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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  Best suv i have ever rode in! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rozzyroz - November 22 - 3:03 pm

  This is the third JGC that we have owned since 1999. we have had a 1999, 2002 and this 2005. the 2002 had a steering pump hose burst on a -20 degree day, but i guess you would have to expect that.. the other two have never had any problems. we have long commutes to work and school for my son, when we had to replace the 2002 after an accident, we decided to try other suvs...after all the test drives, we both agreed that none of them stacked up to the jeep. the leather interior, the 4.7 v8, the sunroof.. all awesome. looks great,and drives even better. we get some nasty snow in the Ohio area, so we are thankful that jeep offers such a superb 4 wheel drive in a great package!

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  Love my jeep hemi - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hemi - November 19 - 8:26 am

  This is my 3rd jeep. 1992 Jeep Laredo, 1997 Jeep v-8, and 2007 jeep hemi. I loved them all and they all were great vehicles to drive. i love the 4 x 4 system. In Michigan we get big snow and thats when i have the most fun.

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  Range Rover Worthy! Worth EVERY Penny. - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4WHEELER - November 18 - 5:56 pm

  The 2011 JGC Overland is the best vehicle I have ever driven. The ride, handling, interior refinement, exterior detail, paint luster, amenities and performance are unsurpassed. First rate materials inside and out! The pearl-coat paint is suburb. Rich authentic interior wood accents; sumptuous leather seating areas, dashboard surfaces and door trimmings are unheard of in such an affordable vehicle; and the contrasting color carpeting is gorgeous, appropriately tough and pleasant on ones feet. Everything rivals the costlier Range Rover. The large panoramic sunroof lights up the high quality interior whether opened for fresh air or closed. The sunshade is smooth to operate when need be. Sharp!

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  Overall is a great car. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Walter Dandridge - November 18 - 6:45 am

  The thing I liked most about it was the handling and driving on the highway. Didnt use it off road so dont know how it would perform but does well in snow. The electronics would occasionally not work, back up screen would go to a blue screen and not work. The rear view mirror on the drivers side obscured vision when turning corners. Would probably purchase another one.

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  Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Rynestone - November 15 - 2:33 am

  The Patriot handles much better than I expected. The stability control works great on hard corning. Road noise can be heard in the cabin, but its not too bad. Stereo system sounds great.

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  One Fine XJ - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chuck - November 14 - 12:16 am

  Bought used, private party in 05 w/53k miles. Have replaced water pump and front brakes and rotors. Using ceramic rotors is a big help and so is upgrading the rotors with all of the reported problems. This solves them all. Am about to replace front tweeters. OEMs had problems. Also have a 90 YJ w/263k mi. Jeeps are tough, but theyre not perfect. Havent had a vehicle that was, but Jeeps are among the best out there. Like any vehicle, maintenance is extremely important. In reality, there are a few bad vehicles, but mostly bad owners that the vehicles take the blame for. Use common sense and good maintenance practices and itll treat you well. Would definitely buy another.

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  Ive Been Waiting for a Jeep Like This - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Eric in California - November 13 - 5:00 am

  My 97 Wrangler was stolen and I was forced to buy another SUV after a decade of loving my first Jeep. Boy am I glad I rented a car for months waiting for this Jeep to show up in CA. I loved my Jeep and it was tough to lose it, but my pain disappeared almost instantly once I test drove the 07 Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. I was hooked. It was far fancier. I never thought I would get into the comforts of this upgraded model, but they are easy to get used to. Four doors are awesome and extra cargo...I needed all along. Everyone that drives in my Jeep loves it. After a year I am still in the infatuation stage. Jeep did right on this one. Heres to another decade, or much longer I hope!

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  3rd Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kevin Straight - November 12 - 10:50 am

  This is my 3rd new Jeep since 1996. The first, a Cherokee Country impressed me immensely, giving nearly trouble free service during 6 years of ownership. Replaced by a 2002 Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 4.0 engine. I was happy with the design but mechanical problems, while never putting it out of service, were exasperating. The fuel mileage was underwhelming too. This new Grand Cherokee Laredo offers better ride, better build quality, much better performance with a 4.7 V8, and (believe it or not) better fuel economy! My one gripe is that for an extra $225 the paint quality should not exhibit the flaws I have found.

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  Love Jeeps - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Doc Savage - November 11 - 7:10 pm

  This is my 4th Wrangler (still have the 98). I enjoy the open air fun and offroad ability of the Wrangler. Been a rag top man for years and love the open air.

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  1 Year with our Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Larry Hogelie - November 10 - 10:00 am

  We have been quite happy with our Liberty. We have had very few problems (rear hatch window blew out, power locks cycling, brake sqeak. All repaired without incident. This Jeep has amazing off-road ability. It will climb a rock strewn creek bed better in 2WD than than other brands in 4WD. Amazing. This is the my 9th 4x4 I have owned. My biggest disappointment is the fuel economy. I get the same highway mileage as my I did with my 93 GMC Suburban. To me this inexcusable. I know that a full size Chevy 4WD extended pickup delivers a real 2-3 mpg better than my Liberty. If it wasnt for the poor mileage I would have given our Liberty a much higer rating.