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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  2006-07 NAV system is garbage - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By paul brenner - December 12 - 12:30 pm

  Bought a used Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited- under warranty, and the DVD nav system is pretty poor. the maps loaded up from factory doesnt show neighborhoods that have been in use since the 80s, new roads since the 80s, etc. The Dealer update DVD -$200 doesnt guarantee the date of the maps either. The Ebay version - watch out! IF theyre selling the original OEM, it still doesnt help. I have the SUV under warranty and the maps are not covered! I cant warn you enough about how poor Chrysler/Jeep did with this arrangement - customer is always cheated -no complete maps when new, $200 update has no guarantees! My $80 Tom Tom surpasses this junk system.

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  Commander better than Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By enigma32 - December 12 - 12:56 am

  I purchased a Commander recently and after test driving the new Grand Cherokee, I was convinced. The Commander takes curves and turns better, looks better, is bigger but not too much bigger; in short, its just better. Its basically the same price and for a few dollars more, you get the added comfort. I love it, and getting the luxury package is the same as getting the Limited, so you might as well save some money and get the luxury package.

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  Fun but Issues - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bfolz - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  My Jeep is fun to drive and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it since I bought the vehicle in 10/01. It handles very well and can turn on a dime. The main issues I have had include rust around the middle of the wheels, which they said was due to water erosion, and a power steering rack that leaks power steering fluid. I have recently been told I have to replace the steering rack (54K miles) and it will cost $500 for the part and $500 for labor! Other garages have quoted me same. An extended warranty may of helped me but seems it should be covered anyways. I have also have a seat belt that seems to stick a bit. Overall happy with the vehicle but think the steering rack issue is a bit much.

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  Defective Drive Train - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By doodlebugger - December 10 - 11:18 pm

  Have driven this vehicle for 3000 miles to date and have found the vehicle to have a defective drive train. Only on the 4X4, there is a power surge in the cruising range of 60 mph. Have been to 3 dealer service departments...none have offered a solution other than dont drive in the 60 MPH range. Two of the service department refused to acknowledge there is a problem. Typical manufacturer denial. The problem appears to be in the computer/torque converter and is much more pronounced on concrete roads than on asphalt roads. One service manager suggested it was caused by the road surface, not the Liberty.

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  Not your fathers Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sussexman - December 10 - 5:49 pm

  Traded in my Lincoln MKZ as I am a SUV man at heart. I like technology in my car and the Jeep has it. Not sure if this is the Mercedes influence but it has more technology then my Lincoln did. Ride is amazingly quiet for an SUV almost as quiet as the Lincoln. Motor has plenty of power for everyday driving and 8 gear transmission shifts smoothly even when you get on it. Seats are firm but comfortable with excellent lumbar support. The speech access system has its quirks I will elaborate in the suggested improvements section. The Jeep is 2 weeks old and I have 1300 miles on it currently getting 19 MPG overall.

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  Goodbye Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zoneta - December 10 - 10:14 am

  Ive had 6 new JGC & have watched them improve in style & quality every year. I traded in my 2011 for a 2014 & found the quality of the 2011 superior to the 2014. The price now same as Audi/Lexi/BMW. The electronic transmission shift isnt user friendly, it clunks into gear & is difficult to move into position, the letters in the drs dash window showing NSE&W sometimes match the gear letters & it can be too much computer info when youre driving. The 2011 hatch door had 2-opening choices, full hatch or top half window. The 2014 cheapened their costs eliminating the top window. I just want to say goodby Jeep Grand Cherokee Ill drive it for a year and go elsewhere next year.

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  unbeatable - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rich - December 10 - 4:50 am

  I think the 5.7 is a blast to drive. Handles better than my 06 STS. Softer ride also. Gas bills, we all have them. Tell the old muscle car guys about gas. They will tell you the same. OH WELL.

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  Eco Diesel DEF Problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J Brownlee - December 10 - 3:00 am

  As many have indicated in their reviews, Jeep has a design problem with the exhaust system on the 2014 Eco Diesel. It appears to be a software problem. My Jeep has been at the dealership for 4 weeks now and all mechanical parts have been replaced. Its really rediculous. If Jeep corprate folks are monitoring these reviews they should really get this design issue sorted out quickly and make things right with their customers!

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  great vehicle - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepman - December 10 - 2:00 am

  great handling. vacationed 4,000 plus miles this year - yellowstone, rockies - no problems. did about 3,000 in appalachains year before, no problems. have really enjoyed this vehicle.

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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.