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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  Made for 2 Adults and 3 kids - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Vinmark - July 5 - 3:06 am

  Pros: Power, ride quality , driver position, handling and all the cool high tech features (cameras (yes there are 2!), auto climate, lights etc.) Cons: Rear seats seem to have been made only for kids...or really tiny adults. I am less than average build (58") and I would not want to sit in the rear seat for even a short duration. Stereo sound is not center balanced...wonder if a dealer could make that adjustment.

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  This is a Jeep????? - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By C.Babcock - July 4 - 10:39 am

  Considering I learned to drive in a 47 Willys jeep pickup......Jeep has come a long ways.Bought a 2016 Trailhawk with the 4cyl. I dont do much towing so didnt need the extra 2 cylinders for 1000 + dollars. On the way home took it down a 2 mile sand trail that eats rails and buggys on a regular basis. No problems at all in 4wd/auto setting.The technology is pretty impressive,lane assist,adaptive braking,etc. It almost drives itself. The 8 speed auto trans seems to get a little confused with up and downshifts. The cure for this is to drive it with authority, not like an 80 year old lady. My only complaint is the exhaust sound. Kinda like a constipated bumble bee. Borla makes a catback exhaust system that should take care of that. Ill trade it in 4 years. Cant wait to see what to 2020 looks like.

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  Jeep thoughts - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hello - July 3 - 11:50 pm

  Power is adequate for city driving, however if you want to plan any hihgway driving, plan ahead if you want to merge or to pass as it takes a while. One problem so far, a rattle in the rear passenger side area. Turned out to be loose side airbag bracket and was fixed promptly by the dealer. The other day I was trying to back into my garage. Driveway was snow and ice covered and on small incline. What happened next the right rear wheel started spinning and I had to get some momentum to get the rear inside. Once the rear got inside and was on dry concrete, the front wheel started spinning and again would not move. Again had to get momentum to get in. Not the best AWD me thinks.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee Second time around! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RJ - July 3 - 8:56 pm

  My wife had an accident with a Ford F150 that ran a red light while driving our 2000 Grand Cherokee. She hit the truck broadside and rolled it over. Our Jeep took the hit up front. Everyone in our car had only minor bumps. Jeep was totaled but the passenger compartment was perfect. My wife would now not have anything else but a new one. They would have been killed in a car. The new 2004 is even nicer than the first. Very comfortable to drive and plenty of power with the 4.7 V8. It handles well and has a beautiful paint finish in Inferno red pearl coat.

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  Not Bad At All! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By WAJ2306 - July 3 - 10:16 am

  WE bought it just to tow our camper! We added a tow bar to tow our camper and have made seven trips so far. Even with the 6cyl 3.7, it pulls and rides like a charm! Just recently we have had to have the drivers door seal replaced due to it protruding out a little far when you enter the drivers seat. The back seat leg room is tight for an adult, but is good for kids.

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  Unstoppable, Rugged, Stylish, and FUN! - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By mrmoon04 - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The Wrangler is an amazing off-road vehicle- by far the most capable of the Jeep family. I live in Wisconsin on a ranch and it gets me through some wicked bad snow and mud. Mine does have the I-4 2.5 Liter and I DO NOT think its underpowered, especially with a manual tranny. And I can get 20 mpg if Im careful. I would only reccommend a manual in any Wrangler. I have no problem maintaining my freeway speed. Yes, its noisy, but its a Wrangler, not a Grand Cherokee. Itll kick a Cherokees butt off-road. You get used to the wind noise. I absolutely love my Wrangler.

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  Quality Not There - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By asd - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle with 14k. At 20k, yup, brakes. Dealer did replace them at no cost and brakes have been ok. Door locks broke twice,leaks,weather stripping unglued, bushings,door panel loose, leather seat ripping,vinyl tear,and now rust on upper corner of windshield where roof meets the molding. Ive seen this problem on 2000 models. Newer models have longer moldings. Also putting up with some rattles. I bought the Jeep because I think it has great looks and it does handle really well in the snow/offroad. Power is great with the V8. Though the dealer has been good, I dont want to spend my free time at the dealership. So far not impressed with Jeep.

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  I love my Jeep ! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By DaveTaylor - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I needed a vehicle to pull a small travel trailer and get me to my favorite places for fishing and skiing. I compared them all and test drove many in the small SUV category. The Jeep Liberty is a winner.. of-road it is amazing considering the other creature comforts. For the price best vehicle in its class. Build quality is excellent. Way to go Daimler Chrysler.

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  Very Good Truck for your Buck - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BuyAmerican - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Jeep Grand Cherokee for about 2 weeks. It has a wonderful, spacious interior for passengers and cargo, with a decent fit and finish. The truck gets good gas mileage...for an SUV. Otherwise, the gas mileage isnt as impressive. The engine is so reliable, my friend who used to work at a Ford dealer with me called it bullet- proof. I may not of had it long, but friends and family have some, and they love theirs. Better than a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, because the way I see it, theyd rust out before Ive gotten my moneys worth!! Not to mention, their reliability IS NOTHING SPECIAL, MAYBE EVEN BELOW AVERAGE.

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  Jeep Guy - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeff Neidhardt - July 3 - 1:13 am

  Good car, wish they still kept making them after 2001. Good value, 4WD and space at a very affordable price. Why did they stop and replace with the smaller, uglier Liberty?