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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  Jeep Grand Cherokee a 4 Star Car in a 5 Star World - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tyler Hoffmann - January 28 - 9:39 pm

  I bought my 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 on July 1, 2015. Took it off the lot with 25 miles on it, next day down to the ranch for some 4x4ing, performed great (even with the stock Michelin tires). Next week I was towing my 3500lb boat and a car load of friends. Again, the Jeep performed. I also work in a higher profile office, one where we wine and dine our clients. Again the Jeep performed well, numerous comments from clients. The only faults I have had are related to the transmission. After about 1500 miles it began to clunk and shift erratically. I took it to the dealer and they performed a TCM update and it has since fixed the problem. Granted I have only owned the Jeep for less than a month, however I figured this should have been installed from the factory, not a few weeks after. If youre new to Jeeping, check out JeepForum.com, more specifically the Easter Egg section. Found alot of useful information there. MPG has been so so, around 14 in the city and 25 on the highway. Only regret is not getting one with more options, as I can see this is going to be a vehicle I will want to hold on to.

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  Very Disappointed - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Raquel - January 25 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in 2004 with 19k miles. I thought I was getting a great vehicle for the price. Turns out the saying is true "You get what you pay for." In 2005, I had to have the cooling engine fan replaced (thanks for the extended warranty that was purchased but still had to pay). In 2006, I had the exact same problem- cooling fan replaced. In 2007, the hood struts went bad along with the gas cap that had to be replaced. In 2008, I had to have get the transmission rebuilt. The driver side window will not work nor will the left tail light (new bulbs, still doesnt work). I am not FIXING another thing, Im getting rid of this piece of junk. To date this vehicle ONLY has 66,800 miles!!

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  Great Choice - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By flyman - January 25 - 8:53 am

  I bought the Jeep for its looks. But I ended up getting a great handling, fun to drive vehicle. I was also very happy with the 0% financing. This was basically the final selling point between it and the Rav4.

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  falling apart at 100k - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gbw - January 24 - 10:00 am

  leased for 2 years, then forced to buy when it died 1 day before lease ended. was fuel system cost 1k to fix. now at 100k have repaired in last year alone; a/c, 2 oil leaks, 3 pullies on engine, distributor, starter, still have mysterious screaching noise from engine that techs at dealer cant figure out, rear wiper assembly, motorized antenna, tough to keep alligned despite new tires, doors pop when closing. bumper cover

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  1999 Black Cherokee Sport - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeepn101 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I am one of the few people that actually takes a Cherokee off-road. I found the Cherokee to be the perfect SUV for Northern Michigan. Not too bulky and not a "sport-cute" It is the ideal size for any family with two children or less. As of July 25,2003 I have 68,000 miles and the only problem I have had is a Fuel Pump that was covered under my 8/80 warrenty.

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  Jeeps are #1 - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Doctortom - January 24 - 10:00 am

  They have the best drive train SUV. They use the old Jeep 4 Wheel system that is very durable. Ive driven almost every SUV and the Jeep was very comfortable but yet very rugged and made to handle the off road. Ive owned about 10 Jeeps over the years and would not trade them for any other SUV. I wanted a vehicle that I knew I could depend on in bad weather. Last winter in NW PA)I drove right through the 4 foot high (plus)drifts in my driveway without even clearing a path and didnt get stuck once. I was on my way to pull a family members Explorer out of the snow that was stuck trying to get out of there driveway.

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  BEST DAMN VEHICLE I EVER BOUGHT - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By charles johnson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE FOR MY WIFE. IT HAS A VERY SMOOTH RIDE IT HANDLES VERY WELL AN IT IS VERY RELIABLE IT HAS A LOT OF PICKUP AND GETS GOOD FUEL MILEAGE FOR A V8. MY WIFE IS AVERAGING ABOUT 24MPG BECAUSE OF HOW SHE DOESNT KEEP HER FOOT ON THE PEDAL. BEST SUV PERIOD.

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  reliability - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 3rd jeep - January 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my 4th jeep. ive had a 92 cherokee, a 98 grand cherokee and a 99 grand cherokee. the performance seems very weak and my 99 has more pickup on road than this car. the interior design and features are nice however. i have had a gasket problem since ive had it and over the 5 years ive had my 99, ive had to take it in serveral times for air conditioning problems and transmission slippage

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  Its got a Hemi - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Hemi Guy - January 24 - 2:43 am

  Own a 00 Mountaineer with V8, drove a new Explorer, Tribeca & Murano. Jeep & Murano are very close in comfort & performance. Jeep offered 0% financing. Jeep won. Hemi is great! Never believe the mileage figure on the sticker. All SUVs and crossovers in this class get close to the same mileage. I did a lot of research of cars in this class. Test drove a lot. Spent a little more than I had planned but I feel it will be worth it. Read the reviews by Car & Driver, Edmunds, etc. 06 is coming out on top. Get the HEMI - really a blast to drive.

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  Jeepin Its what we do - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ken Wuytens - January 23 - 8:36 am

  I drove a 1997 Wrangler in a medicine delivery business and put 150,000 miles on it in 4 years. It still runs great, uses no oil, and has been down Black Bear Road several times. So, my wife and I decided to modernize a bit with a new Rubicon. Its been fun figuring out the dealer installed nav system, and the lockers are a big plus. We will be heading back to the Silverton, CO. area this summer for 4-wheelin in the San Juans. Took it out to nearby Glamis for some desert driving and it performed admirably. (Was there a doubt?) Jeep could try to better the gas milage and the Rubicon 16 inch tires do rumble some on the hiway.