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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  Very Happy - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ncelik - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a very good lease deal on this vehicle. At the time, I was looking at the Passat. Across the street was a Jeep dealership. I went over and got out with a new Jeep. It costs me $100 less then the Passat, and there is NO comparison between these two. This is a much better familiy vehicle. The only thing going to Passats favor is fuel economy.

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  Third Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mvd2 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This my third jeep that Ive owned in the last 8 years. The first was 1994 Cherokee Sport that I traded on the Liberty and the other is my wifes 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited V8. Im quit please with the build quality. My other car is a Lexus GS300 and dollar for dollar, the Liberty is pretty well put together. Everything works and fits properly. My wife likes driving the Liberty over the old Cherokee, but still prefers her V8 Grand Cherokee. Shes only 5ft 3in tall and finds it easier to get in the Cherokee and likes the V* power. By the way, mine is Black with the Taupe interior (one tone).

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  Great vehicle - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Michael Petrozello - September 28 - 11:28 am

  Very pleased, first JEEP after 50+ years of buying GM. Very well made, quiet, comfortable, powerful, good gas mileage, handles well, luxurious, very good looking, lots of bells and whistles....very pleased.

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  Really Like my Grand Cherokee Laredo 4X4 - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By carolina_gator - September 27 - 8:16 pm

  After 7 months I have 42,000 miles on my Jeep and still enjoy driving it. The V6 delivers almost 24 mpg on interstate using no ethanol gas, but loses at least 10% on gas with ethanol. Although it has as much horsepower as my Yukon, it has significantly less torque and the V6 works much harder to pull a 23 ft boat and trailer weighing almost 5600 lbs. The ride quality is very good and no warranty issues other than a completely dead battery in the first month. The 5 speed tranny upshifts smoothly but downshifts in and out of 4th gear frequently when encountering moderate grades, which is annoying. Overall, I am pleased with the vehicle and would recommend a Grand Cherokee.

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  Very Happy Owner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donald - September 26 - 1:33 pm

  This is a very nice piece of work for the price. It is my 6th SUV, including a BMW X-5, 2 Expeditions, a Blazer and a Bronco, and it is my favorite. Think of it as midway between a Subaru Outback Wagon and an Excursion. It is very agile given its hauling and towing capacities, and accelerates and handles as well on the road as the BMW X-5, which says a lot given its superior off-road capacities. The 5-speed automatic with "tiptronic" is easy to use and quite useful. The chassis is commendably stiff. The suspension is compliant and comfortable while still providing sporting handling. I recommend this vehicle highly.

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  I love my Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Michael in MT - September 26 - 1:26 pm

  I traded in my 2002 Grand Cherokee Overland on this Patriot. I love the old Jeep but, the gas mileage was killing me so I was looking for a smaller SUV. I get 27mpg reliably on the highway and I occasionally get as high as 30mpg on the highway. My Patriot is fun to drive and feels solid on and off road. Wintery drivng is a pleasure with this Jeep - it actually is more effective in snow than my Grand Cherokee. I love the looks of my Jeep, I feel like I am driving a Jeep and not a minivan - like some of the other smaller SUVs in the same class. I only with that the interior was a bit more refined, though, it is a Jeep afterall and the interior suits the vehicles heritage and purpose.

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  rolling foward and back - 2008 Jeep Compass
  By jackie hartley - September 26 - 11:03 am

  my car has problems, it rolls back when on a hill, at a red light or stop sign, 10feet or more, so i have to give it the gas fast. it also rolls forward when in park and turned off, keys out, so i have to be real fast to run after it get in and put my foot on the brake. i get no help from the dealer, the car is unsafe to drive and they cant fix the problem. i was told he (the owner) quote, he just sells them he doesnt build them, end of quote.i was told to use the emergency brake all the time and be fast on the gas. thanks chrysler, i didnt buy a standard.61 years old and can run fast.

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  Love my Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By InHisGrip - September 26 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car as a single mom with three teens and have loved it. They were never embarrassed riding in it and I have never had any major work done that either wasnt covered by warranty or was regular wear and tear. My oldest son now owns a 2001 and loves his too. I hope to drive it another 100,000 miles. I replaced my headlights this year and it looks new!

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  GC Summit, Lot of fun to drive, great looks - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Farb - September 25 - 11:18 am

  The GC Summit is really nice. Fun to drive, comfortable. It needs some additional technology like lane departure and front cameras. Maybe auto parking, thats not a huge issue. Overall I really enjoy this car!

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  Lovin my NEW 2011 GRAND CHEROKEE - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kristine - September 25 - 12:30 am

  Went from a 1999 Jeep Laredo to the 2011 GC Limited. Waited a year for this vehicle and absolutely love it. Wanted something with the fully capable 4-wheel drive function + a tow package. Kept telling myself after it comes out - wait 6 months to purchase but I didnt. Saw it - drove it- loved it - ordered it and now own it. Interior, exterior, features, functions, just love it all. Larger than my other one but still love to drive. Didnt like the 2005 - 2010 square body style - so happy with this one. I am 36 years old - and this is my first BRAND NEW CAR - I have ever owned. It definitely was well worth the wait. Go Jeep :)