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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  New car - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Porter - November 29 - 8:45 pm

  Ive only had the vehicle a month but so far Im pretty impressed. The interior looks high end, the ride is smooth. I love the overall look of the vehicle. Gas milage could be a little better and i think the engine is under powered i also hate the start/stop function. So far I really love car.

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  Impressed with the 4.0 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BBull - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used in 98 with 28K miles, still driving with 242K. Very impressed with the inline 6. Have replaced water pump, EX manifold, computer, etc. mostly myself for low cost. Trans rebuild at 152K. Recently changed idle air control valve and throttle body sensor; got back to average 19MPG in city & 23 MPG HWY. Solid engine, would recommend the inline 6 and would buy again but this one is till running literally like it was 12 years ago.

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  Stick shift, Fun and Economical - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By movingalong - November 29 - 12:50 am

  My wife and I are in our fifties and wanted a car that we feel we are driving instead of it driving us. We chose the 6 speed and discovered that we are averaging 20 MPG. A good share of our driving is between 40 and 50 mph. It seems that with a stick you can keep the RPMs lower (w/o lugging) and still have the HP when you need it. We are now at 8000 miles and just love this car.

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  Its a Jeep thing - you know! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AJeepThing - November 27 - 5:43 am

  I was lucky, my 94 JGC was not build on Monday! I got 245K+ miles on it with very little reliability issues. Water pump needed replacement after 160K miles ($450 repair) Transmission seal let-go after 210K miles ($475 repair for a $3.50 seal!). I just loved the interior pillow leather, great stereo system by Infinity and great air conditioning. I can drive for thousands of miles on trips and not get tired. Original engine with no oil leaks, strong compression check, plugs still runs clean after every 20K miles. Cat Converter + exhaust changed at 185K miles. I went synthetic in transmission, transfer case, differential, engine, steering pump. Parts inexpensive for 2 million JGC 93-98!

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  Best SUV for the Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - November 26 - 5:36 pm

  If youre looking for the best value in an SUV, the Patriot is it. I researched buying a car for about 8 months, reading all the reviews, going on test drives, etc. Nothing else could compare to the low cost and great gas mileage: 24 mpg combined average fuel economy in a 4x4 at under 17K. You cant beat that anywhere. Overall, the Patriot is really for people like me who would prefer a no frills, basic car at a great price. If you like more comfort and amenities and are willing to pay for it, obviously this SUV isnt for you.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Rachel - November 26 - 5:16 pm

  We bought this Jeep due to gas mileage and overall features. We spend lots of time outside and in the mtns and this Jeep has no problems keeping up with us. Even though it is a 4cyld it can keep up with our 8cyld truck in the mtns any day. It is full of great features as well. Very easy to drive and handle on the road and plenty of space for hauling stuff. One of our favorite vehicles ever owned. It is the size of a smaller vehicle but has many of the features of a much larger one.

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  Nice Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ski - November 26 - 5:00 am

  So far I think it is a great vehicle. Drove from Iowa to California no problems. Average of 23mpg for the trip doing 78mph average. Would only buy one with leather for the power seats. Im 6ft tall and without power adjustment I would have a hard time fitting. It is a bit noisy but hey its a diesel.

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  1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Railroader - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle off lease. It has most of the available options. Ive added a K&N Air Intake and FlowMaster exhaust. These additions, plus shifting the onboard computer into "police mode" probably get you close to 300 horsepower. This is a wonderful machine, capable of rugged off-roading and neck snapping on- road performance. Fit and finish were unsurpassed by any vehicle Ive owned to date. Truly fun to drive!

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  Cant wait to get rid of it...... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iamjimmya - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Ive now owned it for a year and half, and in that time I will have had to had done all the things that you read on this site: had the differential seals done twice because they kept leaking, brakes, fuel line seals(to fix pressure in the fuel line), and the bearings replaced on the back end. Bought it because I loved how it looked, how it drove, (and I still do) but should have paid the extra and bought a Toyota.....

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  AWESOME OVERLAND - UPDATE - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dave L. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Refer to Dave C. review earlier...I now have 68,500 miles on my 02 JGC Overland...original tires, brakes etc...I have not had any work done other than normal oil changes and tire rotation. Ive joined a local Jeep club and have taken the JGC in places I would never take my 4wd Dodge truck. Also took a Colorado trip and at 14k feet, the view is remarkable. Ill never own another SUV.