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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  2007 Overland 4X4 - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Denny - August 10 - 12:46 pm

  Im very pleased with this vehicle. Great power , comfort, all around driveability. 5500 miles so far. No problems. Pulls my 4500 lb boat effortlessly. Gas mileage is actually slightly better than claimed. I had a 2004 VW V8 Toureg. The Jeep is a much better SUV all the way around. The park assist has already saved me from a backing accident. The standard features are all that one could ask for. Id buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Got Jeep? - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Got Jeep? - August 9 - 7:26 pm

  Owned 2001 sport Cherokee. Loved it!, I had 160k miles and never had any problems other then the air conditioner went out. Drove it for 7 years. I test drove many vehicles looking for fuel economy. Came down to it I was not giving up my Jeep! Until I found my 2007 Laredo with a sticker price as the same as my 2001 sport. I was willing to give my Jeep for a Jeep! Every Jeep owner will not give it up and if they did wish they had another! I love it, only 2k miles on it, but I have no worries. Bought the life time warranty and the rust proof coating! I I would not buy a Chrysler other then the Jeep. I just cant get over the k-car. I love my Jeep!

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  Unexpectedly nice - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By Aaron - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle because I have a 2007 Patriot. The 2011 is a completely different vehicle in terms of comfort, quietness, ride performance. I was expecting to be only satisfied with my purchase but I am ecstatic with it. Great job Jeep!

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  Dynomite in Disguise! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Big Daddy Dave - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Drive those overweighted, bulky, over priced Tahoes, Yukons and Suburbans over the CLIFF! Slip into this off road warrior with civilized highway performance. Dependable power, tork and speed with a refined 3.7 litre power plant. Forget about towing the camper, BRING ON THE ENTIRE HOUSE, ALONG WITH WIFE AND KIDS!

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  My Laredo E is an excellent vehicle - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crpatriots - August 3 - 2:44 pm

  I am extremely happy with my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E 4x4. I have had it for 6 months now, about 8,000 miles. I am happy to say that I have experienced none of the engine/electronics/transmission issues that some other reviewers have written about. For me, my JGC has given me the perfect blend of size, performance, and comfort. I am constantly getting compliments on how it looks (inside and outside), as well as how it rides. I average about 20 miles per gallon with about half city, half highway driving. I came from a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe 4x4 (which was another good vehicle, honestly) - but the extra room and power of the JCG makes me happy I "upgraded."

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  Great Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cberm - August 3 - 6:36 am

  My Grand Cherokee has been an awesome vehicle for the past 4 years. I purchased it used from a Jeep dealership and have had no problems. Ive been very happy with this SUV.

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  No Frills About It - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By vivalafleur - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Wrangler X is far from a luxury vehicle, and someone who is planning on purchasing one should know this. That said, there are few cars out there you will find more fun than a Jeep. Fuel economy isnt great, especially with larger tires and other off-road upgrades, however those who own Wranglers are usually a different breed of consumer, and the pleasure of having a Jeep of their own is worth more than any $2.00 a gallon gas guzzler. Overall a fun car, and I think everyone should have one, at one time or another.

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  Love this car - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By happyowner25 - July 31 - 9:24 am

  Purchased the Grand Cherokee Overland with the Hemi engine. I am very happy with the vehicle. The pick up is excellent and interior design is beautiful. The transmission shifts smoothly. I purchased it in March and waited to write the review until I had driven it for awhile. I have taken a number of trips in it so far and it is fun to drive and also very comfortable. Not the best gas mileage but if that was a beg concern I wouldnt have gotten the Hemi.

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  Best Jeep ever - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By cprevbhayes - July 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought new in 2000. Currently 175,000 miles and still going strong. Mine has the 5-speed manual mated to the 6-cylinder engine. Great combo for 4-wheel drive! Only major repair has been replacing the a/c compressor. Jeep has taken me all over the country. Interior design could be better, especially the back seat. Not too comfortable back there, but hey, its a Jeep! Wish someone made a dependable, basic 4-wheel drive vehicle today. This one will stay with me until one of us dies!

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  Love It!! - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CSS - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Grand Cherokee - 96000 miles and counting! Shes a real workhorse - versatile and reliable!! Great in the snow!