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:

• 

  Engine shot? - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anti freeze guy - July 25 - 4:06 pm

  As one of the few I can say that brakes have not been my major complaint. Up until a few months ago I had no complaints at all. Sadly it now appears that at 47K I need a major engine overhaul. The coolant level warning light comes on once a month. Entire system has been inspected by dealer and no external leaks have been found. Leaving one possibility.

• 

  great SUV; AC concern - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tenpro - July 24 - 5:06 am

  This GC (2011)s only 8 weeks old, Very fun to drive and very comfortable. Already have 10k miles. Have had Chryslers x5 in the past and made the switch to Jeep. The exterior is amazing, great design and great color. Only one concern, travel alot and have a problem with the AC. Blows high when on low and vice versa without adjusting the settings. Also, on a 19 hr trip, AC stopped for over 5 hrs!! Has been in shop x4---mechanics cannot find problem, Anyone having these problems too? Or solutions?

• 

  3rd Wrangler Ive owned - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Joe D - July 23 - 7:33 am

  This is my 3rd Wrangler but the first Ive owned with a 6 cylinder. It has much more torque; have to downshift less. Am getting used to the 6 speed manual which is a little more balky going into 6th or reverse than my 5 speed was. I have the larger wheel package and the traction in the snow is unsurpassed. Prior 2 Wranglers were very reliable.

• 

  1997 Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By inches - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for four years. It does a nice job and is generally reliable. But it seems to wear or at least show wear quickly. Rear end went out at 100K miles.

• 

  have fun - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By Dr Jay - July 20 - 2:53 am

  Great car and probably the most fun to drive. Has seen me through many a snowy winter and always got we where in needed to get to. Very reliable and easy to work on. Great many things one can add, which have the bonus of not only being toys, but also useful additions.

• 

  All Time Favorite Mid-Size SUV - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anon - July 20 - 12:25 am

  The best mid-size SUV hands down. Ive put a lot of miles on a 2014 Grand Cherokee and the 2016 is much improved. The power steering doesnt make that whirring noise (yet!), the shifter is SO much better than the previous electronic version, its buttery smooth now. My only criticisms of the Grand Cherokee so far: The auto start/stop is not for everyone, there should be a way to disable it by default and not have to press the button on each start up. Its actually kind of safety hazard, I find myself making more rolling "California" stops so that I can avoid it from turning the engine off. No Apple CarPlay support, would love to see this supported on all Uconnect versions. They got rid of the dual exhaust, not a big deal but might be for some. They moved the backseat hand handles from the top roof to the front sides, not sure this was a great move seeing as the Grand Cherokee is more of a luxury SUV than off-road where you might need the forward handles.

• 

  Grand Cherokee still a workhorse - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By janmarie - July 19 - 12:13 pm

  Updated review: Still love my 03 JGC, still going strong, have only had minor maintenance since the big expenses of knock sensors & axle replacement, etc. which I wrote about in my earlier review. It is a 2nd car for me, & have put on another 14k miles on it. The ck engine light came on again & will probably have to do O2 sensors & maybe cat(S) again. Interior is still comfortable, 1 seat had a wire poke through, speakers need R&Rd, no navi or Bluetooth originally, but with routine maintenance its still nice & roomy. Headlights need attention, maybe R&Rd. Paint is showing wear but a good detail job & its still looking good at 13 yrs. old.! Runs great, handles well. In retrospect the comparable value for money spent is good, reliability is good, American cars just dont hold their value for resale. Upgraded some features from earlier review.

• 

  ? - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LoveMyJeepie - July 18 - 4:16 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I absolutely adore my Jeep. I love how it drives, looks, and all the features. It has been my favorite car so far, BUT it has SO many problems!! The sunroof leaks, the dust cover around the shifter broke, windshield washer fluid squirter broke off, the button to open the back hatch glass broke, and it sounds like the transmission is having problems!! for only being 4 years old I had assumed i bought a lemon! Also it seems that there is hardly any room in the back seat.

• 

  Love it - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By vsmustang02 - July 17 - 11:16 pm

  So i just bought a 06 Commander used. Its the 3.7L. I love it, except for the gas mileage. My co-worker has the 4.7L and gets better gas mileage. I think part of the reason is because it takes a lot less effort for the V8 to move the vehicle then it does he V6. If i could buy again I would get the V8. Otherwise, I love it

• 

  Worthy 3 Years - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Indypoint OView - July 17 - 12:43 pm

  I leased my Grand Cherokee Ltd AWD in 2006 and I havent had any mechanical problems during my lease. The only thing I spent more than a few hundred bucks on was new tires, after 45k miles, so not bad at all. I drive 42 miles each way to work over mountains, country roads, highway and city driving and it handles great. Excellent in the snow as I live in the white Northeast. Crappy gas mileage - I average 17 combined MPG, have gotten 20 on HWY. It has an 18 gallon tank, which is smaller than other SUVs, but its a pain to fill up every 4 days. Great for hauling, powerful engine, great stereo, comfortable, sharp looking.