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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  See ya Cherokee - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By velocerider - January 15 - 9:32 pm

  Took my Cherokee to the junkyard today. Bought it new in 1996. Its been in all environments, the coast, mountains, deserts and cities and performed like a champ. Replaced a water pump, brakes, tires and radio. The only thing that didnt work was the hydraulics on the rear hatch. Rescued stranded motorists, carried Christmas trees and was given to my son as his first car, after it had over 209K miles racked up on it. My inexperienced son ran into a F250 Ford dualie and tore the rear axle right off that truck. The Jeep suffered terrible front end damage. My son didnt have a scratch. I should be so lucky, as to go out as big a hero as that Jeep!

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  My 2007 Jeep Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By juliaann28 - January 15 - 9:57 am

  I have owned my Liberty for almost 2 years now. As far as reliability, its been a great SUV. I have had two of my window regulators replaced (no cost to me). And have noticed how easy the interior is to stain. Not my favorite vehicle Ive ever owned, but a decent one.

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  2000 JGC 4.7 Quadra-Drive - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bryan - January 15 - 7:20 am

  I have recently purchased a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. It is almost fully loaded with the 4.7 liter and quadra-drive, and also has leather and heated seats. Im very impressed with the power and acceleration considering this engine is only 287 ci. Handles the ice and snow with no problem, even with the generic tires it came with. The only thing i can complain of is the whining noise on the freeway.

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  2011 JGC Key Fob Issues - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By csummers1 - January 14 - 1:36 pm

  Bought our new 2011 JGC in Oct 2011. The key fob is not recognized so it wont unlock or start. When you press unlock on the key fob, nothing happens. We tried using the hidden key inside the fob to unlock the door, but all that does is set off the alarm. The vehicle goes into security mode and theres nothing we can do until its ready!!! Owners manual says remove the start button and insert the key fob to start the vehicle and take it out of alarm mode, but that doesnt happen. Its locked down! Its been in the shop 3 Xs with no results. We think we have a lemon...still waiting to hear back from Chrysler. In the shop for 3 weeks now while we wait to see what Chrysler is going to do.

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  Very Nice! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rrhoad - January 13 - 6:32 pm

  Just picked up my 2011 Mineral Gray with Black interior Overland 3.6 Liter six cylinder (4x4). Traded in my 2010 Limited with Hemi. Was worried I would really miss the Hemi. The 90 mile drive home diffused the worries. Plenty of power and very quiet. A completely different ride then the 2010. Less choppy and more comfortable all around. Will report later as I have a chance to experience in more detail.

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  15 MPG - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By turblediesel - January 12 - 1:23 pm

  Great torque, fun to drive, BADLY put together, Horrible dealerships and awful service, 15 mpg, engine mount design causes really bad huge vibration at temps below twenty degrees below zero. Warranty is meaningless. FIFTEEN MPG. Horrible, horrible - run screaming into the night and buy a Toyota.

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  Reliable SUV - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tortislc - January 12 - 1:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle with 140,000 miles and it runs really good! I had a couple of sensors go out, but the dealer replaced them. Other than that, it is awesome! It got me around in the Blizzard of 06 in Colorado! Excellent sound system, love the leather, just looks like new! I will buy another Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited when the time comes and give this one to my son!

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  AWESOME SUV! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gumbogal - January 12 - 7:03 am

  We purchased a 2005 Jeep Liberty just two months ago after researching SUVs. Living in SoCal, with an active lifestyle, we wanted agility, durability, and room for our family of four. We just hated those gigantic SUVs that bully people on the highways and are used as status symbols. The Jeep Liberty was the perfect fit for us. It is agile and sturdy and loads of fun. We do not mind sitting in SoCal traffic in our happy blue Jeep. It is not a cookie cutter behemoth SUV. If you are looking to please yourself and your wallet as opposed to spending an extra $20,000-$40,000 more to impress your neighbors and co-workers,this is the SUV to purchase.Easy on gas, despite the article. I am in LOVE!

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  HARD TO BEAT A JEEP - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By matsr - January 11 - 7:04 pm

  A wrangler or Grand Cherokee is hard to beat. The 96-98 years for the ZJ was one of the best. Highly modifiable and good for off road and trailer/boat towing. Get you about the same place as a wrangler will go. Have had both; now we have as a second vehicle, our 3rd 96 Laredo with 4.0 liter six with 4x4.

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  Its a Jeep - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CuervoOro - January 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont know what to say about this truck but its a Jeep. They didnt just invent a series of vehicles, they inspired the industry. I bought mine with only 56000 miles just a month ago, and its been nothing but great since then.