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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  Awesome - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zac - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Black on Black Leather Limited Grand Cherokee from a co- worker who bought it new. It has 108,000 miles on its 4.7 Liter V8. The co-workers husband is a Chrysler Certified Mechanic, so I really found a Diamond in the rough since the 4.7s sometimes have major problems due to lack of oil changes. I love the Jeep. People always complain about the gas mileage, well people its a V8 Suv. Its NOT a Honda or Toyota or Hyundai. And none of those cars have what a Jeep has anyway. I would definitely recommend getting one to anyone who asks, just be warned that its not a hybrid.

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  Nice - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ken - July 10 - 3:03 am

  I got mine in 99 with about 60k on it. Mine is equipped with the 5.9 and the quadradrive, full time 4 wheel drive. this thing is your foul weather friend and nearly unstoppable. It just rolled 290,000 last weekend and with regular maintenance there is another 200k left in it. I still have the factory water pump factory fuel pump and original transfer case. Change your fluids my friends. It has never let me down and really never broke except for the A/C in 04 but who cares. I go off road and play in the mud so I beat this old thing. I tow with it including one 250 mile trip with a 8000 pound trailer way way over the weight limit and aside from poor breaking no heat issues. well worth it.

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  Great Driving Experience - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - July 10 - 12:33 am

  Far and away the most enjoyable and useful car to drive that I have had. (Ive had many) Very smooth, quiet and maneuverable, and sure footed; perfect for the Western N.Y. snow belt in which I reside. I did have a vibration in the drive train which was remedied under warranty by replacing the front drive shaft The dealership was very obliging and helpful. Got over 20 MPG on a recent 8500 mile road trip road around the country. While other reviewers have expressed some negative comments about their Grand Cherokee my experience has been entirely positive.

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  Affordable Ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Deborah Fowler - July 10 - 12:16 am

  What a wonderful alternative to huge SUVs and minivans. This great vehicle is comfy, fun to drive, and caries lots of kids and family. It is great to own a small SUV that is so versatile. The Commander handles well, rides smooth, and looks great!

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  I love my Jeep! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By litgrl - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I was a little leary of buying a used car, but I have had nothing but great experiences with my Jeep Cherokee. I love the way it handles on the road, the space my family has when traveling, and the extras it has. The only downs I have experienced are not great gas mileage, and it is a little too boxy for me (making it hard to dry when hand- washing it). Other than that, I love this vehicle!

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  Jeep GC 4.7L All Terrain Sports Car - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Timtjt - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The JGC with 4.7 V8 is fun to drive, around town and on the highway, it is rated to tow up to 6500 pounds with towing package, I tow a 4500 pound boat with ease, much easier than with my Ford Explorer. My wife drives it daily and loves it, itÂ’s not too large in traffic and parking lots and she likes the performance. The JGC has been reliable, the only problem it has been to the dealer for repair for was to have the front rotors and calipers replaced at no charge as part of a TSB. Its a JEEP!!!

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  WOW - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By MD - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the most fun vehicle on the road today. This is NOT a commuter car, this is a drop the top weekend convertible that can go anywhere. Chrysler has kept this vehicle true to its heritage. This was a suprise b-day gift from my wife - THANKS T.

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  From X5 to Cherokee Latitude - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By rlr23 - July 5 - 6:46 am

  Very pleased. Gas mileage has gone from 16 mpg to 27.5 mpg on the same route. Did not need 4wd or Awd . Happy with the performance of 2.4 engine. I dont mind how the 9 speed transmission works to maximize efficiency.

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  My first SUV - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Erin - July 5 - 1:10 am

  This is my first SUV and was kind of worried about the insurance and the gas, but after calling and found out that the insurance was half the price of my other car bad up for the 3mpg difference of what I was getting in my car. I drive 80 miles round trip to work and find it very comfortable. I bought this suv for myself, but my husband drives it more then me. I think it is time to buy him one now.

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  Jeep GC Overland - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By casey24 - July 4 - 8:30 pm

  Ive owned 1 wrangler,leased 3 GCs and 2 Libertys. I bought the Jeep Overland after comparing it with Land Rover, Benz and Audi. I was so impressed with Jeeps exterior,interior and price. I am a loyal Jeep guy and thought about the Land Rover, but the price was not worth the value. I love this truck and I am glad I stuck with Jeep. It is a head turner, very comfortable and the power is unreal. Every morning I look forward to driving to work because of the luxury and sound system and the ride. I know there is a new design out in 2011, but it will have to be drastic to get me out of this one.