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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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jonesy1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I ever owned! The editors just dont know their stuff. Look at what owners say. The car ls beautiful, and its all wheel all-time drive is fantastic. It even saved my life once when I was forced offtheroad by a crazy driver. The only thing I would urge is for the Mfgr. to give a bit more seat room and lengthen the range of control over the seats.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M32762 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this jeep in April 2004 and immediately took a 12 hour trip to Florida with 4 adults and completely loaded with luggage and other items. Everyone was completely comfortable on the trip and had plenty of room. It drove like a cadillac only set up higher.

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  hello - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lindsay heggemeyer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is very fun to drive and it turns sharp to . it also gets going in a quick amount of time.

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  Dependable - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 28 - 12:20 am

  My Jeep has been very dependable and fun to drive. I had to replace the fuel pump while it was still under warranty and the water pump after 80,000 miles. I now have 86,000 miles on the Jeep and my only complaint is the noise the rear end makes when you let your foot off the gas. I have used the Jeep to pull a 21ft boat and stumps out of the back yard and it has performed very well. It has also not let me down in the snow when I ski in Vermont and New Hampshire.

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  problem already - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dentman09 - May 27 - 7:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle when it came to my bodyshop for some paint work, did a carfax and it was a 1 owner with low mileage, very clean, ran fine for two days, then the oil pressure gauge kept going on and off. I presume it needs an oil pump at 55,000 miles.Not happy.

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  Love My Jeep - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jim - May 27 - 6:10 pm

  I reviewed a number of SUVs and finally decided on the Grand Cherokee based on its rugged styling, Edmunds reviews and dealer incentives. Thus far, I am very pleased and pleasantly surprised by its performance, comfort and luxury features. Have you ever noticed how many Jeeps are actually still on the road? Theyre everywhere!

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  This is NOT a Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By cayoung85 - May 27 - 7:24 am

  Purchased this CAR a year ago. I have put 12k miles on it taking it to 54k. Hesitates on take-off. Most of the time I dont feel comfortable pulling in to traffic. Recently I started getting the creaking sound from the front end. Ended up having to replace both ball joints and control arms (since they are not sold separately) and a tie rod. $780. Looking for something else. Went from a Mustang Convertible to this. Just goes to show, dont marry the rebound girl. If youre looking for a Jeep, this is not it. This is a crappy old Dodge in knockoff Jeep clothing. So disappointed.

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  Good, not great. - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dulcimerplayer - May 27 - 3:51 am

  We bought our 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee in 2003. I think at the time it had about 40k miles on it. Like many others, weÂ’ve had to have had do to more-than-routine maintenance on the brakes; however, I must be fair and let you know that we drive in the mountains of NC pretty much on a daily basis. We researched the absolute heck out of cars before deciding on the JGC. My wifeÂ’s last car was a 1995 Honda Passport which absolutely about did us in in terms of maintenance (our mechanics put 4, I repeat, 4 engines in that car before it was fixed). Anyways, after doing much research, we found that the Jeep in-line 6 has one of the best reputations out there in terms of reliability, so we went wi

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  Zippy - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By Johnny Rocket - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  My wife and I got this Jeep for $12,700... NEW off the lot with 62 miles on it. We have the 2.4L with a five-speed. We heard the CVT was a turd and are very happy with a manual; my wife hates it, but I turn of the traction control and pull the parking brake, roll and smoke the front tires all day long. I dont like the styling its too round, but its my wifes car and she loves it. The transmission had to be replaced after 10,000 miles, it was not do to my abuse, but because of the syncro for 5th gear exploding on the freeway. We get on avg 28mpg with a mix of 50%city 40%highway 10%idling (I idle alot waiting on my wife while she is inside the store shopping and Im sleeping in the Jeep.)

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  A. Bananas veiw of a jeep - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Banana - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I think that this car is high quality and high perofrmance endurant. I would change however some of the interior designs, like the seats. My freinds who have Jeeps that are different colors and different years, have the same seat design as i do. I find that annoying cause now i think if i ever sell my old jeep, then Im not going to buy another one cause itll be exactly the same as my old one. you should change the seating in different cars. For example, if you make a red Jeep, make the interior black not brown. Thank You very much for your time. A. Banana