep. Liked the Patriot but once we drove the Liberty 100" we knew this was it. This is our 7th Jeep and is ideal for the OL car as she sits high and is in a sturdy vehicle so she feels safe.

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  197,000 Miles and still going strong! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By shemp76 - October 10 - 3:26 pm

  Just hit 197K miles the other week and have had very few issues outside routine maintenance. Replaced the AC compressor two years ago, rotors twice (due to my own neglect). Still only on 3rd set of tires and they have at least another 30k in them. Local mechanic said it will need new rear shocks soon. Tremendous value for my money vs. needs and it still averages 21 mpg hwy!

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  1 jeep - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By michael233 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  i love it !!

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  Fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By toku - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Got 2003 Liberty Limited 4WD a month ago. Its fun to drive. Good performance. Minor tire alignment and weired sound problem, will take to dealer for inspection this weekend. Great SUV.

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  Great all season vehicle - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kwlook - October 6 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my Wrangler on Feb. 5 2010. A huge snowstorm hit Ohio and I was so impressed with this vehicle. But aside from that, this is truly a wonderful vehicle. I love the ride and it performs great on the highway. It is so easy to keep clean, (the windshield is a breeze to clean), and even when its dirty it looks great. If you are considering a Jeep, you have got to drive this one.

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  New Compass Owner - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By NW Mopar Man - October 6 - 9:06 pm

  Was looking at the Jeep Liberty and other SUVs. Was skeptical about the Compass because of some reviews. The Compass drives more like a car and much better comfort than the Jeep Liberty IMO. Bought the FWD auto, and the power is very adequate and the ride is very smooth and quiet. Goes down the freeway at 70mph no problem. The paint finish is great. This is the wifes daily driver and she loves the comfort, style, overall handling. We bought it for town and freeway driving, not off-road. Jeep has a winner in the price group. Would recommend the 26E package and Drivers Convenience group if you like a little more power options and gadgets.

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  No problems except gas - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lorraine Haluga - October 6 - 8:06 pm

  Never had any problems with parts or performance. Only thing replaced was tires after 6 years! Biggest problem was silver paint chipped off of tire rims. Never saw this on any other Liberty! Great in the snow, no worries. Seats fold down for large purchases. Love this car except for the gas hike!!!