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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  Great Ride - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By co_skibum - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional handling in slippery conditions

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  wouldnottradeitforanything - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By offroadking22 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but great things to say about this vehicle. Its reliability and ride are just like a car to us. I am a salesman and this vehicle is perfect for me. This is our second Jeep and our first Limited and I would buy a third Jeep in a New York minute.

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  Most bang for the buck! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GSAMAN - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I researched many mid-size SUVs before buying the Grand Cherokee. For the money you cant beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee. I got a $4000 rebate on top of a really sweet deal. I drove the Explorer, Trailblazer, Murano; none of them had the comfort or ride quality of the Jeep. Of all the Grand Cherokee models, I think the the Special Edition is a great choice. It has the great looks of the Limited (including leather) without all the bells and whistles. Plus it costs about $3000 less than the Limited. If you are thinking of an Explorer, Trailblazer, Highlander, etc; do yourself a favor and look at the Jeep!

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  Excellent - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zach - September 19 - 9:26 pm

  I have never owned a better vehicle, simply because there isnt. Went out and test drove G55 AMG, LR4, Land Cruiser, Range Rover, and Range Rover Sport. Non-of them were civilized on road and lacked true-off road capability, particularly the LR4. Almost jumped on the Benz when I drove by the jeep dealer. There it was, sitting up high on display. Did a U- turn and drove in with a Lexus Gx 460 and drove out with the jeep. It may lack the prestige, but was by far the most car-like on road and capable off. Its also nice to be driving American.

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  Love my commander - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By phranican - September 19 - 3:23 am

  Love my commander. sold a grand Cherokee with 120K miles and said what the heck Ill take another jeep. Love the exterior, based on the original Cherokee and the interior is very comfy, leather is awesome. I purchased with 10K mile, at 32K now, not a single problem so far. I dont gun it, dont brake hard probably why i average 16 mile per gallon. Its a great ride, very quiet. highly recommend if you need a truck and dont want to pay out the rear.

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  2003 Liberty Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rwsgolfer - September 18 - 7:30 pm

  Have owned a 2003 Liberty Limited for 18 month. Great SUV; gas mileage iffy.

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  Loved my first one, just got another! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By C. Lively - September 18 - 10:00 am

  In August of 1997 I bought my first Jeep (I was single at the time). I ordered it as a Sport model with the hard top. Just recently, I decided to purchase another 1998 Wrangler Sport (for my wife). The 4.0L is a must and the mileage is what you would expect from an SUV. Were married and looking to have kids soon. Mine is a workhorse, a joy rider and a daily to and from work vehicle. The TJ jeeps handle great with the new coil suspension. Something is to be said about a basic design and philosophy that has withstood an ever-changing automobile design market since the 1940s. As they say "Jeep, theres only one..."

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  7 months later - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By turbanski - September 17 - 3:10 pm

  Previous review posted on 1/30/08. I just want to update my review of this vehicle for potential purchasers. My original review noted MPG at 14. It has since improved to 17+ MPG which is acceptable to me. I have the Laredo with 4.7 V8 not the Limited. (No listing for Laredo V8). Laredo V8s are hard to find, most are 3.7 V6s. Get the 4.7 V8 if you can find one. Good value and performance for $34K with "E" package minus discounts and rebates. "E" package includes remote start, heated seats,adjustable pedals. 115V outlet, Boston Acoustics stereo and more.

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  LOVE MY JEEP!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jamey Smith - September 16 - 12:48 am

  Love my jeep! Ive owned my Jeep for about 4 years now and havent had any big or pricey issues. Ive ran this car into a lot of things (my bad) and it bounces right back! I love the full size spare and how much I can get into this SUV. Mid-sized but holds a lot!!

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  the best suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By willy144 - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love my liberty. in the 8 months I have had it I have never had one problem.(yet) it handles the snow we get here in new york very well the best way to describe it is sure footed. keep in mind too that it realy does ride like a jeep and not one of those toy suvs. I happen to like that kind of feel when driving esp on the beach.