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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  Tough and Luxurious - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By motordude - February 16 - 12:53 pm

  This is the fifth Jeep I have owned and my most favorite. This is the perfect sized SUV. I like this Jeep much better than the 2005 and newer models. The new models have horrible interior materials unlike the 99-04 and the biggest faux pas is that they no longer have that indescribable "Jeep" ride and feel. The 99-04 models have ergonomics that are perfect. Every related function grouped together. All light functions are on the stalk, unlike Toyota for example. Same goes for both front and rear wiper controls; 1 stalk. The heat and air controls are a model of simplicity. 3 round knobs that operate with precision. The best feature is the design and comfort of the leather heated seats

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  Three Jeep Family - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 17thmichigan - February 16 - 11:37 am

  I bought my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited in August 2008 and love it. Ive only had a few minor repairs done to it. My Jeep is properly maintained with all fluids being checked every time I take it in for an oil change at 3,000 miles. Of course having a son who is a service advisor at a Jeep Dealership helps. LOL We also own a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo which is still going strong at 198,000 miles, and a 2010 Jeep Liberty Limited. We are and will remain a Jeep family. Before our current Jeeps we owned 94, 98, and 2000 Jeep Cherokees.

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  Sweet ride - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Shannon Bushong - February 16 - 2:43 am

  I love my new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the comfort of this vehicle is superb and love all the options we can choose from!

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  the "Jeugo" - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iceman36 - February 15 - 12:33 pm

  The moulded interior of the 2002 JGC Laredo reminds me of a childs cheap plastic toy. The drivers side is so cramped that I can barely keep from stepping on my own feet. The glove compartment is so small that the only thing that will fit in it is a pair of gloves. And finally, the car vibrates in idle.

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  nice suv - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tanyaduke - February 15 - 10:00 am

  it has been a good car!

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  nice car- but mine keeps breaking down. - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By bobsanfran - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1998 Sahara Wrangler but after 66,000 miles it lives in the shop now. Every 10,000 miles - some thing breaks. 66,000 miles the Radator broke 70,000 the AC compressor siezed 74,000 the Exaust manafold craked 80,000 the clutch unit and other transmission parts needed to be replaced 90,100 - in the shop again - the computer is broken - they are trying to see what broke it.

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  needs better gas mileage - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Virg752 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my jeep liberty. its comfortable, it drives well, and it is fun to drive. the only complaint i would have to make is that it uses a whole lot of gas.

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  First 6000 miles - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob mac - February 15 - 10:00 am

  In 6000 miles,Ive had to have the Air Conditioner repaired, the brake light replaced and the rear brake rotors replaced.

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  Fun adn Reliable - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doug Thompson - February 15 - 12:16 am

  Have owned the Wrangler 5 years no maintenance issues, replace the belt and rear brakes over 57,000 miles. Passing this one on to my son and buy a 01 Wrangler for me

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  Not a Long Road Trip Vehicle - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Chris Z. - February 14 - 5:16 pm

  Drove this over 1,200 miles inside 3 days, mostly on the interstate. The base model has some of the worst seats Ive ever experienced in any vehicle. If your waist is anything over 28" youll be squirming to get out in two hours. There are two metal bars on the outer-side of the seat cushion that can be felt under about 1/2" of foam... very uncomfortable. The wind noise is incredible; turn the radio off and thats all youll hear. And the smallish tank means youll be hitting the gas station in around 300 miles... our low-fuel light went on at 271 miles from a full tank, averaging 70 MPH on the highway. If this is your terrain vehicle or around the town SUV then youll be fine. If you plan a long road trip in this PLEASE do yourself a favor and spend more time in it then the typical round the block test drive from the dealership.