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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  2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kazo - January 1 - 5:13 am

  With the Hemi and cruise control you can achieve around 17.9 mpg. Not bad for an engine with this much power. The engine does use 5w-20 oil though. Not a common gas station item. The ride however is excellent. Test drive one. The only concern is this is the first year of its production. Good luck, and happy hunting.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By EARL STEWART - December 31 - 1:53 am

  Ive owned many brands of fine cars and only one other SUV, which happened to be a Chevy Blazer. I thought I couldnt do much better for options and comfort. But when I got my Jeep and compared comfort and styling, I was pleasantly pleased with the total package of the vehicle. I am thoroughly enjoying my new ride.

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  Great car, okay MPG for type of SUV. - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Ryan W. - December 30 - 10:53 am

  This SUV is awesome!!! Sure, gas mileage isnt all that great, but who ever said you had to have great gas mileage to have a great car is stupid. For me, this car is great! Its just me in it most of the time, but I have many siblings and this helps me take them around when Im taking care of them for a while. I average about 19 miles to the gallon so I think they new EPA estimates arent accurate on that. Dont believe the numbers because thats driving the car like a stupid teen. If you drive responsibly, then youll get about 16 in the city and about 23 on the freeway. Enjoy!

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  The BOMB!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jumbo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My personal opinion is the Jeep Liberty is way better than the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyndai Santa Fe. I have owned a 93 Jeep Cherokee. It is a "Classic" and in good condition.

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  I was surprised - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By The Devil - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I had the Renegade in "Extreme" Off- Road conditions, and it performed above and beyond what I expected. Most of the time I didnt even need to use the 4- Wheel Drive system. Heres a hint though:In the owners manual , it tells you to remove the side step/running boards. You best do it !!They knew what they were talking about.

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  Still Going Strong Great S - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepkayakgrl - December 28 - 4:35 pm

  I have had a 1996 Limited Grand Cherokee since 2002. I like everything about it and it only has minor problems that need fixed. I have only had some major work on it done every few years usually the same stuff. This jeep stays outside year round in all weather conditions and it still gets me to point A and B without any problems. A jeep this age of course needs routine maintenance so its understandable when it has issues. I truly enjoy driving this jeep even today and I still have people ask me about it and people still comment it. I am sorry for all the owners out there that have had problems with theirs I will have this jeep till it stops running a truly great suv to own! Thanks Jeep

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  The best vehicle ever! - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Moneygoose - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Obviously, you buy a Jeep because there is no alternative. No other SUV can match the fun factor that comes with the Jeep Wrangler. Removing the top, part time 4WD, the cool headlights... Not to mention that it can go anywhere. AND, you get to wave at every other person on earth that knows what you know when you drive by them in their Jeep.

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  Best Value Out There for an SUV! - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rockinroller - December 25 - 7:03 am

  This is my 2nd G.C. in a couple of years. What a treat to drive! Compared to the foreign bubbles and even Ford and GMs tired designs, the Grand Cherokee has them beat, hands down. Chryslers incentives are the best in the industry. Gas mileage is consistently in the high teens around town and low to mid 20s on the highway. The 6 cylinder engine has great low end torque and doesnt feel like its straining at all, uphill or on acceleration lanes on the freeway.

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  Best choice for the money!!!! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kam - December 25 - 4:26 am

  We love this vehicle. We bought the straight 6 so we avoided a lot of the headaches associated with the 4x4. An SUV that is reliable and fun to drive. I will never own anything but a Jeep from now on. It has pickup when you need it.

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  Loved My Jeep - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By lovemyjeep4 - December 24 - 4:21 am

  Purchased used, Limited with Hemi in 2008 for $22k with 19K miles ! (Original sticker was $41K Fully Loaded with all the trimmings. Practically stole it as gas was over $4 per gallon when I bought it. Best car I ever owned! No major problems. Drivier power window motor replaced - thats it in 4 years. No transmission problems. Due to loss of job, sold this past weekend for $17k. Practically ZERO depreciation. Cant wait to buy another one! Would recommend to anyone.