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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  This is awesome! - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By roofer - February 12 - 4:33 pm

  My wife and I were test driving BMW X-5s and Volvo SUVs. But when she got behind the wheel of the 4dr Unlimited, her eyes glazed over. I have never seen my wife so happy driving a vehicle. We live at the top of a steep hill in the Blue Ridge Mountains and this with its torque and auto transmission will get her up and down with little effort. Like others who have the new 4door model we are constantly asked by strangers if they may check out our truck. Jeep hit the nail square on the head with this vehicle.

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  Take a Closer Look at the Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gc - February 10 - 11:06 pm

  The Grand Cherokee is a fun vehicle to drive. In reading some of the professional reviews, I was skeptical until I actually drove the Jeep. It has a 4.7 V8, which has plenty of power, and we have found it to be a very comfortable vehicle. The interior has plenty of room and everything is conveniently located. Ours is "optioned" up pretty good and has the Quadra Drive II. Overall, I would highly recommend the Grand Cherokee to anyone looking for a fun, mid-size SUV.

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  A true SUV - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Lara - February 10 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my Jeep Cherokee sport a year ago and I love it. Despite getting bad gas mileage (16 mpg city), I realize that this is an SUV, so its understandable. The only complaint I have is that the engine is extremely loud and roaring. Otherwise, its a very sturdy car. It accelerates well, has great steering, has comfortable front seats, and pretty good road traction. The real fun begins when you go off road, though. This is not an SUV for someone who really needs a station wagon (aka Ford Explorers, Expeditions). The ride on rocky ground with bumps is surprisingly smooth. This is a classic, REAL SUV that will remain a favorite of mine. And, whats cooler than having a JEEP?

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  jeep liberty sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tappen - February 8 - 2:00 am

  the best 4wd i have driven. had a blaze never again. the jeep dealer was very helpful and did not try to sell me something i did not want.

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  2004 Jeep Overland - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff Hicks - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Good looking, handling, pleasure to drive.

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  Excellent Job Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Robbie - February 7 - 12:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I turn heads driving down the freeway. Love the sunroof and heated seats. The people at Jeep/Chrysler are very experienced, and know how to make a small SUV. I got the 3.7L V6, but also tested the CRD. I like how the V6 is very quiet. Ride is very smooth, compliant and comfortable.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Trent - February 7 - 9:10 am

  I bought this vehicle in March 2006 and ever since I loved it. The 6 cylinder engine has just the right amount of power I need and isnt too bad on gas. Highway driving was excellent. City not so much. The interior is nice and roomy and the controls are easy to navigate. The styling is great for this generation of grand cherokee. Nice angles and smooth lines which makes it stand apart from the rest of the round bubble suvs on the market.

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  Jeep Rubicons Rock - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wrangler Rubicon - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned 2 Jeep Wranglers and now a 2004 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This is the Cadillac of Jeeps. Although the gas mileage isnt great, the power and comfort that comes with the Rubicon are awesome. There is nothing like putting the soft-top down and cruising around on nice day. Also, when the weather gets bad, you wont find a more dependable vehicle. Another plus is being a part of the Jeep Wrangler family. When you pass another Wrangler owner, most of them will wave at you. I will always own at least 1 Jeep Wrangler for life...

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  More luxurious than a Cadillac SRX! LOVE IT - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lori - February 4 - 1:14 am

  We bought a Cadillac SRX and drove it for two years before trading it on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 with the 8 cylinder Hemi in it. Ive had my 2014 for 13 months now and I am still in love with it. We hated the way the Cadillac drove - and the JGCS is so much better. The technology works better and is more receptive (everything from the touch screen to the outside touch door locks/unlocks). The interior is beautiful, I love the look of the dashboard and the leather seats. The only thing I would change is the seats could be a little more comfy. They arent bad, but could be better. Ive heard people who have had trouble with the transmission and other things, but so far so good with mine. No issues at all. I LOVE that jeep offers a lifetime warranty on the vehicle which I purchased. Its comforting to have it, because I know even if I have issues Jeep will take care of them. The cost of warranty on my brand new Jeep was less than an extended warranty on a used car. I plan on driving this vehicle until it literally wont drive anymore. There are only three things I would change - comfier seats, maybe better gas mileage and I would love it if it read the iPhone text messages like Ford and Chevy vehicles do. I was coming back from an activity on a school bus (Im a teacher) and this gorgeous car in the parking lot caught mine - about a split second later, I realized it was MY CAR!

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  gr8truck - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By newjeepowner - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the feel of driving this car and the ability to switch to 4WD when I need it. Was considering a Honda CRV but glad I made this choice. Headroom is good, plenty of room for child car seat(s when necessary) and it hauls what I need. Very comfortable except the shape of the seat back. Everything is in the right spot.