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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  One of the best - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Johnie - July 8 - 8:40 pm

  Very nice jeep,grate power and looks. Fun to drive. Gas milage is poor but you have a 5.9 V8!

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  Grand Cherokee Overland 4 x 4 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeffb17 - July 8 - 5:58 pm

  Ive had the Overland Grand Cherokee for about a month and have put about 1,200 miles on the car. Im very happy with the technology in the car, the ride, comfort, and looks. I have read complaints about the transmission lag. I agree there is a bit of a lag but I suspect it has to do with the eco mode. When you put the car in sport mode or take out of the eco mode it gets better. It doesnt really bother me as if I wanted a fast car I would not have bought an SUV. I have also read about problems with the U Connect system as well as the Navigation. I havent seen any yet and Im happy with the system. Overall Im very happy with the Jeep.

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  honest assessment - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gadwg - July 6 - 4:33 am

  Has been very reliable with 116k on it now and runs like new, but has been well maintained. Like others, have had problems with the brakes, but have replaced only once although the problem was extreme. Get great gas mileage for an suv, averaging 18-20 mpg with 4.0L and 4x4. Very capable off-road. Has been used heavily for towing and other truck responsibilities. Overall, not bad. Certainly better than my other domestic brand experiences.

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  best jeep ever - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mmp - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with this Jeep. 35000 miles in first year with no major problems. Although I would like to have a bit more cargo room.

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  Love Jeep, Hate Quality - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Aimeerose - July 5 - 10:30 pm

  I love my Jeep, from a driving standpoint. With the V8, its quite responsive and fun to drive. Everyone always comments on how comfortable and quiet it is Great for long road trips and nasty weather. But this is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. Luckily we bought an extended warranty when we purchased this vehicle. I cant imagine how many thousands of dollars it has saved us. Problems we have had: the rotors warp and need replacing (3 times so far, until we switched to non-Chrysler parts), bad power steering system, transmission pump, electrical shorts, jammed locks, faulty heating and A/C.

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  2001 Grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark N. - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Underrated vehicle.

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  Very Pleased - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Happy Jeep Owner - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 JGC in 12/99 and have been extremely pleased. I now have 58,000 miles on it and have only replaced the brakes 2 times. The first time was due to the front rotor malfunctioning at about 17,000 miles.

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  Jeep Rating - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Kuhnsman - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Very good experience so far

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  Good entry SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By juggalonic - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  Overall I love my Liberty. For the money you can not find a better small SUV. The only negatives I have found: small-ish gas tank (roughly 300 miles to a tank); plastic trim pieces scratch easily (but are not too noticeable); sitting position takes getting used to in front seats (wide transmission tunnel, I heard that this actually better after the redesign). The exterior looks are aggressive and the 3.7 L engine has plenty of PEP. It did fine hauling 2 motos on a trailer also. The basic options are better than the competitors and the safety features are tops too. No small SUV holds value like a Jeep (and I am a Ford man!)

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  poor power - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepX - July 4 - 7:26 am

  If you want a beautiful convertible 4WD this is your option. But if you need power, you rather keep working other options.