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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  Wishes for 2011! - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rick - January 12 - 11:10 pm

  Grand Cherokee is the grandest vehicle, my all time favorite, fourth I had!

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  DONT DO IT! ! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeremy - January 12 - 11:58 am

  I will never ask anyone to get this kind of vehicle! It was my dream car. I got mines from a dealership, saw car facts, clean title no accidents. Only 1 owner. really nice looking. This vehicle is not worth it. Too many mechanical problems. Once one thing messes up everything messes up! I was very good with keeping up with the car, but not even that could stop it. Out of the 2 1/2 years ive had it ive probably driven it for 8 months. At one point I had it parked for 2 months straight. Towed it to different mechanics not one could figure out what was wrong with it. Spent almost the same amount I paid for it. Fixing it. Its not reliable. It turned off on me 2 times on the hwy going 60. So scary!! Its was to the point where I could only turn it on 2 times a day & that was it. Till the next day it wouldnt turn on. It would stall, battery would drain every other day. I had re wiring done still wouldnt work. Nothing sucked more then getting stuck in traffic because the truck would turn off. It was just too much. I would not recremend this vehicle. Worst decision ever.

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  Great Vehicle - but technology has glitches - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe Rindfuss - January 12 - 11:42 am

  2014 Grand Cherokee – Overland Edition. After driving 4-Runners for years, I made the switch to Jeep and love the luxury and smooth ride. I live in upstate New York where 4WD is really only needed a dozen or so days a year. However, it’s on these days with heavy snow that I miss the clearance of the 4 Runner, and actually got my Jeep stuck twice last winter, but it probably had more to do with the low profile tires than the 4WD. Luckily, after digging myself out I was able to sit on heated seats and grab a warm steering wheel, which are my two favorite features. My main complaint is the Navigation System – I would recommend skipping this option and buying a GPS since the Chrysler navigation system WILL get you lost. I’ve even been directed to turn up one way streets in the wrong direction! Plus, if you are driving you cannot enter addresses into the system and the voice recognition is completely useless. The first time it understands an address I give it will be the first time in over a year it’s ever understood an address. It’s no Siri!! If Jeep can fix the navigation & voice recognition system I would buy another Grand Cherokee.

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  I love my Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Nelson gridales - January 12 - 10:37 am

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  Will Never Buy Jeep Again - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By hbfamilyof4 - January 12 - 1:26 am

  We have a 2006 Liberty and have had nothing but problems with the windows. First the rear driver side window just slid down one day about 6 months into the lease and never came back up again - we had never even lowered the window once since we got the car. Today, about 18 months into the lease, the drivers window did the same thing. I asked the service manager to inspect the other 2 windows so I dont have to come back 2 more times for the same problem and he said no - they have to break first. Jeep knows about the problem and refuses to issue recall - beware!!!

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  Traded it after 22k miles. - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - January 11 - 3:28 pm

  I believe the 2015 Grand Cherokee is one of the finest looking SUV on the market. The Overland with V8 is a 90k dollar vehicle in a 50k dollar price range. Ride quality, design, and performance are excellent. However the fuel economy is terrible. In town was 13 at best highway 18 combined 14. After 5000 miles there was blow by smoke on star up. Dealer said it was normal. After 10.000 miles strange rattle in dash. Dealer couldnt locate noise. When running at low speeds in Eco mode loud vibration under driver seat. I had the vehicle for 18 months just traded it for 2016 F150 3.5 Ecoboost. More HP and torq plus 3 to 5 MPG better in all areas. Plus a 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds in a full size 4 door 4x4 truck. Full second faster than the jeep. Worlds better 4x4 and better overall vehicle.

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  Excellant SUV - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep6855 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. is the best SUV I have ever owned. Everything has functioned perfectly in everyway and for a V8 4X4, 21-23mpg on highway is great. Also think the ride is just about perfect, not too smooth and not too firm.

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  This isnt my fathers JEEP! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JimSonn - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The comfort, performance and styling make this one of the most fun cars Ive ever driven. Ive got 10,000 miles so far and have had not one problem.

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  Jeeps are dependable - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By lil - January 10 - 5:03 am

  I bought mine new and put every mile on it. Over 155,000 now and I like it just as much as I did when I bought it. Only needed one repair. Keep the oil changed and kept it clean. Been an excellent vehicle.

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  Better Fuel Mileage PLEASE - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By fdkenny - January 9 - 10:00 pm

  Unique atyling. Outstanding ride for an SUV. Big and roomy for my three children. Performance is good for the 6 cylinder. This Jeep definitely is a head turner. But fuel mileage is HORRIBLE-16 MPG on the road and 14 around town. My 2000 4Runner got 20 MPG consistently.