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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  2004 Jeep Cherokee Ltd. - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rcon13 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had the Grand Cherokee Limited for over 4 months and all I can say is I LOVE THIS vehicle! It rides smoothly, handles well, and is so comfortable to drive I am always wanting to drive more. The high ground clearance makes travel over rough conditions a breeze. The back is spacious and can carry lots of equipment and supplies.

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  The First of Many - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Luke753 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is our first jeep. My wife and I are hooked. We are currently in the process of purchasing our second Grand Cherokee Limited.

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  Overland is awesome! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepdoc - April 3 - 2:00 am

  As with previous Jeeps, the maintaing of the vehicle is the secret to its longevity. What can I say? Its a Jeep. It goes when and where I want it to in luxury. The door panels could be a little slimmer. Big peoples knees go where the window switches are. Gas mileage is not terrible but that is not why I bought it.

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  Still Running - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepdriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Had mine since 1994 when i got it new. I now have 187,000 miles and still running. may have 1 problem once a year .. pump, electrical, ect ... nothing big considering its been very good to me.

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  1995 Grand Cheerokee Laredo - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Johannes Montgomery - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Transmission needed work 62000 miles Needed front brakes 62000 miles Fuel economys not the best.Larger fuel tank costs more to fill.Bought used .

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  Capable off-roader with a few Quirks... - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ebayauctions - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Its been a joy to drive,and ive fallen in love with it...but these vehicles are plagued with various mechanical issues which would make them better for someone with mechanical expertise.

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  Will not own another Jeep... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LenQ - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Bad experience all around. Horrible wind noise behind driver/passenger area. Warped luggage racks (fixed under warranty.) Horrible service from dealer. I was actual told that oil seeping from my engine was "normal" even though no one else seems to have the same problem. The steering stabilizer bolt almost came out. The track arm bolt DID come out (fixed at my expense. Even with an extended warranty.) Alternate dealership replaced oil pan gasket but did not tighten all the bolts when reassembling oil pan. Horrible resale. Overall poor fit/finish/quality for the price paid.

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  Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Chuckdee39 - March 31 - 8:10 pm

  Have been driving nothing but Chevrolet Tahoes for past 10 years. Wife and I decided to downsize to small suv, but could find nothing that we both agreed upon until we saw the Jeep Commander Limited. We both fell in love with the look and the ride. We were also impressed with the quietness. The interior design leaves little to be desired, but miss armrests, and automatic lumbar support. (The limited has pretty much everything else standard, why not these items?). We really havent had it long enough to find problems, if any. To be fair, am rating the gas mileage after only 2 tanks of gas. Hope for improvement once we get some miles on it. Miss the room of the Tahoe.

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  TWO CAR JEEP GC FAMILY - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ronsboys - March 31 - 7:54 pm

  My wife and I both own a Jeep GC Overland. She has the 2013 V-8 Overland and as a result of our enjoyment of her car, I leased a 2014 V-6. Overall, excellent. Gas mileage on the V-6 is excellent for the vehicles size. Interior is well laid out and very comfortable as we are both over 511" tall.

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  Great Car - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Happy Jeeper - March 31 - 1:16 pm

  I have read these reviews and I have been very lucky with my Liberty. I drive both city and highway. I get 20 miles per gallon when I drive smart. No jack rabbit starts. As for the brakes I have 78,000 miles on it and still have original front brakes. I have had one window break and fall down and had a friend wedge it up. (it is the back drivers side) So I cant roll it up or down. I have had this car for almost 4 years and have only put new tires on at 55K, new back brakes at 65K, and did tuneup, transmission and raditor service at 55K. This has been a great car and I would buy another in a heartbeat!