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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  Going strong - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ibuyamerican - August 22 - 2:11 am

  This is our 5th Chrysler product, my 2nd GC and 3rd jeep. Purchased it with 122,000 miles on it. The interior is quite luxurious, the paint is in excellent condition, engine compartment is clean. This GC is the Rocky Mountain edition. We looked at Suburus, Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas and Fords. In the end this used GC fit the bill for us. Everything else was way overpriced for the year and features. The 4.0L is a reliable engine, everything seems to function well. For the money we couldnt find a better value. When its time for repairs we know we wont pay an arm and a leg for parts since most of this jeep comes from the USA. We just finished an 800 mile road trip no issues.

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  FUN!! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1fastsuv - August 22 - 1:13 am

  I ordered my 2006 SRT8 brand new in 06. It took 3 months to get but it was well worth the wait. I now have over 100,000 miles on it and have never had to do anything but change the oil. (and tires) Last month I put a carbon fiber hood on it, and right now its at a performance shop having a turbo installed. Its not great on gas but I didnt buy it expecting it to be economical.

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  Best suv ever with hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By gary - August 21 - 7:03 am

  One of the best cars I ever owned! Hemi power is great. Can average 23 mpg if I drive like I am 90 years old. Tried it! Otherwise I average about 18 mpg, racing everyone who will Dare! Great SUV. Does everything above average.

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  love that Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By karen - August 21 - 3:43 am

  I am enjoying driving my Liberty for errands and long trips. All passengers are very comfortable. Its a real pleasure to go shopping. There is plenty of room for packages.

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  Kaci’s review - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike - August 20 - 1:26 pm

  The back up camera is slow to turn on when you start the car but every thing else is great

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  The new 2005 Jeep with Hemi engine - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gary Gelman - August 19 - 8:00 am

  I had a Jeep for years and waited till the 2005 came out with the new body and all new features. I have never driven such a quality vehicle in this price range. With the new suspension and new Hemi 5.7 engine it is a truly wonderful drive. It has the pick up you need and the smoothness for complete comfort.

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  big power and huge fun - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By bigpower - August 17 - 9:23 pm

  I have a 2008 jeep commander 4x4 limited 5.7 big hemi v8 its power is simply amazing and is very fun to drive. the drive quality is the best even better than my grandmothers 2006 caddy dts and there is no road noise, I had a 2007 Nissan Xterra and the commander is by far the better suv on and off road plus better fuel economy. When I drive my commander I feel safe and in control its a great big safe suv with an ample amount of power thanks to the HEMI!

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  Hot off the lot! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jetblast117 - August 17 - 12:30 am

  I traded in a 2012 Chevy Avalanche LS for a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I am very impressed with the overall build of the vehicle. I can get the same gas range out of the Cherokee as if I was driving the Avalanche. It has a 24 gallon tank with a range of about 620 miles which is very comparable to my Avalanche. Gas mileage has improved in comparison and my insurance dropped $200 every 6 months after switching vehicles. I was not expecting to see that much of a dramatic drop and makes it even more worth the trade! The interior has a touch of European styling and very simple to understand. All my controls are on a touch screen.

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  Perfect - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By krstd3 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my Jeep very long but I just love it. The drive is great no matter if it is a long trip or short trip.. I wanted something that my family would be safe in and I found it..I will have a Jeep from now on.

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  Very good Ride - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob willington - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Good buy, this midsize SUV is a consumers dream. Great for teenagers. Fuel economic.