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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  Need more - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pfunk - August 17 - 9:13 pm

  I just cant wait for all the aftermarkets to come out, Ram-air and turbo-charger

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  Short Time Owner - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By TFB - August 17 - 8:00 pm

  Weve had this vehicle several weeks now and love it. Dont believe expert reviews - look at one and drive it yourself. I came very close to passing this vehicle up based on expert reviews, but Im glad I reconsidered and drove one. An excellent, solid, quiet well built vehicle

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - August 17 - 5:56 pm

  I have an 04 Grand Cherokee, so the Liberty is actually my wifes vehicle. The V6 provides a good amount of power, more than I expected. At first, I wasnt a fan of the Liberty. I thought it looked a little wimpy, but its grown on me. Could use a bigger glove box and map pockets. Im a big-time Jeep fanatic and let me tell you, the off-road ability of this is nothing short of amazing.

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  Get One! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Love it! - August 15 - 11:53 pm

  Got this for the Sky slider roof (trading in a Miata because I needed more space). Now I have a "convertible SUV" with all the space and comfort I need. Even my 74 year old dad says that it rides beautifully! Highly recommend!

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  All exellent consumer reviews Why do the pros not like this vehicle - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By adrexel - August 14 - 4:44 pm

  I have a 2004 wrangler sport and just traded in a 2009 grand cherokee with a quadra trac 1. Living in maine I wanted a vehicle that was trail rated and could seat 5 and tow 5000lbs This liberty fit the order. My wife and I love it. I being older the crossovers do not appeal to me if I want a soft ride I would by a car. Great vehicle!

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  Strong and Durable - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By brian sweeney - August 12 - 7:16 am

  The 1994 Jeep has been an exceptional Car/SUV. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. It has provided peace of mind and made transportation a pleasure because of its reliabilty. Through storms and bad weather Its strength has made for an easy ride. Truly, a classic.

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  Great Vehicle!! - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Solid Beuaty - August 12 - 4:40 am

  156K+ miles and she is solid and strong. I am very pleased with the reliability of this truck (former honda, vw, nissan driver), and try to maintian the basic services, oil changes, ect. 20.5mpg +/- 0.7 on 87 Octane. One minor problem with the wiring rubbing under the Power Distribution box, which affected the aux electric cooling fan, but following a $100 repair, she has required no other expenses. Strong recommendation as a sturdy no frills vehicle. Driven every day in AZ heat 110+ with no overheating.

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  Departed Friend - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kyle - August 11 - 10:06 pm

  I recently totaled my Jeep Grabd Cherokee. I had 165,465 miles on it. It was absolutely reliable until 150,000 miles when the power steering, starter, and catalytic converter went out. I bought it with 7k miles on it and it was the best vehicle I ever owned. Wife is now driving the 2005 Grand Cherokee. I also had the problem with the differentials. Dont let the dealer scare you! They pressured me at 90,000 miles to replace them. Well at 165,000 miles they were still holding up. I also did not let them mess with the transmission.

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  Better then the other - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lenin - August 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has made me feel more alive. I am only 36 and I cant get away from the car. You will love this car after you buy or lease it.

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  GC Limited Ecodiesel - Mileage & Torque King - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sbackart - August 11 - 1:34 am

  Recently switched from Honda to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel and could not be happier. A realistic 32 MPG HWY and 24 MPG mixed driving for a 5,300 pound 4WD vehicle is incredible. With its maximum torque available at ~2000 RPM, acceleration from 0-35 outperforms most "sports" sedans...which makes it imminently drivable around town. Sport mode is essential for spirited driving; Eco mode is docile and delivers best fuel economy (~24 MPG City). The interior is very comfortable, and of high quality. I love the open pore wood trim. Only 1 problem to date (DEF injector), which was fixed quickly by the dealer. No other issues!