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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  jeep liberty sport for towing - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By richard barr - January 5 - 6:03 pm

  A great vehicle. Comfortable, fast, extremely reliable. Towing capacity of 5000 lbs. -- far above all other small SUVs except the Nissan Xterra, which is $5000 more and less reliable.

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  Early on assessment - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Carlos Kelly - January 4 - 8:13 am

  Leased one of first delivered. So far, very satisfied. Ride is great, interior is simple, but still elegant. Have family, and the back row is as great as we had hoped for two kids. Was very very surprised that this vehicle was priced a little under the Cherokee.

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  Terrible Seats! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terps02 - January 4 - 2:40 am

  After driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 8 months, my right leg started to go numb. I closely analyzed the situation and determined that the front seat doesnt line up properly with the pedals and the steering wheel. The brake pedal is too far to the left and it forces you to cross your right leg too far to the left when braking. Further, your body is always at about a 10 degree angle to the left from center because everything doesnt line up properly. I now have to sit on pillows to force my body to the left to feel centered in the seat. I will have to sell the car as a result of this.

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  My Rocky Mountain Edition - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MYKEE - January 3 - 6:13 pm

  I bought my 05 Jeep new last Nov. At 27k I havent had too many problems. The transmission recall was fixed. My A/C has stopped working 2x, but started when I got to the dealership. My sunroof leaked very bad at 11k miles, and was diagnosed as "mis-aligned". The downshifts have always been too rough, & it hesitates when trying to take off after putting into gear. I had an 05 Explorer Limited before this, but my Jeep has a far superior ride and comfort. That being said, I was rear ended a few months back by a Tacoma going 70mph & was very surprised to find minimal damage ($4,700). The rear glass and tail-lights didnt even break. I havent had any problems since I have gotten it back.

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  Uconnect and Jeep - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepsucks100 - January 2 - 8:41 am

  Trailhawk doesnt let you turn off the radio can only is mute it and then you have to turn off the touch screen or else the station info keeps displaying. When start car next time its all back on. Tech at it worst. Do not buy if you dont like constant distraction!

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  08 Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Texas Driving - January 2 - 5:53 am

  This is our 4th Jeep, 3rd Cherokee, and very pleased with the improvements over the 2004 Overland model we previously owned. Features such as - Stability Program, Anti Roll, Auto Dim Headlights, - are great. The interior is a big improvement over the 2004 model with a cleaner dash layout and a more comfortable/functional cabin. The performance of the 5.7 Hemi is excellent and delivers good fuel economy at highway speeds in the 20-22 MPG....better than the 4.7 in the 2004 model. City driving was as expected in the 14-16 MPG range....same as the 4.7 liter. Overall we have been very pleased with the vehicle

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  who wouldve thought - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KrisM - January 2 - 4:50 am

  We bought the GC for the Ohio winters. 4WD is great, but its the stupid little things that keep breaking. The lock in the rear hatch had to be replaced, the drivers seat broke (and we couldnt get another one that wasnt broken in the same spot, so it had to be welded), This thing eats rotors for breakfast, had to replace the water pump at 40k. Other than that, its a good vehicle

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  Fun and good value, but??? - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Achilles - January 1 - 8:40 pm

  I agree with everyone, it is a fun vehicle, and the 4.7l v8 is a thrill! I bought 2 Rocky mountain models, both with the 4.7s. My problem has been quality and Chrysler. One door had 1/4" drop, and the instrument cluster blistered. Chrysler llcs support and dealer support are non existent. After great hassle they have had the vehicle for > 36 days, and > 6 attempts. Worst part is that they have since caused more damage than if I had hit a deer. Bottom line is it is a really fun vehicle... But quality is questionable, and support of product is non existent! Hope this helps buyers find things before purchase.

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  Its a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jeepster0202 - January 1 - 8:33 pm

  After 3 other jeeps, my fourth will be my last of the newer jeeps, I traded up from a 98 to this 05, and cant get over how bad the gas mileage is, i have had all 4 cylinder jeeps and only regretted not having power, now i wish i had the mileage! Alot of Rattles in these, to many plastic pieces and clips,water leaks at body seams, and way to small. Basically if you want something fun, with for wheel drive and endless supply of aftermarket parts buy this! If you want comfort,and gas mileage this is not for you!

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wms7l - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Smooth as butter on and off road. I take it off road every weekend and it performs wonderfully. Great traction for driving in the rain. Take it through the car wash and it is ready to go to town.