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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  Problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By David - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Hope this helps someone else. I had electrical issues with this vehicle. Dead wont start. Change the ignition module. Mine went out around 30,000 and now again. Tow package for lights not wired correct. Was told it was my trailer wiring. WRONG! It is the wiring and electric in this vehicle. Blower motor for fan went out the other day. This vehicle is a lemon.

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  2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 Diesel - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kloten20 - May 20 - 12:47 pm

  It could be an excellent vehicle, sharp looking, fun to drive and all the bells. But there is where it stops. My first american car after over 18 years of Japanese and German. To put it short, the most expensive and also worst vehicle I have ever bought/owner. Just within 5000 miles I had the car at the dealership for the same electronic issue and they still could not figured it out. I never had so much stress owning any vehicle. Finally I had enough and traded it in after only five months of ownership. What a pity. It is absolutely sad, that Chrysler has not more pride in their product. Consequently this will be my last Chrysler product ever.

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  2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 2WD 4dr - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JH - May 18 - 5:53 am

  Purchased new in 2001. What a mistake, I should have gone for the 4-Runner. I have had to replaced all rotors, calipers and pads twice within the first 25K mi. Three window regulators so far at a whopping $225 each. The reverse gears went out of the transmission. Had to have it rebuilt at a cost of $1800. Idle control value went bad at 75K. Almost forgot, had the have the leaking plastic radiator replaced also.

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  2007 Wrangler 2DR w/Freedom Top - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ros - May 15 - 7:13 pm

  Unable to use back seat due to poor design of Freedom Hard top and inability of passenger seat to fold forward far enough for easy access even for small dog. In my opinion, it would be almost impossible to get any passengers out in case of a crash.

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  Jumpy Jeep - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kim Kinna - May 6 - 2:50 am

  I have owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee in the past and was looking forward to loving this one. The interior was fine, nothing special, and the ride was much rougher than expected. Overall, this Jeep felt like the same old Jeep with a few cosmetic changes. Hopefully the newly redesigned model will be much improved.

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  accident waiting to happen - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nonap - April 27 - 10:36 pm

  Gas pedal delayed response almost causing accident. I accelerated at stop sign man decided to cross street I saw him. put my foot on break. had to apply break hard because accelerator finally responded. I looked down at the gas pedal to see if my foot was on both pedals but I was only on the break. This is not a wish list but is a serious defect & needs to be recalled & fixed. it could have caused that man his life, & I would have to live with the guilt. Took delivery April 2014. car is 2014 model. I have complained about lag time & they say its now computerized instead of direct linkage. & my security breach by Bluetooth on 24/7 even without keys in car

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  Awesome first car - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Preston - April 25 - 1:13 pm

  I got a 98 as my first car And I absoulutly love it ! Its not the most powerful car in the world but it helps avoid the speeding tickets. The suspension is like no other its so bouncy its fun to go over bumps. I have a few bolt on accessories like Nerf bars and brush guards and you can find Cheap used. mine is an Automatic and unless your a serious off roader or have to do alot of interstate travel its really nice. The Jeep isnt for anybody ( my dad doesnt care for it ) but If you want a fun car there awesome. and if you want to get into off roading there Beast even stock I dont get stuck in light mud under a foot or so thick and nothing is funner then going off roading

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  do your research, do not buy - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Donny - April 24 - 1:36 pm

  We bought this Jeep for my wife to drive to work, works awesome in snow and ice love the all wheel drive, I love the looks of it, also love the sound of the throaty v8 engine, would sound better with dual exhaust, the bad is we have only owned it for three months and have had to put $500 worth of parts into it, I am a mechanic so I take care of my vehicles, the front speakers suck they rattle already and need replaced, there is a light blown out for the heater controls so cant see what the setting is at night, already had to replace the starter @ $300 and a wheel bearing on the front @ $230, that is just for parts, pretty pathetic at only 37,000 miles, wonder what else is going to go out?

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  Loved Jeeps until I needed a replacement part!!! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By kareneileen - April 18 - 7:18 pm

  Im on my second jeep. Loved jeep and referred people to buy jeeps...but last week my 2008 Jeep had issues and needed to be towed. I has been 7 days and the jeep is STILL at the garage and the part is STILL on a national backorder list with no expected date in site! The National Chrysler/Jeep 800# has been absolutely no help...no timeframe, no help getting a rental car, NOTHING! So, I guess the new motto with jeep is that as soon as you buy their product, the hell with you! You are on your own! So, I guess Im stuck making monthly payments on a vehicle that is sitting unusable at a garage! I am disgusted at the treatment I have been given by the Jeep Dealership/Jeep Garage and 800#.

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  great car but one MAJOR problem - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mark - April 15 - 2:40 pm

  My 2012 Grand Cherokee overland has been a very good SUV. Drives well, I like the looks, is comfortable and roomy. My issue with the car is that at about 40K miles the dashboard started to bubble and warp. Though I have an extended warranty, the deal (Rairdon of Kirkland, WA) says that they will not fix. So, Im stuck with a car that looks good from the outside and but is hideous on the inside. I would not buy another luxury car from Jeep, they clearly dont know how to make them and are not willing to stand behind their product.