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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  Need to work out the kinks - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sbinoc - November 18 - 2:13 pm

  This is my first JGC and I really enjoy driving it. It still looks great and the engine runs like a champ (4.7 V8). However, the little problems have added up and it may be time for a change. I have replaced door locks, power seat motors, a water pump, and multiple sets of rotors (brakes are below average for such a nice SUV). My biggest disappointment has been the A/C. It goes out intermittently and the service department cant seem to find the problem. Ive heard other Jeep owners mention similar issues, so I think the company needs to address these things.

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  Whyd I Wait So Long? - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Chad - November 18 - 12:53 pm

  I love my Jeep. I bought it in June 2005 with only 6k miles. So far Im at 15k with no problems so far. Road manners are much better than I ever expected. Not nearly as loud as I thought it would be, especially with the hard top on. Not the most roomy and practical vehicle on the planet but then again who buys a Wrangler for space, fuel economy, or practicality. Its a lot of fun to drive & customization options are endless with all the aftermarket items available for Jeeps.

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  Get one and youll want to keep it forev - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By 5forfighting - November 17 - 11:00 pm

  My 2001 Sport 4dr 2wd was my daily driver for the past 6 years. I now have a more fuel-efficient car for daily driving and the Cherokee is a "spare" vehicle. But I couldnt justify selling it. Its just too dependable, low-maintenance and useful. Even with 150k miles on the drivetrain, it runs like new, never misses a beat and doesnt leak anything at all. Its a bit noisy and gets horrible fuel mileage in city driving (around 17 mpg) and only 24-25 mpg highway. But its got torque to haul a lot, ground clearance to go anywhere, tons of cargo room (plus a roof rack) and is easy to drive in any weather, on any roads. I just got back from a trip (920 miles each way) at mostly 75 mph, no problem

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  2005 JGC first impression - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fkagi - November 17 - 2:46 pm

  Have not driven a Chrysler product in over 20 years. Pleasantly surprised with car like ride, precise steering, quiet, good power (5,7l), interior has European "quality feel", achieved 17MPG+ right off the showroom floor, no negatives so far.

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  Really like this car! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By harvemax - November 17 - 2:26 am

  After test driving other names in the mid-size,this one fit me the best.I love the way it feels on the road.We have all weather conditions here.Ive taken it up and down heavy gravel,sand and snow terrain.I took her up to northern bc for x-mas this year and had miles of glare ice ,hard pack snow,really rough highways,no problem maintaing 50-60 mph.The family and I were completely comfortable.I feel safe and confident driving it.Havent had any issues except the fuel door doesnt like to open in -25 temp.I did recieve a recall notice to repair a ground wire.Have 6k on it now and will wait until she goes in for her first service at 8k to address the recall.

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  Great Buy - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Trader Rick - November 17 - 12:16 am

  14 months and 18,000 miles after purchase I have no regrets. The patriot is a versatile vehicle that is good! On gas, in foll weather, on the purchase price and oddly enough ( resale value ) because its a Jeep. This Jeep is fun to drive to the local store and comfortable on a 500 mile trip. Avg. 23 to 27 mpg. With the 2.4 engine and CVT trans. Before purchase I also drove, cr-v, rav4 and Forester. The patriot was the hardest to take back and when I did I bought it. No regrets.

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  RockSolid - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Rock Solid - November 16 - 5:10 pm

  I was reading all the negative reviews and wondered if I had the same vehicle? We bought this as an end-of- year closeout on the 2007 models. We have 22K on the Commander with nary an issue. I have the 4.7 flex fuel option and it has been rock solid. Average 16 in city and 22 highway. This vehicle drives and feels like a primo luxury vehicle – smooth solid and surefooted as a mountain goat. The only issue I have is the vehicle is best described as “sedate”. It doesn’t have hard acceleration and just moseys on down the road. Turning radius is awesome, 4WD off road is tenacious. This vehicle is not as big as it looks at first glance and tight parking places are a breeze. Love it!

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  The Little Beast - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Bryan - November 16 - 11:16 am

  This Jeep has been the most reliable auto I could imagine. I had to replace the water pump a couple times, the radiator, and have the intake cleaned once. Other than that, we are talking regular maintenance, and 219,000 miles later she still roars to life every morning. I have driven her on the beach, in the snow, out of holes (my fault), and every time, the Jeep has been up to the task. I say all of this and remind the reader that the Jeep 15 years ago is not the Jeep today. I think simplicity, quality mechanics and minimal electronics is the way to have an auto you can keep for many years.

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  Awesome family ride! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tracey Shaw - November 16 - 6:36 am

  I love my Jeep! It is all new and rides as smooth as a luxury vehicle yet can run off road better than the rest! I love this vehicle as a family ride due to the extensive safety features, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring, backup warning lights, airbags (knee, side, roof, curtain), latch for child seats, g1reat handling, wide body not tipsy like most trucks, Hemi gives it amazing power, roomy back seat for kids, roomy in back for groceries and stroller, top rack for traveling, navigation system is great for trips! Super stereo and DVD for the kids (a must have!); what can I say, it is everything you need and want! We will drive it into the ground and it will last.

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  Solid Jeep Package - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James - November 15 - 12:03 pm

  Great all round SUV. Ive had my Jeep for 2 months and its proved worthy of the Jeep name.