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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  good car - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sydigital - November 19 - 7:19 am

  Got mine in 08 with 80k miles. I put another 100k miles on it before it was totaled in a wreck in 12. I loved this car. It was comfy and nice to drive. It had its problems, but thats to be expected with its age. Most of the issues were electrical: window motors going out, tail lights going out and check engine light came on and no one could figure out why. But I loved it and it will be missed.

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  Best Performance SUV - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By coolbreezesd - November 18 - 9:00 pm

  I just traded in my 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 for a 2008. Wow they made a lot of improvements for 2008. The engine and performance is astonishing. The ride quality is pretty darn good and the over all quality is great... I had almost zero issues with my 2007. If you like speed, and want the utility of an SUV this is the one for you!

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  Very Disappointed - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MsBeck - November 18 - 2:36 pm

  I have always wanted a Jeep and was extremely excited when I purchased this one. However, after 2 years the problems just arent worth it anymore. 500 miles after the factory warranty expired my vehicle began leaking from behind the dash. It leaks so bad it pools. Ive tried to have it fixed 5 times and nobody can seem to fix it. The moisture behind the dash is causing all kinds of other problems..including freezing dials and air vents when it is cold. The window mechanism broke on my passenger side and cost a ton to replace. The check engine light is always coming on - emissions leaks, bad battery, bad sensors. Ive replaced the brakes and the rotors. Okay that happens but Im done trying

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  I love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tammy Bowling - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep.

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  Still wonderful after all these years. . - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By glgibb - November 18 - 10:00 am

  We are on our second Limited, first on was still going since 1997 and 180k miles. Traded up to the 04 Limited V8HO, and yes, you can tell a difference in the HO. Jeep continues to make a solid vehicle and a wonderful answer to the larger SUVs, (We also have a Tahoe). We choose the Jeep for travels around Texas cause it is a lot more fun.

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  Unstoppable - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smckay - November 17 - 2:07 pm

  I bought my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (6 cyl.) in 2011 with 162,000 miles on it to use as a work truck. Im a construction contractor and used this truck accordingly. For the price Ive paid it is the BEST money ever spent. Ive been told that the in line 6 cylinder engine is the only way to go in that it will last for 300,000 miles. It is now at 200,000+ and runs great. There is some slipping in the transmission into 3rd gear but it stops when the engine is warm. I plan on driving it till it goes and will replace with another. It is a great beat around truck for me and I love this vehicle and will likely by a 2013 Grand Cherokee with the latest body style etc...

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  Love It - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Jack - November 17 - 11:16 am

  Only have 600 miles on the vehicle now. We have only made short trips around town so far we love it and its easy to navigate and park, and the ride is great.

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  Jeep - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By still going - November 17 - 11:00 am

  You have to remember you didnt buy a Cadillac so it is still a rough ride but a huge difference if you had a jeep with soft top so the difference is now you can hear your stereo & you dont have to yell to speak to your passengers while driving. Very disappointed with the U-connect, we were told it was available and now we are told it cannot be installed because of our windshield what a sales pitch they gave us and then to inform us after a few months that we cannot get u-connect.

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  Love my Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Love my Liberty - November 15 - 7:46 pm

  There is a kinship with Jeep owners... kinda like Harley riders wave and greet each other, so do Jeep owners. We are an awesome breed of drivers. There is a certain pride that one has when they pull up to a ball field, full of moms in their vans...and this mom steps out of her Jeep... love it. A friend of mine liked to razz me by saying "Id rather push a Land Rover than drive a Jeep", well we went out shopping in her LR and it broke down and we ended up pushing it... loved it! Needless to say, she now drives a Jeep. Nothing like driving an American made, dependable, cute, tough, child friendly, animal friendly, classy, Jeep. God willing Ill always be a Jeep owner! I love my Jeep!

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  Love it! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JGCSRT8 - November 15 - 3:53 pm

  Prior to this, I owned a Jeep Wrangler. While I loved that Jeep (a V6), this baby drives itself! Of course, the V8 is rough on the gas tank, but I dont mind because I dont drive that much. Got me through a Buffalo Winter with the all-time 4x4. Comfortable for longer trips. Gas prices would have to double before I would even consider trading it in!