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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  Loving the Jeep Unlimited - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By pairof98s - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my eyes on the Unlimited 4 door since it came out in 07 and finally bought one over the Labor Day weekend. Love the improved Jeep body and the Freedom hardtop. Got the 2010 cloth interior that may change for the worse in 2011 pics I have seen. Incredible ride quality and impressive road manners thus far, but terrible fuel mileage and towing ability. Needs a small V8 option or better V6 to be perfect. After the warranty expires, I may do my own V8 swap.

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  Disappointed - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zach - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall nice looking car but reliability I really question. We have had this car in the shop twice under 30 days. The first fix was on the motherboard for the fuel economy variable value timing for the v8. Dealer stated this was a known problem in manufacturing and was replaced. Fixed seemed to work. 2. Software in the car appears flawed, constant blue tooth conductivity issues, key less Enter-N-Go works off/on,key sensor loses key inside car so alarm will go off driving down the highway,button to lock car on exterior will work off and on,keys were inside car and car locked. Currently in the shop fixing these problems.

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  Nice - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ken - July 10 - 3:03 am

  I got mine in 99 with about 60k on it. Mine is equipped with the 5.9 and the quadradrive, full time 4 wheel drive. this thing is your foul weather friend and nearly unstoppable. It just rolled 290,000 last weekend and with regular maintenance there is another 200k left in it. I still have the factory water pump factory fuel pump and original transfer case. Change your fluids my friends. It has never let me down and really never broke except for the A/C in 04 but who cares. I go off road and play in the mud so I beat this old thing. I tow with it including one 250 mile trip with a 8000 pound trailer way way over the weight limit and aside from poor breaking no heat issues. well worth it.

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  Great Driving Experience - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joe - July 10 - 12:33 am

  Far and away the most enjoyable and useful car to drive that I have had. (Ive had many) Very smooth, quiet and maneuverable, and sure footed; perfect for the Western N.Y. snow belt in which I reside. I did have a vibration in the drive train which was remedied under warranty by replacing the front drive shaft The dealership was very obliging and helpful. Got over 20 MPG on a recent 8500 mile road trip road around the country. While other reviewers have expressed some negative comments about their Grand Cherokee my experience has been entirely positive.

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  Affordable Ride! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Deborah Fowler - July 10 - 12:16 am

  What a wonderful alternative to huge SUVs and minivans. This great vehicle is comfy, fun to drive, and caries lots of kids and family. It is great to own a small SUV that is so versatile. The Commander handles well, rides smooth, and looks great!

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  Safety and comfort - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LVJeep - July 9 - 4:20 pm

  In a bad accident. No personal injury due to cars safety features. Very safe auto.

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  DONT DO IT!! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By E.L. - July 9 - 9:47 am

  I was lured into buying American on this car. Seduced by the great styling, comfortable ride, and great road manners. Plus, made in the USA! What could be better? Traded my aged BMW that Id bought new ten years previously (no major issues), and entered into 3.5 years of automotive purgatory. This is the worst car Ive ever owned. Even beats out my wifes old 99 Audi A4. New engine at 9k miles, three headlights at $350 each, new entertainment system, back up camera replaced twice, $3000 wiring harness "rusted through", and on, and on. Two things convinced me to get rid of this car...driving along at 70mph on my way to work the truck just stopped running. Completely shut off. After I changed my underwear, I was able to make it to work. Second, I had to drain GALLONS of water out of my floorpans that just collected there for no apparent reason. Loved the dealer, but NEVER will buy a Jeep again. Traded it in on a Lexus. Very happy now. Be warned on this one.

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  One of the best - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Johnie - July 8 - 8:40 pm

  Very nice jeep,grate power and looks. Fun to drive. Gas milage is poor but you have a 5.9 V8!

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  Grand Cherokee Overland 4 x 4 - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeffb17 - July 8 - 5:58 pm

  Ive had the Overland Grand Cherokee for about a month and have put about 1,200 miles on the car. Im very happy with the technology in the car, the ride, comfort, and looks. I have read complaints about the transmission lag. I agree there is a bit of a lag but I suspect it has to do with the eco mode. When you put the car in sport mode or take out of the eco mode it gets better. It doesnt really bother me as if I wanted a fast car I would not have bought an SUV. I have also read about problems with the U Connect system as well as the Navigation. I havent seen any yet and Im happy with the system. Overall Im very happy with the Jeep.

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  Worst car ever! - 2017 Jeep Compass
  By James Lee - July 6 - 5:12 am

  Got the car(2017) as a rental(20 days). I just cant believe I am driving a new 2017 car. I understand that it is the basic model, but come on, it is 2017, at least you should offer a usb. Cons: 1. the acceleration really sucks, I dont feel safe driving this car. 2. Abnormal noise from the front window whenever the speed is over 50.. 3. Noise from the break from time to time. 3. the oil tank is tiny, paired with a really bad MPG, had to visit the gas station often. 4. bad visibility