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:

• 

  One of the better Jeeps - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe b - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the third GC I have owned. Used it off road and put lots of highway miles on it. Just traded it on a new wrangler. This CG came with a transmission problem that took the third dealership to correct. By this time the vehicle was out of warranty and Jeep refused to pay for fix. Cost me over $600. Overall trouble free, for a Jeep.

• 

  We Love our Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - August 15 - 11:16 pm

  We have had our Jeep now for about 9 months and have had no trouble with it at all. It is comfortable to drive and ride in. With the Hemi engine, towing is no problem at all. I have hauled over 2 tons and you hardly know youre towing anything. The sound system is great and the navigation system is reliable.

• 

  Worst Engine Ever - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bimo28 - August 15 - 4:56 pm

  This is my 5th Jeep Grand Cherokee. 1st and 2nd were Laredos with the 4.0L 6cyl engine. Jeeps 3 and 4 were fully loaded Limiteds with the 4.7L V-8s. These limiteds were great with lots of power and torque and fun to drive. Without doing much research I decided to get the 6cyl 3.7L in my fully loaded Laredo. Since I no longer had to tow, I thought Id save some money and get better fuel economy. BIG MISTAKE. This has got to be the weakest engine in its class and because it has to work so hard to keep this relatively heavy vehicle moving the gas mileage is bad too. I get about 1.5 mpg better than the v-8 and at highway speeds the mileage is actually worse than the V-8.Get the V- 8!

• 

  200k and keeps on going! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By laura, nm - August 14 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this Jeep with 70k on it. It now has 200k and Ive never been happier with a vehicle. Its sturdy, reliable, and does its job. The fuel economy is average in todays world but I can still get 18 -22 mpg if I drive carefully. Its real colors show when its driven off road - its impressive. I have driven this car across the USA six times and its never let me down. Had the transmission replaced at 150k - but only because the mechanic that serviced it didnt add transmission fluid and ruined the original. The drivers seat is getting soft but other than that the paint job, interior, and everything else has held up well. I live in New Mexico - rough terrain. I wouldnt be without my Jeep!

• 

  Good vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cindynpete - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my purchase!

• 

  It was my dream car, but.... - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By meropidae - August 5 - 10:00 am

  After two years, the Jeep reputation reared its ugly head. The AC is continually broken. The cd player and sunroof are dead. The roof lining is sagging, the windows leak. It rattles and chirps (and not only off- road). The automatic transmission has very bad days. The side bumper strips are falling off. And, mysteriously, the front drivers side door has begun to rub against the nose-side panel, slowly denting it inward. I adore it...but will soon face the fact that Im pouring money into a bottomless pit. (sigh....)

• 

  99 Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Cherokeelmt - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This Bright Red loaded Cherokee Limited is the bedt vechile I have owned to date. I bought it at 29,900 miles and it currently has 38,900 on the clock. Recently took it for a 1000 mile round trip to Niagara Falls and the Ride was great. The power leather seats were very comfortable, and the Factory tint on the windows prevents the dark gray seats from heating up to much. We averaged 17.8 miles to the gallon which was dissapointing, but the Truck as a whole makes up for the loss in MPG.

• 

  2005 LIBERTY - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete K. - August 4 - 4:36 pm

  The 2005 Liberty is very reliable, I have close to 12,500 miles on it, and drive approximately 550 miles a week. It has been very responsive in tight situations, braking is controlled and solid, handling is excellent and it turns nicely (great when towing, very maneuverable). Good visibility, gas mileage is poor when driving in town, but I have averaged close to 22 mpg on the highway with proper tire pressure & regular oil/air filter changes. Seats are a little firm but the extra support helps when your off road, interior panels scratch easily, cargo area needs a mat. Engine power is perfect great for passing & going uphill. Transmission could be smoother, 4x4 is right on the money. A great vehicle!

• 

  Could of bought any car - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sique - August 4 - 9:36 am

  Quite frankly, I am in a position that I could have bought any new SUV of my choice. When I saw an ad for the new Grand Cherokee, I was immediately intrigued as I owned the last model and it was a fun ride. Went to the dealer, drove it off the lot, and that was it. The main complaint I had with the old Jeep was it was the ride was a bit bouncy. Well, they have taken care of that and the ride, power, and technology really should elevate this car to compete with the next price category up in the mid-size SUV ($50k+). I did have one problem with a dial on the navigation system and had to have the entire stereo/nav system replaced.

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By MNM!7 - August 4 - 5:20 am

  My husband and I have three cars. His company car, my commute car and this jeep is considered our "toy". I love how it handles on the road. We challenged it up in the mountains and performed great. I love the dual top option and the color. Wish it has better gas mileage, but since its not a daily driver that helps. Cant wait to take the top off!