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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  Great Suv - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hmattison - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2002 Grand Cherokee. Love it, great suv. It drives very smoothly, for a suv. I drove in other suv, and this is by far the best. If you are looking for a jeep. This is the way to go.

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  1000 miles and climbing - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepin - November 30 - 3:36 am

  This is my second jeep liberty. First was 05 Liberty Diesel. The best way I can describe the difference is that in 08 they have taken the "Jeep" out of this model. It is completely different. It rides more car like and tracts on the highway much better. The ride is smooth and quiet! This makes for more comfort, but it is at the expense of less feed back when 4 wheeling off the road. I use mine for both 1 - 2 hour trips and then short drives off road on almost a daily basis. This model fines a fair balance between on road and off road. So far gas mileage has been a little better than expected. 18 average and as high as 24 on the highway.

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  Pretty good SUV - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Matman1215 - November 30 - 12:03 am

  I bought my Grand Cherokee brand new in the summer of 04 and I am pretty pleased with it. Have had 2 minor problems:transmission leak at 8000 miles and the battery exploded at about 19,000 miles. No one knew why but it was replaced for free under warranty. Comfortable inside and looks good on the outside. Could use a bit more rear leg room and not sure why but I keep getting random dents on the tailgate and have noticed other GCs with similar dents as well-not sure if that is common or not. Will be getting a new car within a year but it wont be a new Grand Cherokee. Would definitely keep the 04 over the new style. Fuel economy isnt that bad for an SUV-gets better mpg than my moms Liberty.

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  Solid 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By wbrem588 - November 29 - 2:53 pm

  I do not own this vehicle, it is my mothers. However, I do get plenty of seat time behind the wheel, so heres my personal experience. After owning a late model XJ Cherokee for over a decade, my parents picked up this 2005 WK Grand Cherokee almost 5 years ago. I believe it is the Rocky Mountain trim? Not 100% sure, but it is not a Limited model. It has the 4.7 8-cylinder, Quadra-Trac 4x4, two-tone grey leather, sunroof, heated seats, and thats about it on options. It now has almost 154K and it was bought with about 64K. It has generally been a very reliable rig in the almost 5 years of ownership. The 4.7 has been pretty much bulletproof. It runs great, its pretty quiet, and it sounds damn mean if you lay into it. Not a Hemi by any means, but it and the 5-speed makes for a worthy power-train. With the exception of a new water pump installed and some electrical gremlins resolved at approximately 135K, and a 90K tune-up, oil changes have otherwise been the only maintenance performed. In the beginning of ownership, we did had issues with the vehicle stalling when youre coming to a stop. The dealer couldnt figure out the cause of this either. But, we found that if you run mid-grade gasoline, the stalling doesnt stop completely, but it stalls a whole lot less often, and it even seems to run a little better. It has never stalled on me personally. One more thing of note, the key fobs are not made very well. Both original keys fell apart maybe two years ago. Aftermarket fobs do not last long either, so buy new ones from a dealer the first time. Also, I believe that the TPMS sensor is going bad. Even with all tires filled to recommended specs, the sensor will beep and the light will flash at start-up, and then will flash every so often while youre driving. Not a huge issue really. Quadra-Trac has been flawless. Its a Jeep, after all. Mileage is so-so, its gotten no more than 19mpg on the highway, and it seems to average between 15-17. Interior wise, it has all held up pretty well. The driver seat has a tear (there when bought), and the climate controls on the dash have never illuminated the whole time weve had it. Not sure if this is a common issue with the WK models, but it can be a pain in the rear to make changes when driving at night. Other than those two things, the interior has again been pretty solid. No leaks from the sunroof, and the heated seats get real nice and warm. Overall, the Jeep has been a good reliable SUV. Being the first year of this body style, it has had its little issues and quirks. Definitely pick up a 2008-10 if you can find one. I believe the 4.7 for those years received a significant bump in power and a small gain in efficiency, and there are a few details inside and outside that I think dress up the vehicle a bit. But the 2005-07 models wont leave you regretting your purchase by any means. If I didnt need to have a truck, I would not hesitate to daily one of these.

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  Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By paco - November 28 - 10:16 pm

  I just am flat out loving my new Jeep, Chrysler hit a home run with the Commander.

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  Dont buy one! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Danelle - November 28 - 1:06 pm

  I have had my Jeep in the shop more then any other car I have owned in 25 years! the transmission was bad, the u joints needed replacing at 35k miles its had at least 3 recalls i have taken it in for. The back brake light works when it feels like it. I notice 9 out of 10 jeeps I see also have brake light problems. Now My drive shaft is out! I am not a crazy driver to work and home and occasional vacation. look up recalls for jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo its incredible how many there are. I like the way the jeep looks but will never buy another one.

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  Loving It! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By discod - November 28 - 12:01 pm

  I traded in my little Mazda for the Jeep Liberty Limited and am loving it! I was worried about handling and parking a bigger SUV, but it maneuvers just as easily as a small car. Great styling, a very attractive, no-nonsense Jeep. I have the leather interior with the sunroof, and its beautiful. Still looks like new and feels solid. Im so happy with it and cant wait to take it up to the snow.

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  Great Jeep!! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jon - November 27 - 7:13 am

  I have owned Jeeps in the Past and like all their models. Read some of the other owners reviews, I did want to clear one thing up, People it is a In-line 6 cyl. not a V6, Big Difference and was the only reason why I purchased my 04 as 2004 was the last year they offered the I-6 engine. That engine has been around for years and is bullet proof. Great in Michigan snow and off road. Very comfortable, nearing 80,000 miles and just doing regular maintenance. Will Definatley buy another Jeep and Only a Jeep! My Ex-Wife bought a $80,000 Landrover, what a piece of junk, that thing has had nothing but issues. Love rolling up in the Jeep when her car is in the shop!!

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  All American Great Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jeeper - November 26 - 2:06 am

  After 60K plus miles through all sorts of weather(rain, mud, ice, wind and terrain, on and off road, our Compass 4X4, manual tranny, has been simply a wonderful vehicle, doing it all, reliably and frugally. Transporting family for a night out on the town, long trips or hauling dogs, deer corn, welders and angle iron all over our familys hill country ranch, the Compass hasnt missed a beat. 29 miles plus per gallon on the highway and 22 plus in city driving. American made, reliable as sunrise. Jeep has done it again.

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  Jeep Commander Limited - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Commander Owner - November 25 - 10:20 am

  Easy to drive. Has every amenity. It is really hard to believe that the car is as big as it is. The interior is also beautifully appointed. We put it up against SUVs from Volvo (V90), BMW (X5), Lexus and Mercedes and it was clearly the winner for the money.