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 Second Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe D - February 1 - 1:10 pm

  This is my second 4WD Jeep Cherokee. I bought because I had such a good experience with my 1991 (which had over 250k miles on it when I sold it). My 2001 has 90k miles on it and, other then normal maintenance (I change the oil regularly every 3k miles) it has been a great vehicle for me. I plan to keep it for another 5 yrs and will likely replace it with another Jeep.

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  Jeep is the Best - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep is the Best - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best built vehicles that I have owned in the past 25 years. Purchased brand new. Vehicle has 170k miles and still purrs like a cat. Oil changes every 3k miles and trans & axles every 35k. A/C compressor replaced at 120k miles, water pump at 70k. My teenager is now using it, and loves it. My mechanic wanted to buy it for his teenager b/c he thought it was in great condition. Jeep did a great job when designing this vehicle.

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  Wouldnt sell for $1million! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Gwynda - February 1 - 3:13 am

  I have wanted this car for 2 yrs and, two days after buying, rear ended another car. I feel confident in saying that I feel, if we were still driving my tiny cobalt, my daughter and i would have had several injuries. The gas mileage isnt beautiful, but the peace of mind knowing I am in a safe car outweighs this. The interior and exterior design are awesome. Even when this commander plays out on me, I will be shopping for another!

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  Nice Looks, Poor reliability - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By C Paltz - January 30 - 9:33 am

  I love the look and comfort of my 2002 Laredo but... I bought this Jeep used at 36,000 miles last September. Here it June with almost 57,000 miles and my air conditioning is broken for the 2nd time...not too nice in Florida in the summer. I have a power steering leak and the leather on my drivers seat is starting to crack and separate at the seams. Also, on the overhead console, the coolant low warning keeps beeping at the cars start up but the coolant level and quality is fine. I would really love another one that works great but I think Ill be trading mine in for another brand as soon as I get the air conditioner fixed this month.

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  Brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fbj1445 - January 29 - 2:28 pm

  I just picked up a JGC Overland with the V-8 3 days ago in Stone white with black interior and I must say that I am very,very impressed ! It drives and handles better than I expected. The interior is simple the best Ive seen compared to others. The quality and workmanship shows in every detail from the hand stitched top dash, the real wood trimmings and steering wheel, to the leather seats with light grey piping. Dont think youll get anything better for the money! Especially for what it can do off-road. The overland edition is the way to go if your looking for Luxury and off-road capabilty to the fullest. Also get the V-8, its well worth the extra money!

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  Bulletproof I6 - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jacob - January 29 - 2:22 am

  This vehicle was given to me with 280k miles on the odometer. Even now, it is unstoppable. With only two wheel drive Ive never gotten stuck, despite my best efforts. My Jeep has seen a lot of trails--and a lot of things that are not quite trails--and has pushed through all of them like a champ. The straight 6 gives not only impressive torque for a 4 liter, but an incredibly smooth drive, and has yet to fail to get me over any mound of dirt and rock Ive thrown at it. Ive owned it for six months and have had to replace both idler pulleys. When the second idler pulley quit, it chewed up the mounting bracket pretty good. Picked up a replacement bracket for ten bucks at a scrap yard, spent thirteen on a pulley at AutoZone, and did the repairs myself. Most expensive maintenance to date. Theres a problem with the clutch (automatic), but manually starting in first circumvents such transmission problems. To hear it told, I wouldnt bother rebuilding the transmission- If it quits, you replace it. Ill happily drop the $1500 when that happens. When I fold down rear seats (quickly and easily), I can lay down and stretch out completely in the back. I never imagined I would be an SUV owner, but I _love_ this Jeep. For a point of reference, my dream car is a Chevy Spark. In that vein, gas mileage leaves a lot to be desired. Even still, I wouldnt trade it for a Prius (my BIG dream car). Okay, Id trade it for a new-ish Prius C. Any takers?

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  JEEP - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JoshUSMC - January 29 - 2:00 am

  LOVE MY SUV!!! THE BEST I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! JUST LOVE IT.

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  This diesel is not enjoyable - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Edward Kauffman - January 28 - 2:02 pm

  I love the sound of a diesel engine, and I appreciate the great fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. This VMI V-6 motor is totally adequate in power output. Highway cruising and passing are effortless. There are some glaring negatives, however, that limit my enjoyment of this motor. Foremost is the profound turbo lag that, on leaving a stop, causes very little response from the motor for about one second, then suddenly a rush of acceleration. It so substantial that it makes one look like a beginning driver abusing a clutch. One can avoid this behavior by loafing away from a stop to a speed of about 10 MPH before accelerating more vigorously; this requires changing driving habits specifically for this vehicle. This turbo lag is also seen at higher speeds when the motor is loafing and at low RPM, when suddenly asked for more power. The motor requires very expensive ($8-10 per quart) low ash diesel qualified oil, and expensive oil filters. After my first oil change at the Jeep dealer the check engine light came on because the ash filter in the exhaust system had become totally loaded. By contrast, the ZF eight speed automatic is wonderful; one is minimally aware of it working. The vehicle is a real highway cruiser. It is very quiet and pleasant for roadwork. I have had limited exposure to off-pavement travel. What experience I have makes me question the value of its "Trail Rated" status. The front bumper airdam is so low that it easily scrapes on small boulders here on our Arizona dirt trails. The ground clearance (without the extra cost air suspension) is about the same as my wifes Subaru Forester XT. My online reading leads me to believe that one can not easily remove this low airdam for off-road use and then drive at highway speeds with it off. So in reality this Jeep is a crossover vehicle with super-nice all wheel drive capability, but inadequate ground clearance to challenge moderately rough trail use. I suspect that Jeep gave this vehicle its "Trail Rated" status after testing with the airdam removed.

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  My Tank - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By ScootertheMan - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Jeep new because I was tired off getting stuck in the snow. The Jeep is like a tank and rides like one also. I take it hunting and drive it over plowed muddy fields without any worry of getting stuck. I have 65,000 mi on it and have had no major problems.

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  IM LOVIN MY JEEP 4 X 4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L. CHARLES WIMER III - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2004 leftover and I love it. I feel very safe. Doesnt ride like a truck, very comfortable. Some SUVs feel like youre riding a bucking bull. The gas mileage is better than I expected. Not being all wheel drive certainly helps offset gas expense. The stereo and interior layouts are fair at bes -- it seems like there is wasted space around the dashboard and gear shift. The upgraded stereo system is worth it. If you want very reliable transportation (in all weather conditions) at a fair price (not mention the Jeep holds its value) -- then Id highly recommend this vehicle. Like I said, I love mine!!!!