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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  Colorado Jeep Feedback - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ColoradoJeepster - May 7 - 7:30 am

  This is our third Jeep and (marginally) the best of the three. Experience with it includes 11,700 miles over 10 months (including two 3000 miles trips). Its fairly comfortable for a 4WD and is looks good. Gripes include transmission shift programming (underpowered, even with V8), form and fit (rear doors dont meet body well), periodic maintenance "forces" you into Schedule B (any driving in freezing weather) which includes changing front rear axle fluid at 12000 miles at $140 an axle, etc. Also had to change leaking pinion seal at 6000 miles. Gas mileage computer is erratic, even over long trips -- not accurate. Overall reliability is questionable; well see.

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  Happy Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By ColJessepUSMC - May 6 - 11:43 pm

  Bought this Jeep Wrangler X with special Rocky Mountain package right out of showroom. Never been sorry. This is a head turner,all silver w/black accents. Matted to 6speed Mercedes trany,cant beat tourque. Soft top still in great shape after 4 1/2 years.Take the doors off and you never want to get out of it. Took it to Camp Jeep 2006 in stock mode. Over 3000 jeep owners and there families. What a great experience. Drove thru mud,creeks,and trails. I drive this as a daily driver,average 18mpg(mostly hwy). Dont like it??Buy a hybrid! This is for people like me who on a snowy NYC day,dont want to shovel. Engage 4wd and blast out of the parking space! Bury me in this when i die.

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  1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cristen - May 6 - 2:10 pm

  I got my Jeep this year, of course used. It is a great vehicle. I have had no problems with it at all, it runs very well and I love the power with the v-8. I was very surprised about how well it turns in tight spots. It maneuvers like a car. The interior is very comfortable, and it has power everything. I like that the seats move up and down, because i am only 4 foot 11 inches tall. And it is no problem to drive. It has plenty of space to haul just about anything, and the back seats fold down. I like the navigational system. All in all it is a great vehicle, the only bad thing I can say is it gets 15 mpg in town and 18 on 4-lane, and I was used to a Geo Tracker that got 35 mpg.

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  Exceeded my expectations - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cspillman - May 6 - 11:02 am

  I purchased a used 2015 V6 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 California Edition. Ive had the car for three weeks and love it. I drove it back from Colorado to AZ and it is fun to drive and the technology is wonderful. I have owned Audis but the fit and finish of this car is similar and the the digital dash and user friendly interface is better than Audi. I had to call to get the UConnect transferred into my name and the level of service was amazing. No wait times and everyone was extremely friendly and professional. I did purchase an extended warranty because this is my first Chrysler product and I read some bad reviews but so far this car is the best Ive owned.

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  Still worh it - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By McMartin - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I read all the reviews about the Jeep here before purchasing one...and theyre all about reliability, so, I purchased and extra long warranty, covering almost everything, so I feel confident everything will be taken care of should the need arise...besides that, what can I tell you? I love this SUV!!! I love the leather interior, the engine (4.7 V8) is VERY responsive, very smooth, althought it likes to consume a lot of gas...(Im getting around 14mpg on the city...) all the amenities inside are great! to all of you out there in the doubt: go for it, but purchase extended warranties!!

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  The best Jeep ever - 1996 Jeep Cherokee
  By Brandon - May 6 - 2:40 am

  My Dad bought my Mom this Jeep 11 years ago on Valentines Day. Its elegant red paint still shines with an ocasionnal wax. Only miner work done except for a radiator and a new A.C. It shakes at 45- 50 mpg but its still a prety good Jeep.

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  Solid as a rock - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By E.Roberts - May 5 - 7:37 pm

  I would like to say that we have owned our jeep for six years. We bought it with only 30,000 miles and it now has 112,000. We had to replace the heater core about 8 months ago, but this is about it. My wife travels a lot, and has not had any issues at all. This vehicle, has been a great purchase for us. I will say that the interior colors arent the greatest because the seats are stained and will not come out. Other than that, no problems.

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  Enjoy the moment! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTSahara - May 5 - 9:10 am

  I swore I would never own an American made car again, but I have to say Chrysler has definitely earned their bragging rights. I purchased my 2008 Sahara in Steele blue metallic with all the bells and whistles, including MyGiG. Who would have thought a Wrangler could be $30,000? I love the rugged look of this vehicle and the polished aluminum wheels for 2008. This Jeep is such a head turner and Memorial Day weekend reminded me over and over of why I purchased this Jeep, as I cruised along the highway with the top off.

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  Not a satisfied customer - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By adam - May 3 - 1:46 pm

  My wife has always loved jeeps. We bought 04 G.C. Laredo 4X4 4.0L SFI. The engine ticks. Almost all the time sometimes loud sometimes quiet weve had it checked out by a certified dealership($69)and they said the 4.0L is notorious for being noisy. Everything checked out fine. FYI it only now has 40k miles on it and gets 13.3 MPG in town 19.9 on HWY. (65 mph for 72 mi.HWY). Other than a noisy motor & Terrible MPG its not bad. Believe me when I tell you I take care of the oil changes and baby my $15k Automobile. It just ticks all the time and is embarrasing. "But thats just the 4.0L its a noisy motor." We spend $250- $300 a month in fuel at $3.39 9/10 gallon.

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  A capable SUV - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MS&T EE - May 2 - 11:50 pm

  Bought the Limited 4wd w/5.7L Hemi as a tow vehicle for fishing boat. Other than pickup trucks, few vehicles are available capable of towing more than 1,500 pounds - most SUVs are now "crossover" vehicles (station wagons). The Grd Cherokee can tow up to 7,200# w/Hemi and tow pkg. Although my experience is limited(2 wks), I have no complaints. Cabin is quiet, handling is nimble yet stable, body is solid, doors and interior fit very well, Hemi starts easily and runs sm-o-o-o-th. Backup camera great to hitch trailer. Insufficient experience to comment on reliability and fuel economy. Jeep web site is confusing-QuadDriveII (limited slip, skid plates, tow hooks) came standard with 5.7L Hemi.