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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  MY 2004 Jeep Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L.Sloan - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent gas mileage, easy to handle....a pleasure to drive. The only thing I wish were different that it had a cassette player too ( mine came with stereo CD and radio).

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  I love my car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RuthAnne - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. This is my second one. I use it to haul lots of furniture and antiques for my business as well as a family car. It is very comfortable for us to all be in at the same time. I love it.

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  Beware - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John B - August 8 - 12:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 36,000 miles on it and 45,000 miles later, i am proud to say i am FINALLY getting RID of this car. The AC went twice, the parking brake randomly fell out and for some reason I just went through tires (found out that wheel barring was bent somehow). MPG is awful, the lining around the moonroof fell out constantly, heated seats broke twice, and the side paneling of the door started to fall out. I loved the vehicle at first, but I am truly not sad to see it go this week!

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  A great jeep, and its got a Hemi! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By PC - August 7 - 6:00 pm

  Commander Overland has everything I need, I tows 7500 lbs, it fun to drive and fits everywhere. Smooth and comfortable ride. I make 400 mile trips to Maine from NJ on a regular basis. I even have the stock goodyear forteras up to 46,000 miles so far. 3rd row seats fold flat into the floor. I carry two black labs back there with their own A/C vents when the seats are down. I tow a 24 4500 lb jet boat and a 20 3000 lb snowmobile trailer in heavy snow along mountain passes with complete confidence.

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  Great Car (truck) - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Medrigal 32 - August 7 - 4:36 pm

  Vehicle has 139,000 highway miles and running well. Great car, comfortable on trips, mileage 19 @ 75 mph, 22.5 @ 62 with 4.7 V-8. Engine is bulletproof. Regular service and no repair except for drivers window assemble breaking twice (expensive to repair, and engine computer just recently ($700.00). I just bought a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee because of my excellent experience with this one.

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  My Jeep Works - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BillinTexas - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive been impressed with my 6-cyl. GC; has 14,000+ miles, no problems with brakes or anything else. It is fun to drive, good size for parking and traffic, and so far, is holding up great.

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  Dont buy a Grand Cherokee - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By paul171 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I had more problems with that Jeep than any other vehicle I have ever owned. The transmission dropped within the first year along with many other small problems. I am also disappointed at the resale value of the Grand Cherokee. The manufacturer has taken steps to increase their sales while decreasing the resale value. Since I purchased my Jeep, Chrysler has offered a 7/70 power train warranty which I needed on my Jeep and creating options packages that offer more equipment and features for a lot less. I have been very disappointed and I finally traded the Jeep in last week. I am glad to be rid of it.

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  Whos the Best? Jeep liberty is the Best - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By redliberty1 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My first Jeep. The ride is awesome nice balance between car and truck. I have 3500 miles and Im getting 20 miles to the gallon just like the sticker says. Not one squeak or rattle. As my daughter says this truck rocks.

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  Junk - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By junkjeep - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been stranded in a 99 Grand Cherokee twice. Please dont support Chrysler, force them to get their act together. Too many other problems to list. Im a very unsatisfied Jeep customer.

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  Glad I bought it - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tripovermyego - August 7 - 2:26 am

  I have had this Jeep for almost a year and no issues what so ever!! It has over 110000 miles on it and it runs like its brand new!!! Very fun off road and on road. Very clean Jeep. Did I mention, no issues what-so-ever? Very happy with it. Mine is a Laredo model and white in color but still looks very good!!!