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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  going jeeping - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MIKE H - March 30 - 10:00 am

  the 4.7 is very peppy wont let u down except in the wallet my 350 got better millage the comfort is great everything at your fingertips you melt into the seats the cock pit is that no plain styleing here.one flaw the cup holder is at the shifter small amout of coke on the cover and the cover sticks when moveing to park or drive.the quradrive makes sure you dont slip unexpectedly or when you try to on purpose haveing fun.maruveing is awesome.

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  This is my 4th Jeep and Im still loving them. - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave - March 30 - 3:56 am

  The Grand Cherokee has the perfect interior design. The instrumentation is logical, well organized, and very practical. The exterior looks are rugged enough for fun, but also professional for the office. The only major complaint that I have is the start/stop function. I wish you could change it to default to off when you start the car. I also wish the rear lift gate was height adjustable. However, those are minor issues that are overshadowed by the overall design of the car.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Thomas - March 29 - 7:20 pm

  This is the first Jeep I have purchased. Overall it has been very good. 8000 miles to date so it is still new. A/C will whistle with the medium fan setting. Ride is great. Power is good. Have the Rocky Mountain Package which makes the Laredo more of a Limited. No real complaints to this point. I would recommend this Jeep to other potential buyers.

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  Love My Jeep - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Love My Jeep - March 28 - 9:03 pm

  I have 118+K miles on my Jeep and the only thing that has gone wrong is the water pump. During last years snow storm in Kentucky, I pulled out two 18 wheelers and 23 other cars and trucks. Its like the Energizer Bunny, it just keeps going, and going. Im debating whether to keep it for another three or four years or trade it in on a newer model.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sluggo - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Having owned several SUVs in the past it was a surprise to find the quality and comfort the Grand offers. I spend a lot of time in my Jeep so the A/C, stero, and seats really mean a lot. The best keep secret is you can get a plain Grand with a V-8. It handles well and the fit is excellent. The Daimler crowd has done a nice job of fixing the past problems. I tried it off road and was surprised to find it handled well on dirt. Always owning 4X4s in the past it was hard to keep going, but I went safely into areas I would never try in some of the vehicles Ive owned. Overall it is a good package and offers more than I expected.

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  Lemon - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lou Szoke - March 23 - 10:56 pm

  My 05 Liberty diesel was in the shop for four of the first six weeks I owned it. It had to be towed 3 times for starting issues and could not be taken though any car wash as it would stall and not start again for 6-8 hours. It had an oil leak which was never fixed and the Chrysler Rep. from St. Louis was as rude and inconsiderate person as I have ever met. This was a very unfortunate situation that could have been handled much differently to keep a loyal Chrysler fan happy. Chrysler needs to take a close look at their customer service issues. Good bye Chrysler, Love my new Toyota!

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  Fun Little SUV - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By juice_weasel - March 22 - 7:41 pm

  To Jeeps credit they offer one of the few remaining SUVs with a stick shift. All others have gone luxury. I simply cannot stomach paying upwards and beyond 25,000 for a 4-banger (30k for a Outback with a 172hp, 2.5L,seriously?). As a person that prefers that smaller engines.4-cylinder, are mated to a manual this was the only real option in my price range. I purchased it at Elk Grove Jeep where there were 80 units on display. I knew I wanted a patriot and leaning toward a 4x4. From my experience test driving everything on the lot; avoid anything with the automatic, 2.0 or 2.4. Testing the 5M and the 2.4 with the 4WD off was immediately apparent. Torque off the line was strong!

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  transmission shudder - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Col Tomb - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Beware of the dreaded Chrysler transmission shudder in cruise. -seems its quite common. Its the wifes car and she doesnt object to it. If Id known about it, I wouldnt have bought the car.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By JEEPSr4GIRLz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Excellent reliability..can go anywhere...do anything. The soft top is easy to take on and off by myself in approx 7 minutes. I bought with a soft windowed door....next time I will buy with roll up window only due to the fact that when it rains, water will not come in from having to fold the window in when at a drive thru, etc.

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  I like it, I love it! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By bigmaninds - March 19 - 9:06 am

  I have 100,000 miles on my 2006 and not one single problem. I ask it to do something and without hesitation the Jeep does it. Plenty of room with my camping buddies and all our gear. Very reliable and wouldnt trade it for anything. Her name is "Billy".