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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  Nothing like a Jeep! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JeepLover - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2001 Laredo w/4WD! Have owned 4WDs in the past but none performed as well offroad as the Jeep. Ive found myself in some sticky situations since buying it but my Jeep has always saved me. While not the most luxurious of vehicles inside, youd be hard-pressed to find an SUV made more SOLIDLY than a Jeep. Here in the south, I put it into P/T 4WD while driving in rainstorms & have never even slid, let alone hydroplane; always a problem w/prev cars. The folding seats & roomy cargo area let me fit just about anything in the rear easily. None of my prev SUVs made me feel more safe or secure than this one. We plan to always own a Jeep from now on!

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  Surprise, Surprise - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mr. Wright - March 27 - 6:50 am

  This is my fifth Jeep and my 4th Grand Cherokee. I want something a little more fuel efficent so I opted for a 6cyc. Had a 2007 Limited with V8. Burned a lot of gas. 2010 Limited only comes with Hemi. Instead I opted for the X package and am surprised at the performance of the 6cycl. It has just as much pick up, one of the quietest ride of any jeep I have owned and handling is smooth and nimble. I love the MY GIG system and many of the other creature comforts that come with the X package I have only had it for about two week and so far I am not seeing a significant difference in the Gas mileage but too soon to tell.

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  Lousy customer service - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep - March 26 - 4:53 pm

  Dealer was unsympathetic to my plight. EGR valve and engine light. everyone had same problem with the Jeep CRD but the guys at the dealership acted like there was no problem. Dealer had jeep for a week before it was fixed. no loaner car. Jeep customer service was terrible. You roll the dice if you get the CRD. Glow plugs had to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Brakes wear out quickly just normal driving conditions. Jeep did not get behind the Liberty CRD.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By bill pierce - March 26 - 5:00 am

  This is my first jeep, so I didnt know what to expect. Every chance I get the rag top and doors come off. The mileage is what was listed on the factory window sticker. I get 15 to 19 mpg with my jeep, and I do not baby it. With the 6 cyl engine it has all the power I need. I tow a small boat and also an 8 ft trailer on occasion. I tow it behind my motor home which is very convenient. I recently towed it to Big Bend where I spend 4 days of off roading. Performance was exactly what I expected. I would certainly buy another.

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  My New Jeep Review - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeep Dude - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I just bought this in Florida and drove it up to NY. It drove like a champ. I love this Jeep. I have alot of improvement suggestions below, which might make you think I hate it, but I dont. Its fun to drive. Its good looking. Its cool. Its practicle if you live in the snowy section of this world. And the other day, a woman waved at me. Go figure? Maybe woman really do like Jeeps. Plus, next to a dog, it really is a mans favorite plaything. (not including woman, of course) ;)

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  My midlife crisis vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By falcon7 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Jeep Liberty Renegade about a week now and both my wife and I love it. It has lots of power and is real fun to drive. The interior is well configured and has plenty of room. In researching this vehicle before I bought it, there were some complaints about the transmission hump getting in the way of the drivers legroom, we dont have any problems, (so Far)

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  TRANSMISSION - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By HONEY - March 24 - 2:00 am

  OTHER THAN THE FACT THAT I HAD TO BRING IN MY JEEP WITH ONLY 1000 MILES ON THE ODEMETER FOR TRANSMISSION WORK, I LOVE IT. MY TRANNI PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A LOOSE CONNECTION. IT RIDES GREAT, IS QUICK, & CARRIES ALL 3 OF MY ST. BERNARDS. IM VERY HAPPY THAT I TRADED IN MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER FOR IT. WOULS HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE.

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  SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE FORD - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JOHN D. - March 24 - 2:00 am

  THE RIDE IS TRUCK LIKE.THE FIT, FINISH, AND COLOR SELECTION IS GOOD. THE STANDARD V8 IS PEPPY, AND PULLS MY 5700LB BOAT AND TRAILER WITHOUT A PROBLEM.ITS GREAT IN DEEP SNOW, AND HANDLES SLIPPERY CONDITIONS WITH AUTHORITY.NOW THE PROBLEMS, THE WATER PUMP LEAKED AT 5000MILES. THE WINDSHEILD FOGS UP AT START UP WHEN COLD.THE ELECTRONIC DRIVERS SIDE MIRROR,THE DASH BOARD BEZEL,STEERING BOX, DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER, AND ENGINE IDLE CONTROL,ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20600 MILES.THE A/C DOES NOT COOL THE VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEEDS.THE SEAM IN THE CENTER OF THE FRONT SEAT BOTTOMS TENDS TO BE UNCOMFORTABLE AT TIMES.

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  Jeep Laredo 00 - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dawgy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Good solid vehicle. I really like taking it off road even though its not 4wd.

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  3.0 Ecodiesel Review 1 - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By c12ack - March 21 - 5:41 am

  First Jeep/Chrysler. First 4x4. First diesel. Bought new. Build date: 04/18/2015. Odometer: 381mi Previous SUV: 2007 Escalade. Was hesitant to pull the trigger. Reading bad reviews for 2014 model (electronics/Uconnect/tranny, etc.). So far so good. Diesel/tranny responds quick. Diesel lag is normal. Picks up quick on the highway to overtake or merge. So far averaging 26.5mpg 55-60% highway. Expect it to go up. Uconnect and drivers display is large, informative and sleek. Quick response to user input. Air suspension drops for easy passenger entry/exit. Overall cabin is spacious. Nice leather trim. Convenient/luxury features. Cant wait for 2nd review.