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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  Great SUV - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Molly - June 14 - 4:53 am

  I have only owned my Jeep for 5 months, but am happy with what I see so far. I drive it to the mountains every weekend and use it to commute to school and have not had a problem yet. The only concern I have is that the gas mileage is not too great.

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  6th Grand Cherokee each keeps getting better - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Brawner - June 14 - 2:28 am

  The Grand Cherokee has been a quality built SUV since my first one in 1996 with no serious issues to deal with. My 2013 is a Laredo X which has the hemi, the 9 speaker sound system, and all the bells and whistles slightly short of the Limited edition. It drives and handles like a champ for an SUV, the gas mileage is challenge but to have the hemi power it is well worth it. I would highly recommend this model jeep since I have had 6 of them!

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  5th Jeep GC - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Roger - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive best describes the 2009 Jeep GC. The X-package give the Jeep owner all the best and desired options. 2009 was the last year of the 4.7 engine which is an awesome performer. The ride is incredibly smooth, and the interior is roomy and functional.

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  You get it all in the Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By DAC - June 13 - 12:20 am

  I traded a Wrangler Sport for my Rubicon. I found that the Rubicon would go where the Sport would only try to go ...without adding a lift, tires, and lockers. This Rubicon is simply a better stock Jeep. It has the same great features as the Sport such as the covertible top, ease in parking, and fun driving. In addition, I found that it will go off- road where the Sport could only dream of going with the Rubicons stock front and rear lockers, 16 wheel set, and the additional lift to accomodate the 31 wheels. This Rubicon is truly the Jeep that I would expect all Jeeps to be.

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  New 07 Sahara is excellent! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By blaire - June 12 - 1:56 am

  I have owned 2 previous Wranglers and by far this one is the best off the showroom floor I have ever seen. The interior is more spacious, comfortable, and quieter. The new 3 piece hard top is great and is easy to take off and put back on. One my favorite views of this Jeep is the rear, with the new hardtop it has a very mean look. I took it off road this past weekend for the first time and had other Wrangler owners in amazement at its capabilities. I am also very surprised that I am averaging over 20 miles to the gallon! I would highly suggest this vehicle to anyone who is looking for a fun vehicle with improved practicality!

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  Great Vehicle... Highly Recomended - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ryan Fraser - June 11 - 11:06 pm

  Short history - I traded in a 2015 Tahoe LTZ for this car. Traded in the Tahoe with only 10,000 miles on it, after numerous problems, rattles, quality issues, etc. Even with taking a major loss on the Tahoe, I am still so glad to have purchased my Grand Cherokee. I have had the Jeep for exactly a year, and have just recently passed the 20,000 mile mark. I can honestly say this is the best car I have ever owned. Great ride quality, comfortable cabin, intuitive controls and features. The list goes on and on. The interior quality of the jeep makes my old top-of-the-line Tahoe look cheap. When driving over railroad tracks, the brand new Tahoe rattled like a tool box! Not my jeep - Not one rattle, even after 20,000 miles. This car is a blast to drive, and is very capable off road as well. The Air suspension is a great feature! Highly recommended!

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  Performance and Style Review - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert Manning - June 11 - 3:13 am

  I traded in my 1998 Range Rover for my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/5.7 Hemi. Ill never go back to a Land Rover brand vehicle.

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  Love my Wrangler! - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By GEB - June 11 - 1:30 am

  Ive had my Jeep for 7 years. Ive had a few minor issues with it but most were covered under warranty. I beat the crap out of my jeep; both 4 wheeling and busting through the snow. The old stock tires arent that great but when you upgrade to BFG/AT, youll be impressed.

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  May have just been ours, but... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Mgoble - June 10 - 10:26 pm

  This was one of the worst cars we ever bought. It was our 3rd new car purchased. My mom loved the Surf Blue color, so we bought it. The service engine soon light came on twice in 2 weeks, both times it had to be serviced. The tire inflation light came on when the temp was under 50 degrees. We also didnt like it because it set lower than our other SUVs. It also stalled on us at red lights several times. Ours should have been LEMON yellow, instead of blue, we only kept it 5 months.

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  jeepers creepers - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By bob - June 10 - 2:06 am

  I have owned 4 jeeps similar to this one. The jk has the smoothest ride so far. All the nice things in the "S" package are great. I was really shocked about the drips and wind noise- -the worst ever. But my local jeep dealer in Clarion, PA fixed the problems.