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:

• 

  Very Satisfied with Jeep - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepman2007 - January 22 - 6:13 am

  These older Jeeps, along with the newer models are some of the best all around vehicles out there. I have owned one for nearly a year after buying it from a close friend who had driven it for years and taken care of it. Its reliability is unbeatable. Its also rugged and ready for about anything you could possibily need it for. One of the bigger advantages of the Grand Cherokee is that it has the most room of most any Jeep model so there is plently of leg room, and carrying room which is important for someone who packs it once a week with a large sound system and instruments or camping gear. I would highly recommend this vehicle.

• 

  Please with the Patriot - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By detroiter313 - January 21 - 1:37 am

  I bought one of these a week ago. My package is known as the Oscar Mike, which is a sub-package of the Latitude. My main goal was to replace my current vehicle with one that my increasingly aged parents can get in and out of better. The previous car was a 2003 Merc Sable. My parents can hop in and out of the car without too much difficulty and for when mom needs a wheelchair, that fits in the back without too much effort.

• 

  Good thing I got a warranty! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jon f. - January 20 - 7:16 pm

  I thought I was getting the perfect used car: less than 70,000 miles and a 3,000 mile powertrain warranty. Turns out Ive needed to use the warranty three times already - once to replace the PCM, another to replace a bad steering gear, and now to replace bearings in the front differential - all withing the first month! Im scared of what will come down the road. Its too bad - I love the truck and its very good at what it does. It looks great in silver, the leather interior is fantastic and it gets 22-23 mpg at 65mph. Off-road nothing can touch it for the money! If you want one, research the maintenance history and make sure the TSBs were done!

• 

  I Love MY Grand Cherokee Limited - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Robert W Russo - January 20 - 10:00 am

  My Cherokee is my second Cherokee. I love it -- I can haul whatever comes my way and I like the comfort for long trips - which is most of my driving. I wish I had a V8, but I have gotten used to the 6 and I am saving fuel costs. I love my sun roof, and the room inside is awesome. Plus it is a beautifully designed car on the outside -- truly well designed for curb appeal. I could have spent another 5-10K on a BMW or Lexus ...but would not have been worth it. I love my Cherokee ! It is truly an American Dream !

• 

  Loved my Jeep Patriot! - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Todd - January 20 - 1:10 am

  Purchased brand new and drove it for 45,000 trouble free miles. I changed the oil every 3,000 and replaced a set of tires around 35,000 miles. I changed the spark plugs at 30,000 miles. Other than those standard maintenance items, the Jeeper was great. It is a great looking vehicle, got decent gas mileage (Avg 21 MPG), and was comfortable to drive. This is a great vehicle if you love the Jeep brand but dislike the normal gas mileage you get from a Jeep.

• 

  One Week In - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John C - January 19 - 8:43 pm

  Picked up a 2011 Limited with the V8 and all available options. Traded in a 2001 GC Limited for this one. What a difference 10 model years make! Lots more power, drives a lot nicer, and looks better but the biggest difference is all the creature comforts and gadgets that have been added to the interior. (Ventilated seats are awesome on these 100 degree August days) Dealers do not seem to be offering much of a discount from MSRP on these in our area, but I was still able to get them to come down a little bit. It seems that everybody is confident in this vehicle -- hopefully Chrysler can follow this one up with more great new models.

• 

  Awesome ride. - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Ted M. - January 19 - 1:13 pm

  Love my new Patriot. Getting very good gas mileage and it is very comfortable. The Limited has many great features. Getting alot of compliments on its looks and the leather interior.

• 

  Terrible Product! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Angry owner!!!! - January 19 - 8:40 am

  Where should I start? First, let me say that this is one fast SUV, but I hate the hesitation is has when you hit the gas. Like its thinking, should I go or should I not. Then the rattling all over the place. This is a one year old car! This should not happen to any vehicle. The fuel economy is worse then probably an 1974 Caddy. The leather is beginning to show wear. Tranny had some shifting problems and this noise it makes around 40 mph. Seems the quality is just not there. Trading this joke in for a BMW X5. And as for speed and power, doesnt really feel that 420 ponys are pulling at times. I just dont get Jeep (mopar) Great idea, but its like they didnt follow through at end.

• 

  Old School - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Captain - January 18 - 8:10 pm

  This is a true SUV. Great ride for Jeep. Great ride for any vehicle. Nice theater seating. Strong looking suv with lots of options. Old school looks and fit with modern options and performance. Average 18 MPH this month.

• 

  Very happy - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tim1975 - January 17 - 2:56 pm

  We bought our 08 GC coming off a lease so it had 12000 or so miles on it. Were now up to 36000 and its been great. We bought the base of base models however so we dont have much for features. The 3.7 V6 could use 30- 40 more hp but for us it works just fine. We drove from Seattle to Disneyland and topped out at almost 25 mpg straight highway. Mostly we average 17-18 I think. I cant talk about rear space too much since I drive most times. Our girls are 4 and 6 so I havent heard them complain of space too much yet. Cargo space isnt great but we knew that going in, but coming from a minivan we knew what to expect. My wife is much happier driving the Jeep than the Kia minivan.