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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  RICHARD CRANFORD - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RICHARD CRANFORD - June 7 - 11:36 pm

  This is my 8th Jeep and I have had fun with every one. Problem free and great mileage with all. I had a head on crash in my 2005 Grand Cherokee last month and walked away without a scratch on me and my Jeep was repaired and runs like new. Dont let anyone tell you that these are not 5 star crash protection because they are.

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  A Good One! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vertigeaux - June 7 - 8:33 am

  We are a Ford family, but were not really impressed with the current Ford lineup as there just wasnt anything very exciting available. I was (and still am) interested in the 2011 (or 2012) Explorer reboot, but I wanted a new ride sooner. I researched the heck out of every mid-size SUV out there. For the money and build quality, this one cannot be beat. I picked up my Laredo X as soon as it hit the dealership lot. Ive never viewed the Grand Cherokee as a practical family hauler. The 2011 changes all of that. I feel very safe driving this beauty and my kids love it. Handles great, rides great, looks great.

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  Our 04 Liberty (Libo) - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - June 7 - 5:16 am

  On Sunday May 30, 2005 after 4 days of online research I found the Jeep Liberty. I thought it would work for our situation. I test drove an 05 Sport on May 29. It was a basic model and those seats were flat and hard. Not to mention the price without 4WD or option even with discounts and low interest & incentives. I continued my research. I found an 04 Liberty, Columbia edition 4WD on an internet special & $10K less than a new one and it only had 12,900 miles. It was put in service March 04 and traded in on May 5th of 05. Lucky me. I walked out the door with the Libo for $17,000, warranties and ttl included. Shop the internet the deals are out there. We luv the Libo.

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  4 Years of Total Enjoyment - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Nate20 - June 7 - 1:56 am

  Put it this way,the brakes are the originals at 52,000 miles! Never had an alignment either. Normal maintenance based on schedule B (longer intervals) in the owners manual. Average fuel economy is 16 mpg with a lift and 32 inch tires. I use this vehicle really hard during the summer with camping,towing and 4 wheeling. Drives and rides like new! I would highly recommend if your expectations are not unreasonable.

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  Triple the pleasure - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By X2345X - June 6 - 1:56 pm

  I recently purchased a 2008 Black Jeep Cherokee Limited (4.7L V-8). Believe it or not, this is now the third Black Jeep Cherokee in our garage (both my wife and son drive 2004 models)...and overall we couldnt be more pleased with the performance, reliability and quality. I am getting 19+ MPG! The 2008 has all the "bells and whistles" (automatic high beams, automatic wipers, iPod compatible, excellent storage, GPS, chrome accents that really dress up the exterior especially of a black vehicle). My only complaint is with the narrow leg room and pedal configuration for the driver (however I am over 6 tall).

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  New Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve Rossi - June 6 - 12:13 pm

  Great new ride -- clearly major German influence in build quality and state of the art features.

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  Dont buy one - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric Adcock - June 6 - 2:00 am

  On the first drive it over heated 2000 miles it needed new rotors. 5000 miles did not idle good, reprogramed computer did not fix it. 8000 miles power steering noise, did a recall to it. 9000 miles more power steering noise, replaced belt plus tensioner. 18000 miles steering was binding could not fix it with another recall but now it only happens when very hot outside. Still didnt idle right they replaced a sensor ( did not fix it ) 21000 miles mecanic found bad computer that controls idle but chrysler wont replace it yet because they dont know how to program the new one,that was around March 2002, in now Dec 2002 they still cant fix my Jeep.

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  Do Not Buy - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MWM - June 6 - 2:00 am

  From the time I purchased this vehicle a year ago, it has been nothing but trouble. I have had problems with the alignment (four adjustments), worn out shocks, power window and door locks, and have recently had to get new brakes. I am not at all rough on this vehicle. It was built poorly, and I would not recommend the Liberty to anyone. Go for an Eplorer or Sante Fe instead. I have had it in 11 times this year. That is ridiculous for a new vehicle. Do yourself a favor and do not buy a Liberty.

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  Love my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sarah - June 6 - 1:03 am

  This SUV handles like a car but has the heft that most people look for when they desire an SUV. It has been fun and reliable to own this Jeep Grand Cherokee for the last 2 years. The only bummer...the silver letters on the outside peel on most of these models.

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  Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rick - June 5 - 5:00 am

  I enjoy driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee through the mountains of Colorado and having all time four wheel drive for the rough terrain and snowy weather. The interior uses advanced technology and is very comfortable.