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:

• 

  1993 grand cherokee - 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reber1 - August 5 - 12:07 pm

  bought mine new in 93 and now have 235,000 miles on it. In the life of the vehicle I have only replaced the fuel pump, water pump, and transmission lines. not bad at all for a vehicle of this age. Liked it so much I just purchased a 2011 GC Larado. I loved my old 93 so much I couldnt get rid of it. It now does winter plow duty. Still going strong!

• 

  Whats yall problem! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By AHM - August 4 - 8:56 am

  Everyone is complaining about leaks. Well the only leakage is on 4 door, sundowner tops 2 or 4 and hard tops. I bought a 2008 X w/auto, a/c with standard top. No leaks! Only two pain in the behind areas are the weather stripping on top on opposing corners that come flying off, and the front passenger seat that does not slide froward enough to access back seat. Mileage is good,18 around town and 21 hwy. Not a racer, just a regular ole hippie/biker guy. Performance is adequate, ride is comfy and handling is pretty darn good. Turning radius is outstanding. Yes there is some wind noise, but it is a rag top. What other vehicle gives yall as much fun, reliability, and enjoyment for 21 grand.

• 

  Eh. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rachel152 - August 4 - 7:15 am

  Ive had my Liberty for about two months now. In these past few months I have spent over $1000 in repairs. First, the rear-axle had problems, and second there was a crack in my radiator. The Libertys gas mileage is absolutely horrid. I at least get 17 mpg hwy. The interior design of the Liberty is impressive, but the audio system is bad, too. The speakers in the car do not go loud enough. It is also very loud, getting up to 70 mph in the car is like being on a jet plane. Otherwise, does good in bad weather, and is rather stylish looking. If it werent for all the repairs and horrid gas mileage, this car would be perfect.

• 

  Great Jeep! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By sycolamb - August 4 - 12:06 am

  Ive had my 2007 Rubicon for about 2 weeks now and I love it. I traded in my modified 2005 TJ Rubicon. I really missed it for a couple of days but after some mild off roading and a few rocks with the new 2007, I havenÂ’t looked back. The new Rubi is so much more comfortable and quiet. The back seat is harder to get in to than with the 2005 Rubicon and the 05s 4.0 engine with 6 speed manual seemed to have more pick up than the 07 3.8 with auto. I was really impressed with the electronic sway bar disconnect. It is still completely stock and crawled over some smaller boulders really nicely! This is my 4th Jeep and I would have to say the best one that IÂ’ve ever owned.

• 

  Pleasures and flaws - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By chief46 - August 3 - 10:50 pm

  Great highway ride and handling -- strong, quiet, smooth, precise. But there are some annoying flaws that should be fixed -- and hopefully these fixes will be offered to 2011 owners. First, someone forgot the "sport utility" part of SUV in designing the really lame roof rails. Even Yakima wont try a fit for them. I need to load two canoes, and will apparently have to spend hundreds on a new Thule system and then Dremel some plastic to get a decent crossbar spread. Second, the dial speedometer is almost totally useless in the daytime. Fortunately you can set up a digital speed readout in the center. Also, gap when rear seats down & no bumpers.

• 

  Dont buy a Diesel - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jodi - August 3 - 7:48 pm

  We own at 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Diesel. I love the car it drives great when it drives. Thats the key point here. Its been serviced 14 times yes 14 and today as I write this its in again and now for 2 weeks the list is growing and now they found metal in the oil pan. We dont know what we can do. We bought it in MO and now live in CO. I truly love the car and the way it drives and the Diesel has been great on gas mileage we own a Dodge 2500 Diesel. But I cant handle all the endless trips to the dealership. It has stranded me 2x and almost caused a serious accident when the engine stopped going at 60mph. We filled a lemon claim but all we got was a letter back saying thank you for submitting. I sure hope no one else has to go through this nightmare.

• 

  Love love LOVE my JGC! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kkgirl - August 3 - 7:50 am

  This is my second Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, a 2007 that we just bought new in 3/08. These are great vehicles. If you can do it, I highly recommend the Limiteds. They are luxurious but sporty. Im admittedly a gadget girl, so I love the little features--stereo controls behind the steering wheel, power memory seats and mirrors, leather interior, etc. The V8 drives like a dream, smooth but very quick. It is so fun to drive. Design is classic. A much "cooler" choice for this soccer mom than other options!

• 

  Good Value - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim - August 1 - 5:20 pm

  Simple layout with a lot of features, great bang for the price Hi, I bought the car new because of the warranty and that it was the only one at this price with the features it has (leather, heated seats, etc). Three years later, the car has been good. The gas mileage is worse than my previous Grand Cherokee which had a V8. Though Ive loaded it up with books to the roof (and then put suitcases on the roof) and it didnt really change the gas mileage. The car handles well off road, though the stock clearance and tires suck. Ive never had an issue with the windows (I was told by a dealer that the last series of 2007s got the 2008s electrical system). Find a good dealership-its the dif

• 

  Problems Still Exist - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AussieBuff - August 1 - 2:30 am

  Overall, the Jeep is beautiful! Plenty of power and it gets me where I want to go. Now, if Jeep would fix the brake problems and get that stupid clicking sound out of my steering column I would be happier. I still think I will take my business elsewhere for my next vehicle...GERMANY!

• 

  Its a truck! - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By contino - July 31 - 2:54 pm

  I have been a car car critic since I was 16, or 32 years...One thing I can tell you its very sharp, inside and out. Its great in the snow, fuel economy with the V 6 ok, the stereo system sounds good, but FM reception is not great, even with local stations. Whats not great: the ride is a not like a Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer or Lincoln Aviator which I have owned, but its much better then a new Toyota 4 Runner. Steering is good under 65 mph, over that its not secure, its feels like a boat with many steering adjustments which gets frustrating after an hour of driving. Also, lane changes over 65 are very floaty. The worst thing is the seats, very hard and you feel the bumps.