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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  On My Fifth Grand Cherokee Limited - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPDOC - December 8 - 9:56 am

  I have driven a Jeep Grand Cherokee since 1996. Just purchased my fifth! I simply can not find a finer vehicle. The current Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Hemi (V8 package fully loaded) combines the finest in luxury, handling, and towing that I have found in any vehicle. I am a physician and need complete reliability in all seasons. I use this vehicle hard in my profession and for sport. My Jeep has never let me down.The current 2009 is the finest vehicle I have ever driven. Please do compare to any SUV, but truly for luxury, there is no comparison.Packed with GPS/NAV, Siruis Radio/TV, and the Boston Audio my family is constantly entertained. An amazing auto, period. Afford it? Buy it.

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  The Family Truckster - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By WillieG - December 8 - 2:00 am

  All in all my Jeep has been a good reliable friend. Better than expected acceleration from the 4.0 liter six with decent torque for passing. Have put 55,000 miles on it and has never failed to start or left me stranded. Excellent handling both on and off- road, well for a SUV anyway. Love the classic looks of the exterior, but the interior could stand a bit more room, especially in the back seat. Gas mileage has been in the 18-22 mpg range since new. Only real gripe is its tendency to eat up front brakes and rotors. Replaced the pads twice and had the rotors machined three times and replaced once for warping and vibration.

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  Decent SUV - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By keeferk - December 7 - 4:50 pm

  I just bought this jeep in college with 308k miles on it. I was pretty wary about having problems at that high of a mileage, but so far the only thing that needs replaced is the tires and maybe brakes. I had to test it out in the mud today and the check engine light came on. Great drunk person carriage, Ive saved a lot of lives driving people around in this thing. Wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  I love my first Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Janie - December 7 - 10:03 am

  I bought this car a few months ago and I love it! This is my first Jeep and Im very impressed with the comfort and roominess of the this car. Im getting about 28 mpg which I think is excellent.

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  Never again Chrysler! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AFDjake - December 6 - 5:23 pm

  My 01 JGC is my second jeep, I loved it when I bought it. Great looking, awesome 4x4 ability, comfortable. But at 11k miles it all changed. Since then I have had 4 sets of warped rotors, 2 tranny jobs, a coolant leak for 1 year which no one can find, the constant low coolant warning tones and messages for it, and new gas shocks that couldnt improve the ride. Congrats Chrysler this is the last of your cars I will ever buy! Poor MPG as well

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  CVT TRANSMISSION - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By kh0864 - December 5 - 12:57 am

  My husband and I just bought a 2008 Patriot, fell in love with it right away!! Loved the rugged looking exterior of an SUV/Truck with the gas mileage of a car! Unfortunately the love was short lived. ONE day after buying this Jeep it started to make a whinning noise which was coming from the front end.. We had a bad feeling it was the CVT transmission so we took it into the Chrysler/Jeep dealership and our suspisions were right.. It needs a new CVT Transmission!! a 5 year old car with 100,000KM on it should NOT need a new transmission!!! So to anyone looking to get a Patriot dont fall in love with the Exterior/Interior when whats under the hood doesnt stand up to par!!!

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  After almost a year, Im still impressed - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Brooks - December 4 - 1:03 pm

  This car is amazing for what it is. The key part however, is "what it is". It is everything I expected. I purchased this for my wife, and If you are looking for a good gas mileage true 4x4 (and not those pesky AWD only things running around), theres nothing better. I have been so impressed that I sold my 2005 Ford and bought a patriot myself. Im 69", and even with me driving a 66" person can fit comfortably behind me. This isnt true of most Cadillacs, more or less a compact SUV? The ESP and other features work wonders, and I honestly believe this may be the most versatile drive train on any vehicle. Not sure why they may a 2WD version though. jeep has turned it around big time!

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  Love it! but not perfect! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aaron - December 3 - 3:36 pm

  I have only had one major problem with my Jeep when I needed a new transmission at about 110,000 miles. Other than that it drives great and is very reliable. Awesome in the snow! It will drive through anything! Comfortable to drive and handles well. The gas mileage can be pretty brutal especially if you try to go above 70.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepster - December 3 - 10:40 am

  This is the third Jeep Grand Cherokee that I have owned. They are honestly great vehicles. I have always bought them with V-8 power, and for one mpg difference, it is worth it. My two other Jeeps both went to 145,000 miles with NO problems (and still running strong) and this one is following their footsteps. My Jeep has not seen the inside of the Jeep dealership since Ive owned it. (37,000 miles) except for routine maintenance. I have not had a single problem. It is very fun to drive, and very quick to respond. And in the snow, you can have nothing better than a Jeep 4x4. People always tell me how great the car looks. Dont believe people who say Jeep have problems, I would drive nothing else.

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  Diesel disaster - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pmoriarty - December 2 - 10:30 pm

  Nice looking and fun to drive, but spends most of its life at the dealer. Check engine light on for most of its short life. Dealer cannot fix emissions problems and my Rejected inspection sticker is running out. Car will be illegal to drive shortly and have no fix. Unbelievable. Avoid this vehicle at all costs!!!