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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  Replaced Toyota 4x4 - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alton - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle replaced my Toyota 4x4 which I put 220,000 miles on. It had to be good to get me to replace that Toyota and I have not been disappointed. The power from the six cylinder is very suprising. You step on the gas and the acceleration will press you back into the seat. Looking forward to putting 200,000 miles on it. I put 1000 miles on it in a flash it is fun to drive.

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  GOOD CAR - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MARIA - May 23 - 3:00 pm

  The design of this car is ok; I have a blue one and I donÂ’t like the black side panels. It is a wonderful ride, handles very well and takes curves great. I had the 2003 -- this one has more power and is fun to drive. The interior design baffles me, nothing matches and the gear changer looks like it belongs in a BMW or something. IÂ’m upset that the 2003 radio told you the names of the songs on the radio and the 2005 doesnt.

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  Champion - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lhale - May 23 - 2:25 pm

  i bought my Jeep in July 2011 with 170k on the dash. The only thing Ive done to this car is give it 4 oil changes. Ive taken this car from Charleston SC to Winston Salem NC several times and also to and from Brooklyn NY from Charleston with no problems. I bought the car with low oil pressure but this has not slowed this beast down. Im a heavy driver and this jeep hangs in there with me. One of the bet buys of my life.

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  Long Distance Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By James - May 22 - 10:40 pm

  I have owned my Grand Cherokee since new. We now have over 250K miles on it. At 150 I had the rear differential rebuilt. Overall it has been a very good vehicle for us since we live in the Lake Tahoe Area. Our previous Cherokee finally gave out at 330K and this seems to be about the same in terms of aging.

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  I love my Jeep, and I wouldnt have it any other way. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By purpleman - May 22 - 2:40 am

  Ive read a lot of these reviews and most of the complaints are about the dealerships mistakes, not the vehicle itself. I honestly have nothing bad to say about my my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. The 4.7 V8 gives me a lot of power, and the full time 4x4 gives me added traction in any situation. I bought it initially for $5900.00 from a retailer and put another $3000.00 in repairs into it, but since then its just been regular maintenance and it runs beautifully. My one and only complaint is that the sound proofing could be better. Once you get it on the highway it drowns out the radio pretty easily. My jeep just rolled over 215,000k and it runs better than the day I bought it.

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  Dont buy a Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeep547 - May 20 - 8:42 pm

  2015 models with v6 engine idle rough and have an automatic engine stop switch that shuts engine off at stop lights. Wear and tear on starter over the life of the car must be significant. Had ours at dealership for four days with 575 miles only to be told the rough idle is the nature of the vehicle and is normal operation. We drove at least four more Cherokees and all had the rough idle, some worse than ours. It is so bad that we traded back at a substantial loss just to get out of it. Beware, if you test drive a v6 Cherokee, make sure to drive it enough to get it to operating temperature and observe the automatic shut down and then put it in park and check the idle. Good luck after that!

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  Power Window Regulator - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By I did love my JEEP - May 20 - 6:23 pm

  From reading most of the reviews, everyone really likes this vehicle and so do I. There is one thing you need to know (and you can check it out on Google) The power window regulators have some parts made of plastic. This week was the third time my back windows broke (dropped down) First time it was under warranty. Second time dealer charged me $200 and I hope the third time will not be more than last time. Just thought you might want to check this out. I would trade it on a new one, but I understand they all have the same problem. Guess you could look at it this way. Seems only one breaks each year, Oh I forgot to tell you. The brake has nothing to do with use, they just drop down.Back to Shop

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  The Best of the Worst - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dfranzen - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the shop more than 30 times in the 3+ years that I have owned it (not one accident). I had a Toyota 4-Runner for more than 10 years that was in the shop only 3 times! I have written Chrysler, but after the first phone call conversation, I guess they felt they had done enough, no further contact. Some of the problem areas: A/C - completely replaced, Brakes, Drive Tran, Electrical - enough? It is too bad that a vehicle that cost more than $35,000 cant make it through a year without going into the shop more than a 1/2 dozen times! I would expect that from oh maybe Isuzu...

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  great ride - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dave67@pennswoods.ne - May 20 - 9:26 am

  Owned my Jeep for more than ten years towed 23 ft fishing boat for 8 of them this Jeep is amazing I have over three hundred and thirty thousand and have done very little I replaced tranns at three hundred thou along with one front axel one rear originally water fuel and power steering pumps I have used Lucas products and I highly recommend a buying a Jeep busing Lucas oil products I cant tell you enough great things about this Jeep put a set of bf all terrains she handles like no other ac always cold even with as many miles as I have on it

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  my first jeep - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By mollysmommie - May 20 - 9:26 am

  I just traded my 2005 dodge neon in for my 2009 jeep patriot. I test drove it all day because I loved it so much I didnt want to give it back to the dealer!!! It isnt a huge suv for a small girl, but was still everything I need and want in a reliable vehicle. I love the bright blue color, i get a lot of compliments on the color and it drives soo smooth! all around great car for my money. my husband wants one now too!!! I love my patriot. it is ready to start a family in it. perfect for a 23 year old that travels pretty far to work everyday.