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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  Grand Cherokees have really changed- for the WORSE - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmp325 - March 23 - 10:17 am

  I have owned 5 Grand Cherokees over the past 15 years. This has been my worst experience by far, and everyone I know that owns one says the same. I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle, but thank goodness I did on this one or I may have spent as much in repairs as I did on the vehicle itself! Chrysler HAS to get their issues together. I cant imagine how many loyal Jeep fans have felt the same as me, and left for other brands. First of all, I had this vehicle for just 2 years. In 2 years, it was in the repair facility for 3 recalls, (including the famous gear shifter one) and also 2 more major issues. One of the issues kept my vehicle in the shop for 3 weeks, because the repair wasnt able to be performed without cutting into the body of the vehicle, (yes you heard that right- unbelievable!) and the last one put me in a dangerous situation when all of my electronics failed at once and my Jeep shut down in the middle of traffic. I immediately traded it in as soon as it was fixed. I have read countless other reviews regarding these issues. It is very sad because I LOVED my jeeps- they are sporty, well designed aesthetically, comfortable to drive, and very reasonable in price. However, the reliability and repairs were enough for me to leave the brand completely. I would not recommend this product for at least the next 5-6 years until they can figure out the issues and correct them.

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  Great SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lilsurfingsteve - March 23 - 8:26 am

  I recieved my car for Christmas of 2004. Since then, it has been a great car. The guy before me was not the best to it. It has a few dents and dings but not too bad. All Ive had to replace was the radiator. Im definitely going to buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee after I give this one to my brother.

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  I like Jeeps - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By laustin - March 22 - 5:46 am

  This is my 2nd jeep. I bought is used with 30k miles. I have had to replace the water pump, power steering pump, brakes, radiator. I love my car but the repairs bother me. I have 100,500K now and have to consider the next car I will buy. I feel very safe in this Jeep on the highway. I feel if I was hit I would stand a chance of living and this is what separates the Jeep from the Jeep wannabes.

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  Not bad - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By climber117 - March 22 - 1:10 am

  This is my third vehicle. It has the best fuel economy of any other vehicle i have owned. It is a solid vehicle that is practical and functional. I only have FWD but have had it off- road, and as long as its not sand it does fine.

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  Love the 2004 Overland Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gwen Kindt - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned two other Jeeps before and have had bad luck with them. I often wonder why I keep buying them. My 1999 Jeep gave me the most problems, bad brakes mostly. The dealership always helped and fixed the problems. I love the look of the Overland, the size and I can go almost anywhere. My friends have other SUVS and they are so big you can hardly fit them in your garage, forget about puting on a ski rack! So far my Jeep has been great, NO PROBLEMS Hopefully Ill have this Jeep for a very long time.

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  Not worth the money - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By leoswifefromny - March 21 - 7:06 am

  I just got this in feb and the stereo is bad doesnt sound good at all the car goes through gas alot the transmition seems like its slipping and the brakes push back at you when you brake i hate this car

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  the best auto i ever owed - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By matthew - March 20 - 1:43 pm

  Ive modified my rig a little removed the cat, bumper cover (clearance issue) k&n air, 20 mpg+. It has never left me stranded even after water pump goes distributor went for the last 6 mo. The fuel pump is on its last leg. But in -20 weather it still starts after some labored cranking it pops off every time and I only got it stuck once, 4 mile hike, chain, back on the road! Completely stock it has gone everywhere Ive wanted it to go (except deep mud holes) without question, hesitation or procrastination. It is a machine women can handle also, but Im so glad my wife hates it, more for me, for all I care me and my truck will take our business elsewhere. And thats why its the best auto ive ever owned.

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  yeah - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By go_leafs_go - March 20 - 2:33 am

  This thing has been a problem from day 1. Seems like every week something needs to be replaced. I had to put in a new engine at 88K and now it wont shift into overdrive and no one has any answers as to why. Ive put almost 15 grand into fixing this thing, Im ready to push it off a cliff!

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  Fun, But no winner - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Don P - March 20 - 2:20 am

  When it is running, it is fun to drive. Brake repairs due to leaks on two occasions. Transmission repair. Differential repair three times. Window motor failed. Dont do it to yourself.

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  Smile from ear to ear. - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Pat - March 19 - 3:00 pm

  This is by far my favorite vehicle. It puts a smile on my face every time I see it. The fuel economy has been surprisingly good 21 MPG. I have had zero problems with this Jeep. I love it and hope it lasts forever. I canÂ’t imagine driving anything other than a wrangler now. IÂ’m so glad I traded in the BMW!