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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  Will Never Buy Jeep Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M Hatfield - March 9 - 2:06 pm

  Bought 2005 GC used in Aug 2006. Vehicle has been nothing but problems - steering column replaced, computer system replaced (at Chryslers cost), EGR valve replaced. Vehicle only has 46,000 miles on it. Vehicle would stall while driving, wouldnt start on first try - Jeep service dept didnt believe me when I told them it just "died" while driving. Now theres a rattling sound when slight pressure is put on gas pedal.

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  ITS A LEMON - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trixy - March 2 - 10:00 am

  WHERE SHOULD I BEGIN , I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE I LIKED THE LOOK AND BECAUSE OF THE 0 % FINANCING.BIG MISTAKE I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE BMW X5 WHICH HELD ITS VALUE COMPARED TO THE JEEP.IVE HAD PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND NOW THEY TELL ME ITS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 36,000 MILES.

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  Its Ok - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Look around - March 1 - 4:33 pm

  The vehicle has been in the shop quite a few times almost from date of purchase. Key wouldnt come out of the ignition? Factory radio replaced three times, window rattle, mirror separating from a pillar causing a loud whistle after 45mph. The ride is fun but gas is expensive so it turns into a from A to B vehicle. Average 16-17 in town and 18-22 on the highway. Dont use the AC or it could be worse. Not much space either. If you want an SUV buy something else. Some wagons have more room. Jeep hasnt been the most supportive either.

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  good not great - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dummy1234 - February 28 - 7:09 pm

  great size,rear wheel drive but 3.6 does not have quite enough torque - as most v6s go. nice ride but for a new engine needs better gas mileage. meaning 6 speed transmission. i guess the 24 gal fuel tank will give range but at the pump $80 is steep for a fill up?? and price is very steep for upgrades.

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  DISASTER! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Springfield - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had tremendous problems with this car. The rotors are terrible. I have had them turned 5 times in two years. I will soon need to totally replace them. There are countless other problems that I have had with this vehicle. Worst craftmenship I have ever seen in a vehicle. I have had two Jeeps prior to this one that did not have problems. I would have bought another after this but will never again buy a Jeep considering the hosing I got on this dud! These need to be recalled (at least for the brakes)

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  Never Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scott - February 18 - 6:43 pm

  I love my Jeep, but I cant give the company any further business. Warranty repairs that charge a deductible, parts that wear out in less than two years (and ARENT covered under warranty), and a customer service agent who told me that she didnt need my business. Just noticed that there were ZERO Chrysler products (including Jeep) were recommended by Consumer Reports: Im buying a new vehicle in the next three months and it (sadly) cant be a Jeep.

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  1999 Jeep Gr Cher Lmtd - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chad_3097 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  My jeep has only 75,000 miles on it and this is the second time the drivetrain has been worked on. Most recently the rear differential went out costing $1600 to fix, the transfer case and the front differential have all been worked on also. I love the engine but the 4 wheel drive system is subpar to say the least.

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  Disapointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By FAL762 - February 14 - 10:16 pm

  This is pertaining to the limited model with the quadra trac II. Was not a fan of the "all time 4wd". Controlled 4wd seems like it was designed for people who do not know how to use 4wd and need it controlled for them. Brakes were always worn and I was very easy on them. Electronics always seemed to have a problem. The gas line, leak detector, water pump, EVERY seal and gasket, radiator, and lock actuators all went under 75,000 miles. It seemed to have a new leak every month. Parts are extremely expensive. Unknown high pitched wine coming from the front axel. I sold it before I found out what that was. Paint chipped as well.

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  Think Twice about Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lagunagirl - February 14 - 12:00 pm

  I am on my second Jeep Grand Cherokee now and will not purchase another. My first Jeep, a 2001 needed constant brake replacement and the transmission and transfer case both broke down. My 2005 Jeep currently has 37,500 miles and the mounts on the transfer case/transmission went out while I was driving and I was stranded at a busy intersection. Now, even though I have an extended warranty...Chrysler may not cover it. They also make you service the differentials every 12,000 miles at $300 each time...no other car company I called required this. The brakes on this car have also been replaced 3 times. I am done with Jeep.

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  Watch out for bad O2 sensors - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Riggs - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to replace both O2 sensors in a span of less than 6 months. Jeeps have two of them. It will cost you over $200 bucks to change each O2 sensor unless you know how to change it yourself. Steering is a problem. When making tight turns the front wheels will shake and pull. Other than that, the Jeeps are a decent vehicle.