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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  Get the V8 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepin2day - December 1 - 2:00 am

  So far, this Jeep has performed fairly well. The only problem Ive had is that I bought the 4.0L and really wish Id have gotten the 4.7L for the extra money. The 4.0 gets about 13 mpg for me and Im sure the V8 could not get much worse, plus the power would be better. The 4.0L is a bit sluggish but has performed okay when offroad.

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  Love My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mystic - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Jeep...ive tryed the rest, but love my Jeep the best

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  owner of this car - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark zonis - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i love this car this car have evrithin i need

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  bad @$$ suv - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepguy@aol.com - December 1 - 2:00 am

  very nice and fun with an excellent 4x4 system and comfortable both on and off road would be nice if jeep came out with a 4x4 car like the audi a4 or subaru impreza though.

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  Best in snow - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ny123 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 4Runner that is downright scary in the snow. We had a lot of snow in the northeast this year, and we have put about 10,000 miles on our 2004 Grand Cherokee since 11/03. The 2004 Grand Cherokee is the best thing I have ever driven in the snow...I think, its the best "real SUV"(not like the Pilot,or Highlander types) for the money.

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  Ride is excellent both on and off road - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tRIPLE ZrT - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought with 94k miles is now up to 135k only problem is the cv joint went out 300$ Ive never had a problem with strting the 5.2liter V8 unlike other laredo this is fully loaded with leather interior. I only wish I could have bought a jeep sooner

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  Love you Baby - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By Stevie O - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted one and now I have one. The experience is more fun than I thought. I would get another so I could have one just in case. Dont want every one having one. Ah, ok... Test drive one and yourll be hooked. I was tossed between a 2002 Camero SS and thought this was more of a change and looked and drove alot more in control. : )

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  More Brake Problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ACHAPMAN - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2000 JGC,But.... I had the front rotors replaced at 18K and was told the replacement part had been redesigned and there would be no more problems. Well, were at 36K now and guess what? Yep, new rotors and pads again. They made me pay the first time, and I guess Ill have to pay again. Seriously considering whether to dump this vehicle or just keep buying new brakes every 18 months.

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  Stay away - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By FromLovertoHater - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought new (for a really good price) in March of 02. Started having trouble from the get go. Had the left rear tire blow out every 3,000 miles, then at 11,500 the tranny blew up. Thats just the beginning. Nonstop problems...gas guzzler...inside is bland. If you do get one get the V8

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  JGC - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BJB - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Love the exterior design. reliability was actualy very good EXCEPT for BRAKES. Something is definitely wrong with the brakes. Why wont DC admit there is a problem with brakes or are they doing it on purpose to keep the repair shops busy? Excellent vehicle except for teh BRAKES