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:

• 

  GREAT 5.9 - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By FRANK - August 17 - 7:03 pm

  I have an Acura and a 5.9 Jeep and the Jeep is much plusher and less troublesome than the Acura. Both have the same miles 50-60k. The rpm on the Jeep could be higher to get a little more power it shifts at 4450rpm. ItÂ’s a fun car to drive and the only serious drawback is mileage -- 12.5 to 20.

• 

  Hot off the lot! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jetblast117 - August 17 - 12:30 am

  I traded in a 2012 Chevy Avalanche LS for a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. I am very impressed with the overall build of the vehicle. I can get the same gas range out of the Cherokee as if I was driving the Avalanche. It has a 24 gallon tank with a range of about 620 miles which is very comparable to my Avalanche. Gas mileage has improved in comparison and my insurance dropped $200 every 6 months after switching vehicles. I was not expecting to see that much of a dramatic drop and makes it even more worth the trade! The interior has a touch of European styling and very simple to understand. All my controls are on a touch screen.

• 

  Great vehicl design, poor assembly - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By familyguy44 - August 16 - 11:52 am

  Well, I have owned my Jepp Overland for 5 days now and the dealer has had it for 4 of the 5 days. The Jeep was delivered from the factory without a transmission line attached so it blew out the trans. I love the Jeep, I love the design and the look, but reliability is an issue. This all happened in the first 250 miles. Working with Jeep to resolve the issue. It will require a new trans. so I now appear to have a used Cherokee with 250 mile and a replacement trans. Anyone want to buy it for what I just paid?

• 

  One of the better Jeeps - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe b - August 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the third GC I have owned. Used it off road and put lots of highway miles on it. Just traded it on a new wrangler. This CG came with a transmission problem that took the third dealership to correct. By this time the vehicle was out of warranty and Jeep refused to pay for fix. Cost me over $600. Overall trouble free, for a Jeep.

• 

  Perfect - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By krstd3 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have not had my Jeep very long but I just love it. The drive is great no matter if it is a long trip or short trip.. I wanted something that my family would be safe in and I found it..I will have a Jeep from now on.

• 

  Dont buy a Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerirp - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had more problems with my Jeep than with any other vehicle I have owned.

• 

  Very good Ride - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bob willington - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Good buy, this midsize SUV is a consumers dream. Great for teenagers. Fuel economic.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is extreamly reliable. I turned over 128,000 miles with minimal troubles. Nothing costly has gone wrong with it, still on origional engine and tranny. Leaks less than 1/2 a quart of oil a month in its older age,started around 115,000 miles but nothing too costly.

• 

  DEATH TRAP!!! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY A JEEP!! I puchased my 2007 Jeep only 3 months ago and it has stalled 6 times since, leaving me in near death experiences.I just grduated from college and wanted a reliable car...Jeep isnt it. I took all these reviews for granted, thinking it would not happen to my Jeep...it did and I ALMOST DIED because of it. Jeep will stall on HWYS, roads, or just pulling out of drive way. DO NOT BUY!!! We should have let Chrysler go bankrupt, and then we would all be better off and driving cars that are actually safe!

• 

  We Love our Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - August 15 - 11:16 pm

  We have had our Jeep now for about 9 months and have had no trouble with it at all. It is comfortable to drive and ride in. With the Hemi engine, towing is no problem at all. I have hauled over 2 tons and you hardly know youre towing anything. The sound system is great and the navigation system is reliable.