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:

• 

  RICHARD CRANFORD - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RICHARD CRANFORD - June 7 - 11:36 pm

  This is my 8th Jeep and I have had fun with every one. Problem free and great mileage with all. I had a head on crash in my 2005 Grand Cherokee last month and walked away without a scratch on me and my Jeep was repaired and runs like new. Dont let anyone tell you that these are not 5 star crash protection because they are.

• 

  A Good One! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vertigeaux - June 7 - 8:33 am

  We are a Ford family, but were not really impressed with the current Ford lineup as there just wasnt anything very exciting available. I was (and still am) interested in the 2011 (or 2012) Explorer reboot, but I wanted a new ride sooner. I researched the heck out of every mid-size SUV out there. For the money and build quality, this one cannot be beat. I picked up my Laredo X as soon as it hit the dealership lot. Ive never viewed the Grand Cherokee as a practical family hauler. The 2011 changes all of that. I feel very safe driving this beauty and my kids love it. Handles great, rides great, looks great.

• 

  4 Years of Total Enjoyment - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Nate20 - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Put it this way,the brakes are the originals at 52,000 miles! Never had an alignment either. Normal maintenance based on schedule B (longer intervals) in the owners manual. Average fuel economy is 16 mpg with a lift and 32 inch tires. I use this vehicle really hard during the summer with camping,towing and 4 wheeling. Drives and rides like new! I would highly recommend if your expectations are not unreasonable.

• 

  Triple the pleasure - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By X2345X - June 6 - 1:56 pm

  I recently purchased a 2008 Black Jeep Cherokee Limited (4.7L V-8). Believe it or not, this is now the third Black Jeep Cherokee in our garage (both my wife and son drive 2004 models)...and overall we couldnt be more pleased with the performance, reliability and quality. I am getting 19+ MPG! The 2008 has all the "bells and whistles" (automatic high beams, automatic wipers, iPod compatible, excellent storage, GPS, chrome accents that really dress up the exterior especially of a black vehicle). My only complaint is with the narrow leg room and pedal configuration for the driver (however I am over 6 tall).

• 

  Love my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sarah - June 6 - 1:03 am

  This SUV handles like a car but has the heft that most people look for when they desire an SUV. It has been fun and reliable to own this Jeep Grand Cherokee for the last 2 years. The only bummer...the silver letters on the outside peel on most of these models.

• 

  Luv my jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luvnit - June 3 - 5:26 am

  This is by far my favorite car Ive ever been in or driven. Its pretty much my weekend toy. I dont have one complaint!! Put LED tail and head lights on it myself. Looks sweeeeet!! I love to drive it. Sick of hearing people whine about MPG!! Why did you buy it then!!!! I knew what i was getting when i bought it. I love the HEMI. I think this truck has got a lifetime fan out of me. Thinking about getting a Commander for my wife. Havent been in one, but I like the style too. Good job Jeep!!! Hats Off!!

• 

  Wrangler Rubicon - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By matthew parks - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this Jeep, it is quiet possible the most capable "out of the box" trail vehicle you can buy, and there are many aftermarket accessories available to make it even better. I would recommend it to anyone who actually uses there Jeep off-road.

• 

  Amazing Truck for the Money - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PharmBoy - May 31 - 8:06 am

  I was casually looking for a replacement for an SUV to replace my BMW 335 when I happened to drive by a Jeep dealer one evening. The Grand Cherokee they had parked out front literally made me stop in my tracks. It looks good in pictures, but incredible in person! The build quality is on par with the X5 and the price of a new 2011 Jeep was less than a comparable CPO 2008-09 BMW. I dont get stuck on badges, I just want a high-quality vehicle thats worth my hard-earned cash. The 2011 Grand Cherokee is definitely a great buy.

• 

  From Lexus to Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Cindy Collins - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Black 2006 Limited Jeep Commander. I traded my 2000 Lexus SUV for it. I had planned on buying another Lexus but for the price and quality I felt like giving the Commander a chance. I had to have a 4 wheel drive and a vehicle that was wheelchair friendly. Sooo, it works out perfectly. It is tough but yet stylish and safari looking. I have owned it for almost a year now and love it thus far! My son traded his Z-3 for a Wrangler. So, you can call us a Jeep Family now. Thanks to all who helped make this vehicle possible. ;)

• 

  Patriot is awesome! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By CHUCK - May 29 - 10:56 am

  To those interested in a fun to drive SUV, look no further. After looking at many SUVs, the Jeep Patriot was the best deal, and had the most options for the money! After test driving the automatic CVT version, I chose the 5 speed manual. I like to shift gears, but also found the engine to me more quiet. It has a very smooth, quiet ride, and the interior is very comfortable. With its SUN AND SOUND PACKAGE, you get 9 speakers that are awesome, SIRIUS, and sunroof. Heated seats,mirrors,premium stain resistant cloth, are just a few of the neat options. The negative review by EDMUNDS is simply not true. go see for yourself. The reviews from other owners also prove this SUV is loved/fun!