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 SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jd - November 10 - 12:03 pm

  I bought this vehicle in 2004 at 190,000 miles and its still running good. Im at 196.6 now. I bought it because i was really impressed with the interior. It was in excellent condition. 4wd still works very well. The previous owner did a lot of routine mainteance on it which is why it still runs well. I paid $4000 for it. Overall, Im very satisfied with. I just wish the gas mileage a bit better. The paint still looks as it was new.

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  Off road Jeep that can handle the city - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeepin - November 10 - 6:00 am

  Ok to start off this is my second Jeep Cherokee as I hydolocked my last one, oops. I had to buy the Cherokee again as I am very impressed with its ability to handle difficult off-road situations without mechanical failure, a very reasuring feeling. The 6-cyl has the power on the road and on the trail. 4x4 is great in deep snow, sand and steep trail riding. I wish they would put the Cherokee back in production. I modified my Jeep to include a snorkel for deep water protection and performance, pretty sweet mod. Added Grill guard, wrench, skid plates, lift kit, serious roof rack. Solar power to keep battery tip-top, Hella Fog lights, air compressor, in dash GPS, laptop mount I love my Jeep!

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  So Far SOOO GOOOD! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pirate_Jeep - November 9 - 4:33 pm

  I purchased my 4 x 4 Jeep used (20,000 miles) 2 weeks ago & have been nothing but pleased with it so far. I was looking at getting a Tacoma, but am so glad I got the Cherokee instead. Great car like ride, smooth acceleration & comfortable interior. You get so much more for your money with this instead of the Tacoma (unless you need a truck bed). I highly suggest the Jeep Cherokee. Im paying a lot more for gas, but I expected that. I didnt buy the vehicle for great gas mileage. Lots of people have written reviews complaining about the reliability, but so far so good for me. Im pretty easy on my vehicles though.

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  Love my Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jts14 - November 8 - 10:54 pm

  Even though I have only had my Jeep Liberty for about 2 months, I already love it. I have a red 4x4 Sport with a 6 speed auto and the FAST, yes, i mean fast, 3.7L V6. You can easily pass 90 if you arent careful! Interior is a bit bland but overall is comfortable and functional. Front seats are almost couch like but still offer enough support for long trips. Love the split trunk door. As for gas mileage, its no prius, but I still get about 18 combined, more than you can say for most SUVs. Almost forgot- you cant have the full jeep experience with out having some fun in the snow, and this sporty and rugged SUV doesnt disappoint. The AWD works effortlessly to plow through any pile of snow.

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  13 Wrangler Unlimited - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By breal3 - November 8 - 12:25 am

  I have had probably 5 Jeeps in my life... This one is one of the best! I have almost 10,000 miles on it now and havent had any problems at all. The build quality is equal to if not better then my previous car (Acura TSX). The new engine is perfect, I use the Jeep to tow my 20ft boat to and from the lake with no lack of power.

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  All Around Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By High Output - November 7 - 10:53 am

  Great SUV! The H.O. motor is fun and reliable. The car is great for someone who wants an around town SUV but knows that they can take it off road to. Car acts just as good if not better when off the road. The H.O. motor is also good to have for trailers. Overall a great car.

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  I finally got it! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris_27 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive been searching for the right SUV for almost a year and finally decided on the Overland. It is a magnificent vehicle both inside and out. I got every option except the navigation and am happy with everything. Although I have only had it for a few weeks I am very impressed.

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  Its a Beauty, inside and out - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ChiGirlInTexas - November 6 - 8:56 pm

  After considering many other vehicles, Im so glad I got the JGC. Smooth acceleration, quiet cabin, great techie tools--the Nav, bluetooth, hard drive for my music (uploaded via USB, about 800 songs fit w/room to spare). Incentives made it more affordable to lease than the Liberty, and when I feel the Hemi respond, I know I made the right choice. Of course, the gas mileage is lousy, but after driving a 4-banger for 3 years, I was ready to get some power....and this Jeep really delivers. It won out over the Honda Pilot, Ford Edge, Saturn Vue, Mazda CX-9 & Mitsubishi Outlander. The incentives plus dealers willingness to negotiate made it a no-brainer. If you like em loaded, look at JGC!

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  I never thought Id buy American but.... - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jessica40 - November 6 - 7:54 am

  I am pleased with my purchase. I was considering the Lexus RX when I saw the new redesigned JGC Laredo passing by in traffic. It grabbed my attention. I went home and did my research.. one week later I had purchased one. It has that luxury feel to it and very comfortable (leather interior). On the flip side.. I just had to take it into Jeep bcus the engine light came on..it has been there now for 3 days.. they were nice enough to give me a loaner (2012 Durango). I also own an Infiniti G37 but prefer my Jeep! The dealer mentioned something about and O2 sensor, all covered under warranty. I miss my truck but want to put pressure on them as I dont want it rushed and want it fixed properly!!

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  All 4 corners of the US and back again - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By knowonder - November 6 - 6:56 am

  We went from San Diego to the midwest back to San Diego to Alaska and over 500+ miles of continuous gravel road. Then Alaska to Boston to Illinois to the Keys. Plenty of 4WD times. All with our 18 sea kayaks on the roof. I just saw a post that somebody is closing in on 900,000 miles on theirs. I wanted 300,000 but now just set my new goal. Theres something like home in that square box. Drives great and very reliable. Heading to the west coast from Indiana soon. Replaced radiator, water pump. Only other problem weve had is with the AC. We didnt know that for a solid couple years. Were windows people.