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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  The best jeep - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeeper02 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is the best and most reliable jeep i have owned. My family has 4 others cherokee, CJ-7, Wrangler, and commanche. The engine is great. Will pull most things easy. Drives great in the snow with trailer. Very realiable.

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  ITS BEEN GOOD - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep282 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I got my jeep grand cherokee with 114,000 miles. ITs been a great car. Ive had it for several months and ive had little problems. I had to replace the exhuast manefold cuase it cracked, but ive been reading up its a thing that happnes on jeeps so that was about 600 to fix. and it doesnt bother me because i got such a good deal on the jeep. Even at 115,000 miles now its a great truck to drive. 4 wheel drive is the greatest. THe stereo sucks though, so i replaced it.

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  Once a Grand Cherokee Doubter - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By warreaglpam - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this has been an excellent vehicle. A couple quality problems at purchase, with stereo and front passenger seat. Quickly replaced. This car has been involved in 2 accidents with significant damage. Quality of repairs by Jeep Dealership excellent. Still a blast to drive and looks great. Interior holding up beautifully at almost 150,000 miles. Only mechanical problem experienced happened at around 144,000 miles: fuel pump. We have gotten a great value in this SUV.

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  Never Again... - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dissapointed - November 10 - 8:10 pm

  This was the first vehicle I bought brand new. If I have ever had a vehicle nickel and dime me, it would be this one. Little things that arent covered by the warranty. It started about 20K miles, with the brakes, and went downhill from there, rear axle, power steering, an electric window broke (in the winter), and CD player to name a few. If you dont mind the little fixes, go ahead and buy one. If you want a vehicle to stand by their warranty and is proud of their name. Dont go with any Chrysler. I love to drive this car, but I cant stand the "issues". I have never EVER put as much money into all of my cars combine, as I have put into this one.

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  Love my jeep - only one problem (so far) - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SonoAndrea - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2000 JGC brand-new, then purchased at the end of my lease. I had one problem that took a year and 6 visits to the dealership to fix - presented as a problem with the coolant resevoir and ultimately turned out to be a cracked head gaskets. No problems whatsoever since this was fixed. I drive 90 miles per day, mostly highway, and get about 21mpg. I have thought about trading for something with better efficiency or newer and more reliable, but cant find anything I like as much. Only time I have trouble is when the roads are icy (rear wheel drive), but thats my problem for not going with the 4x4. I love my Jeep and plan to buy another in future.

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  My 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokke LE4x4 Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Geico - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my Jeep to the Extreme, I have made it go into 4 feet of water with absolutly no problem. I like the the way it picks up speed quickly. Ride is not so soft but its not too hard like the Nissan X-terras. The SUV looks quite stylish and a little expensive looking. The Tailgate door needs a little more of a matching design. the rear tailgate door looks a lot like its relative the Dodge Minivan. Ive seen the new 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee they look nice but still no third row seats. But yes I do recommend eep other than it seems like most Jeeps have a rear light problem.

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  I LOVE IT......... - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By treeovus - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Had this pure white puppy 2 weeks and wife and I love it. Our son bought one last year and as we drove it and rode in it. WE HAD TO GET ONE.

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  Great in the snow - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike - November 10 - 12:10 am

  This is our second Grand Cherokee. We travel a lot in the snow and ice. We have yet to find a better vehicle for that purpose. Handled our snow mobile trailer with no problems, even in deep show. The ride is 100% better than our 2003. Mileage averages 18-20 on the highway when I keep my foot out of it. (we have the Hemi)

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  2nd wrangler - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By RC - November 8 - 2:50 pm

  I had a 1997 wrangler soft top w/ a 4 cyl and I loved it. Finally drove it into the ground so I bought a 2008 x. Coming from a 4 cyl to the new v6 I dont have a problem with the power that many ofter people seem to. The 2008 has power everything, 6 speaker stereo system, a 3 piece freedom top. Its a huge step forward over my old Jeep and I love it. The only thing I dont like as much as my old Jeep is the fact that the passenger seat does not roll forward like my old Jeep did which makes it harder to get into the back seat.

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  A Forever Friend - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marcy hudson - November 8 - 2:10 am

  I am actually sad as I move towards replacing my first Jeep (Grand Cherokee) after our 12 years together! I purchased this vehicle for a move to Northern Minnesota and it has proved to be a fabulous investment. It has performed wonderfully on my many trips and adventures, on-road and off, and is as beloved to my friends and child as it is to me. It saved my life when I spun off an icy highway and landed on a mound of snow unscathed. My Jeep braved a record cold winter (dipping to 60 degrees below zero) without missing a beat and has never failed to get me to my destination. In the past, I was in and out of the shop with a fussy luxury import. Now, I am a "Jeep" girl!