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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  Fun on the road - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Greggg - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Cherokee combines a very functional SUV with an attractive car. Its simple styling is timeless. Durability is outstanding with the truck suspension(not a fluff SUV wannabee). The ground clearance is great. So far, Ive had no problems with the Cherokee and use it for everyday driving and hauling an 18" pleasure boat.

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  Very Happy - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ncelik - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a very good lease deal on this vehicle. At the time, I was looking at the Passat. Across the street was a Jeep dealership. I went over and got out with a new Jeep. It costs me $100 less then the Passat, and there is NO comparison between these two. This is a much better familiy vehicle. The only thing going to Passats favor is fuel economy.

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  Great vehicle - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael Petrozello - September 28 - 11:28 am

  Very pleased, first JEEP after 50+ years of buying GM. Very well made, quiet, comfortable, powerful, good gas mileage, handles well, luxurious, very good looking, lots of bells and whistles....very pleased.

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  Really Like my Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carolina_gator - September 27 - 8:16 pm

  After 7 months I have 42,000 miles on my Jeep and still enjoy driving it. The V6 delivers almost 24 mpg on interstate using no ethanol gas, but loses at least 10% on gas with ethanol. Although it has as much horsepower as my Yukon, it has significantly less torque and the V6 works much harder to pull a 23 ft boat and trailer weighing almost 5600 lbs. The ride quality is very good and no warranty issues other than a completely dead battery in the first month. The 5 speed tranny upshifts smoothly but downshifts in and out of 4th gear frequently when encountering moderate grades, which is annoying. Overall, I am pleased with the vehicle and would recommend a Grand Cherokee.

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  Very Happy Owner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donald - September 26 - 1:33 pm

  This is a very nice piece of work for the price. It is my 6th SUV, including a BMW X-5, 2 Expeditions, a Blazer and a Bronco, and it is my favorite. Think of it as midway between a Subaru Outback Wagon and an Excursion. It is very agile given its hauling and towing capacities, and accelerates and handles as well on the road as the BMW X-5, which says a lot given its superior off-road capacities. The 5-speed automatic with "tiptronic" is easy to use and quite useful. The chassis is commendably stiff. The suspension is compliant and comfortable while still providing sporting handling. I recommend this vehicle highly.

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  Lovin my NEW 2011 GRAND CHEROKEE - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kristine - September 25 - 12:30 am

  Went from a 1999 Jeep Laredo to the 2011 GC Limited. Waited a year for this vehicle and absolutely love it. Wanted something with the fully capable 4-wheel drive function + a tow package. Kept telling myself after it comes out - wait 6 months to purchase but I didnt. Saw it - drove it- loved it - ordered it and now own it. Interior, exterior, features, functions, just love it all. Larger than my other one but still love to drive. Didnt like the 2005 - 2010 square body style - so happy with this one. I am 36 years old - and this is my first BRAND NEW CAR - I have ever owned. It definitely was well worth the wait. Go Jeep :)

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  2006 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nancie Payne - September 24 - 4:13 am

  I originally purchased a used 2004 Jeep Liberty Sport. I enjoyed the car but wasnt thrilled with the ride - it seemed a bit rough. I then decided to trade-in my Jeep Liberty Sport for a brand new Jeep Liberty Limited. Great decision. My Jeep Liberty Limited has in-dash 6 discs CD player - it has a stabilizer feature - 6 airbags - the ride is very comfortable and the interior is beautiful. The steering wheel has access to the radio/disc player which makes it very convenient especially when changing a disc. The fog lights work well in the fog as well as on dark streets in conjunction with the headlights.

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  awesome - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zeus149 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I had to put two rear ends in one year its fine now when you change gear oil once a year

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  Liberty, Great idea! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Not Mitch - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a reliable 4x4 that could take us ANYWHERE on the Big Island, accommadate everything and look tough in doing so. Having a brother do all the research was just a bonus. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, getting only 15mpg, however it is a V6 and we live on a mountain so...The toughest decision at this point is whether to have the windows tinted silver or black. Have considered getting another Liberty but think a Wrangler will be in order instead.

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  Nice vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ChrisPossessky - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Took the Liberty over Xterra at my wifes insistence and I am pleasantly surprised. Braking is excellent with 4 wheel disc and no ABS, handling is fine, interior controls took a while to get used to but all within eay reach and intuitive. Easily slips into and out of 4WD. Better than rated gas mileage - I did a 50+ mile commute on a snowy day in 4WD the whole way and go better than 19 mpg. My only complaint is the short seat and Im only 510".