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:

• 

  Bulletproof I6 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jacob - January 29 - 2:22 am

  This vehicle was given to me with 280k miles on the odometer. Even now, it is unstoppable. With only two wheel drive Ive never gotten stuck, despite my best efforts. My Jeep has seen a lot of trails--and a lot of things that are not quite trails--and has pushed through all of them like a champ. The straight 6 gives not only impressive torque for a 4 liter, but an incredibly smooth drive, and has yet to fail to get me over any mound of dirt and rock Ive thrown at it. Ive owned it for six months and have had to replace both idler pulleys. When the second idler pulley quit, it chewed up the mounting bracket pretty good. Picked up a replacement bracket for ten bucks at a scrap yard, spent thirteen on a pulley at AutoZone, and did the repairs myself. Most expensive maintenance to date. Theres a problem with the clutch (automatic), but manually starting in first circumvents such transmission problems. To hear it told, I wouldnt bother rebuilding the transmission- If it quits, you replace it. Ill happily drop the $1500 when that happens. When I fold down rear seats (quickly and easily), I can lay down and stretch out completely in the back. I never imagined I would be an SUV owner, but I _love_ this Jeep. For a point of reference, my dream car is a Chevy Spark. In that vein, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired. Even still, I wouldnt trade it for a Prius (my BIG dream car). Okay, Id trade it for a new-ish Prius C. Any takers?

• 

  JEEP - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JoshUSMC - January 29 - 2:00 am

  LOVE MY SUV!!! THE BEST I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! JUST LOVE IT.

• 

  IM LOVIN MY JEEP 4 X 4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L. CHARLES WIMER III - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2004 leftover and I love it. I feel very safe. Doesnt ride like a truck, very comfortable. Some SUVs feel like youre riding a bucking bull. The gas mileage is better than I expected. Not being all wheel drive certainly helps offset gas expense. The stereo and interior layouts are fair at bes -- it seems like there is wasted space around the dashboard and gear shift. The upgraded stereo system is worth it. If you want very reliable transportation (in all weather conditions) at a fair price (not mention the Jeep holds its value) -- then Id highly recommend this vehicle. Like I said, I love mine!!!!

• 

  The Best Jeep Yet! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spankycline - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 6 Jeep vehicles and this one is the best. More room, more power, more luxury. If you havent considered a Jeep product before, this one should be checked out.

• 

  Loved it - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By seattlegirrlie - January 26 - 9:36 pm

  I was reading other reviews laughing and had to add my own. I LOVED my V8 Limited and wouldnt have given her up for anything. Shes a five star ride, handles like a dream, parks great in the city, goes absolutely anywhere off road, handles snow, ice, mud, fallen trees, and flooding with ease. All the gremlins everyone else had, I had too. Seat motor died, window motor died, had to fix the AC, and the rear tail lights never quite worked no matter what you did. All those little mechanical/electrical issues didnt matter. I bought her at 120K and passed 200K before a drunk driver took her out.

• 

  Best Grand Cherokee Ever - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Craig Kessler - January 24 - 10:23 pm

  I have had 2 previous Jeep Grand Cherokees. This one is heads and shoulders above the older models. I feel like the suspension and ride are the best. Quality of materials is top notch and I received high content for the money spent. Acceleration is superb, I could have done fine with the v-6, but the v-8 is fun.

• 

  Love the Summit with 5.7L Hemi - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ron B - January 24 - 8:16 pm

  Ive owned this (my first) Jeep for 19 months now, and have had no problems. I look forward to getting behind the wheel every day. Lots of towing power, and passes with ease on the highway. So glad I bought the Summit model with its Hemi powerplant, luxury appointments and expanded technology. I bought it used in April 15 with 35k miles, and it was tight as a drum and drove like new. Gas mileage has been 16-17 in the city, and up to 23 on the highway. I couldnt be happier!

• 

  Im impressed! - 2010 Jeep Compass
  By Joe - January 24 - 4:16 pm

  This is such a fun vehicle to drive and its traction control nimbleness on curvy highways is impressive. Mine has the 5 speed manual tranny and there is no problem with power even though the 2.4 L 4 banger is no "Hemi". I have clocked 30 mpg on the highway so far and that has me excited as well. The price I paid for this car plus the quality and value I received is noteworthy. Nothing in the Compass class comes close in my book and I say this after having checked them all out. Id definitely buy another of these. My hat is off to Chrysler.

• 

  5th Jeep and sticking with them!!!!!! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By creekdigger - January 24 - 3:40 pm

  i still have my 4th Jeep a grand cherokee all have exceeded 330,000 no major issues. Bought the 07 commander in 09 with 20k on it now has 46k no issues. I haul boats campers and a 8 x 12 enclosed trailer and only drop 3 miles per gallon expect 15-18 mpg thats the ouch but its a tank in all terrains/conditions. We have 4 kids & moved from Michigan (awesome in snow) to Tennessee Mountains it rocks. Ya I had the sun roof leak issue took it all apart (didnt have to)all it was is a plugged drain hole in each front corner use a shop vac once in awhile to vacuum it out (no more issues $0 cost to repair its called maintenance). Ill drive this jeep to 300,000 easy. Jeep best bang for your buck!

• 

  My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By PainterProLee - January 24 - 3:20 pm

  I needed a multi use vehicle and this has turned out to be perfect. I am able to use it for my construction work during the day and the rest of the time as our second family vehicle. With the choice of different options and color schemes I was able to have a Jeep that is perfect for work and "mature" in color and style for us, the over 35 group.