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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  excellent redesign! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - April 14 - 5:56 am

  Finally, a change from the bulbous shape of the old JGC! The SUV looks sharp, with short overhangs, nimble, and athletic. It really does look like it can go anywhere, and through anything, unlike its behemoth competitors. Ive looked into the new Frontier, Pathfinder, and 4Runner. Chevy TrailBlazer and Nissan Armada are too big to be considered SUVs, maybe just UVs. Compared to the Jeep, all of them are awful on highway. Off-road, these 3 are quite competent, but, if youre like me, you spend 5 days out of 7 on asphalt. The NHTSAs crash-test results 3 weeks ago gave the Grand Cherokee an all-around "excellent" rating, and for the price, no other manufacturer can come close.

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  3rd one - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Manny - April 12 - 11:00 pm

  This is my 3rd GC. Ive owned a 05/07 and now an 09. Why do I keep buying them? I love the look, comfort and drivability. I truly can afford any SUV I want, but Im frugal. When you take the discounts into account this is one of the most affordable SUVs on the market today. I literally purchased the 4 WD Laredo with the W option package for under $25K (sticker was over $36K). Couple the price with the outstanding service department which is only 2 miles from my house and you have a pretty good combination. Many folks are put off by the high sticker price and may not even consider the GC. The base model competes well with the smaller cars and is a much nicer SUV.

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  Stunning - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Richard Smith - April 12 - 6:23 pm

  This car is beyond imaginable off- road. Nothing can stop it-rivers, trees, lakes, mud and just about anything else it can handle easy. Formerly owned Mercedes G55 AMG which was much more luxurious as expected, but the wrangler blows it out the water in off-road situation. Beware though, this car is nothing like a usual car on-road so if you have the extra $$$ get a second car for urban commutes and driving.

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  Great car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By eholm - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for a year now and it has been thru several major snowstorms (two of which I took off for a 400 mile trip in!) Ride and build quality are excellent. I have only had one complaint and that was a squeak that was fixed by tightenting a minor bolt connecting a hose to the firewall. No other problems. Dealer has been great to work with. Mileage is 17-21 with a lot of highway driving. Car does seem susceptible to dropping mileage when temperatures are low. May be due to oxygenated gas they use in this area in winter. I really like this car.

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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jarred_f - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This is everything you want in a Jeep and a whole lot more. I could not be any happier then I am with my Jeep Liberty.

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  2004 Rubicon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dean - April 11 - 12:13 am

  Love the Jeep and dual top group, easy to work on and with the lockers this thing will go anywhere. Lifted it up 6" and added some 35" tires. The new suspension lift actually makes it ride better than stock. The Rubicon is the model to buy. Love the 7 speaker sound system.

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  I would buy another - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wyatt9203 - April 9 - 2:10 am

  This is my 2nd GC, 1st was a 99 Laredo with 6 cyl. This one is a 04 Limited loaded, inferno red. It has all the features, tow package, pwr pedals, nav system, automatic lights,tire pressure monitor, heated seats, climate control, and matching full size spare. I burn midgrade gas in the H.O. engine and it does fine. I get 15 mpg around town and on the road 22mpg, not the greatest but expected from a 4X4 and H.O. engine. I have had it for 14 months and nothing has broken yet. I tow a boat 4500# and get about 10mpg when towing. Tows great. The size of the GC makes for easy parking in a downtown parking garage compared to some of the large SUVs.

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  Excellent car for the money - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By peter herb - April 8 - 6:59 pm

  You should know it can get thirsty.. my wife says is a little noisy in the cabin compared to our two 6 cylinders Grand Cherokees we owned prior to this V8, for me is a non issue.. an update she loves this car now got used to the low rumbling of the V8 loves the UConnect an amazing piece of technology, likes the ride and comfortable seats.. the 8 speed transmission is fantastic! love how it shifts quickly. All in all very happy with this purchase and looking forward to my next new Jeep.

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  Like this Patriot - 2012 Jeep Patriot
  By mbluefootball - April 8 - 6:57 am

  I just got a Patriot Latitude at a dealership and am really happy with it. I love that I could get a Jeep for basically less than $20,000 with a ton of equipment. 4 wheel drive is awesome and it handles really well.

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  ALWAYS A SUV GAL! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By V-6 Jeep Loaded - April 7 - 7:56 am

  After looking at the Commander I wasnt sure if I wanted a vehicle in its first production year, but I have have nothing but wonderful things to say about my Jeep. It is a late 06 Model with 07 options (paint-Red Rock), just a beautiful color. It is fully loaded with leather, heated seats, 3 sunroofs and Sirius radio. It is wonderful. I have had Jeeps before (Grand Jeep model) but I enjoy the Commander even more. The gas mileage is not bad at all considering I used to drive a Tahoe, but it really is not bad I would "HIGHLY" recommend this vehicle. My kids love it too, and it has plenty of room to haul kids to games, yet "Sporty" for Mom...the SUV gal! The price is pretty decent also.