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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  A Joy To Drive - Update! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jailon - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I first put this under the 03 model year, but have a 02. Heres a recap: All A++++ marks for this car. I am so pleased, and have received an endless flood of compliments. It has all the features, amenities, and comfort of a luxury "SUV", for $10K less, and the REAL capability to go hardcore off- road. On a side note, I really wanted to mention that if you live in Southern California, AVIOD Glendale Star Chrylser Jeep. 90% of their staff is the epitome of the sleazy, heartless car salesman. The one guy who wasnt had only worked there for a week! Hate hate hate the dealership, love love love the car.

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  Balanced On/Off road - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy P - February 15 - 10:56 pm

  This 5.7 Liter Hemi really hauls! Unfortunately, this power does come at the expense of gas, where I average 12-14 MPG in mixed driving conditions. This might be more tolerable if the gas tank was larger. The engine is quiet and provides plenty of power, the transmission is smooth, suspension is excellent, road noise is inaudible (an improvement from earlier models), and off-road capabilities are unmatched for its class. This car is the perfect balance of power, refinement, and on and off road capabilities. Dependability will be determined; this has been a sore spot for Jeep in the past. Interior materials could be improved, plastic inside the car is abundant and cheap looking.

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  Im a satisfied customer - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Revchk - February 15 - 12:53 pm

  I purchased my JGC even after reading all the reviews that are listed here on this site. I did the smart thing, and asked current Jeep owners personally. Sure, there may be problems, but other than the CAM shaft transformer and problems with my stereo (which where all fixed under a few hours with the warrenty I purchased), it has been a fantastic car, comfortable drive, and a good investment. I drive through creek beds and fields often for fishing trips (no problems). But more improtantly, my grandmother is able to get in an out of my JGC with ease. It high enough off the ground so she doesnt have to struggle. Those who have complained w/ reviews, what do you hope to accomplish?

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  I would buy another one - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trouble - February 14 - 2:56 pm

  This Jeep has very high miles, regular up keep no major problems, only ball joints at 175,000 miles, very comfortable ride, and everything still works. Always drove a Chevy, but thought I would try something else, glad I did, it has a v-8 and I get 24 average miles to the gallon according to the tripometer. The paint looks great everything is original except for the custom stereo.

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  Great SUV, but... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By pepper4 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We intended to buy an older 4runner, but found that for the same money, could get the Liberty. Had 4K on it when we bought it. Loved it. It is a hoot to buzz around town and short trips. Not a long trip vehicle. It was set up as tow car when we bought it...it would be superb for that purpose. Has tow package, and tows our boat easily. Seats, even for for a short person like me, are a little short, but leather is broken in now, so more comfy. Kids in back seat can see out, a plus. Wish we could keep it, but must sell, mainly because need better mileage.

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  It can go anywhere. - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Samuel Turner - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is good for what you need it for; off road, driving in snow, etc. It has the original Jeep deign features of the open wheels, circular headlights and basic interior. The bucket seats do not have that much support, and the rear seats are heard to get into. The dashboard is made out of a cheap looking plastic, but it is more for keeping it clean easier. On the road it is good for an off-road vehicle, with a lot of road noise from the large tires, and a little wind noise from the box shape and convertible top. Fuel economy is ok, but could be improved. The 6 cylinder gives more torque than power, you can decently cruise at 30 mph in 5th gear with no trouble.

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  My 2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By crandreww - February 14 - 8:03 am

  We love our Jeep Liberty. It is sporty and fun to drive. Only drawbacks are interior noise when driving, especially on the highway. The major drawback for me is the gas mileage. I do mostly in town driving and it averages about 15-17 miles per gallon. On the highway it averages about 23 miles per gallon. It is a V6, so I guess thats not too terrible, but with gas prices hovering anywhere from 2-3 dollars per gallon, it hurts to have to fill it so frequently. Another drawback is the glove compartment is so small the owners manual doesnt even fit in it. Not much for extra storage space either.

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  First Wrangler, Unlimited is perfect! - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By miahkettle - February 13 - 4:26 am

  I previously owned a KJ and put 266K miles on it. I purchased an LJ (Unlimited Wrangler) because I always wanted a Wrangler but it just wasnt practical until now. This Jeep is great off road and bearable on. I took this Jeep to Paragon off road park and could not believe what it could muster being stock with a longer wheelbase. This Jeep is perfect for business during the week and wheeling on the weekends!

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  Wanted to love it - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beach987 - February 12 - 6:23 pm

  This car is amazing... when its working right. Ive had so many problems, cracked axle (seriously), new tires at like 50,000 miles, transmission computer glitches, had to replace the stereo system, new shocks, and now the instrument cluster is the latest. Ive put way more money into this car than it ever was worth. And I love it, taking it off road was awesome, but I was always freaked out that something would happen to it, almost too much to enjoy it. Honestly I cant wait to trade it in for something more reliable.

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  Opinion Is Still Being Formed - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cody34 - February 12 - 10:07 am

  Purchased early May 2011. Have over 7000 km. Drove over 2000 km for 2 wks from Calgary to Vancouver, thru Rocky Mtns & other high Mtn Rgs. 4 adults, lots of room in back seat. Ride was very smooth. Con: 1)When passing vehicles on hwy, p/u bogs down, then zooms fwd. Previous Toyota 4-Runner p/u was smooth & quick, even when passing uphill in mtns. 2)Cruise control: sets 1 km above or below where you want it; when pressing +/- it increases/decreases 3 km, never 1 km; 28 km of construction, speed limit 50 km, dbl fines if over. I set cruise at 50, it set at 51 km, then fluctated up/down as much as 7 km. 4-Runr accurate & maintains set speed downhill/uphill, zero fluctuation. Good on gas.