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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  love my jgc limited - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jim kelso wa - December 4 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this Jeep over a year ago and it has lived up to its name. It has been a very reliable vehicle and gets around 15 to 18 mpg ( depending on my foot) it has had some minor problems but its 14 yrs. Old. Had to replace the drivers door, but its been a very good rig for me. I love it and plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Im a Jeep fan now - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By will4everownajeep - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I went to purchase a 2008 use Jeep Pat (drove 2 and a half hours because I found a good deal through a dealership online) but got there only to find out they had sold it 10 minutes before I got there. Ended up buying the 2009 Pat, it little bit more than I was wanting to spend but Im so glad I did. The interior is much nicer on the 2009. The great gas mileage and size were what attracted me to the Patriot. I wanted a small SUV with 4 wheel drive that wasnt a gas sucker. My whole family is GMC all the way, always has been, but I believe I will never own anything but a Jeep again. I love my Patriot!

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  Great SUV! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BillBatts - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had people stop me in the parking lot and tell me that they used to have a Cherokee in the 90s, and the raw looks of the 2011 will get them back in a new Cherokee. I am absolutely in love with this vehicle! It is 4" wider, 2" taller and 2" shorter in length. The finish is fantastic. The technology is amazing. The ride is tight and it is very roomy for someone 61".

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  Better than expected - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By r atk - December 4 - 10:00 am

  As the owner of a BMW X5, I was not expecting the quality and performance I got with the new 2011 Cherokee. so far its great! Firm solid ride with better than average ergonomics. best of all its a true all terrain four wheel drive. If it holds up half as well as my trade in, (1993 Laredo 206,000 miles) I will be happy.

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  Missed and Loved - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Natalie - December 1 - 11:50 pm

  I loved my Jeep. It was the first time owning a Jeep. I loved the power of the V8 and AWD. The gas mileage was not bad for having a V8. After having my jeep for almost 2 years, unfortunately my husband totaled it about a month ago. I am now debating on another Jeep Grand Cherokee or going with a car that is more fuel efficient, but afraid Ill miss the room and 4X4.

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  The Legend Improves - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BuckysJeep - November 29 - 8:53 pm

  I owned a 2001 Grand Cherokee that was a outstanding vehicle with no problems and this one looks like it may be as good or better that the 2001. A solid sporty and handsome SUV. I took a 600 mile trip with a mixture of interstate and mountainous roads and handled nicely and the seats are real comfortable. The 4.7 V8 is powerful and swift. The 5 speed transmission is a smooth shifter. You can tell that this vehicle has the influences of Mercedes. DaimlerChrysler has added some much needed creature comforts that the last generation should have had. I narrowed my choices down to a GC and a Trailblazer. I know I made the right decision with JGC.

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  GO JEEP GO!! - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hokie Jeep - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It is versatile, it is powerful, it is reliable, and most importantly, it is fun. I purchased mine with both tops, a decision I have yet to regret, especially in the wintertime. If you enjoy quiet and smooth rides, this is not the vehicle for you. This is the perfect car for off-roading and sun bathing (nothing better than having the top down during the summer time). And the slew of accessories by Mopar makes customizing my Jeep a lot of fun.

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  IM A BELIEVER - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Big Boy - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I searched the gammet for my newest SUV and researched all choices extensively. Ive heard a few bad things about the Grand Cherokee, and about the others. One thing Ive learned is not to believe anything you hear and only half of what you see. I know why JEEP is the leader in the industry. I have really enjoyed my trouble free 20,000 miles. I can see why 65% JEEP buyers are repeat.

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  I LOVE MY JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By r.k.b. - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If there was one thing I hope a reader will get from this it would be to test drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I thought these things would be loud and drive like a tank. Wrong. My Jeep drives more like a Cadillac and I can see the road so well. I feel much safer and my kids love the looks. I do regular maintenance and besides that its worry free. Thank you Chrysler Jeep of Tuscaloosa, you helped me make the best auto purchase of my life!

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  Fuel Efficient SUV? - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By VAbaby - November 28 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned my Patriot now for a month and a half and have 2500 miles on it. I love it so far and have taken one summer trip to the beach. This is a great SUV for fuel economy and price! I only wish they had given me cruise and a smarter VIC. I got a good amount of features and it makes for a great car. Love the headroom being 6 tall and the dash is great! Lots of little storage places and I love the solid rear storage floor rather than a stain-possible cloth. A must have for compact SUVs.