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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  GC Limited Ecodiesel - Mileage & Torque King - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sbackart - August 11 - 1:34 am

  Recently switched from Honda to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel and could not be happier. A realistic 32 MPG HWY and 24 MPG mixed driving for a 5,300 pound 4WD vehicle is incredible. With its maximum torque available at ~2000 RPM, acceleration from 0-35 outperforms most "sports" sedans...which makes it imminently drivable around town. Sport mode is essential for spirited driving; Eco mode is docile and delivers best fuel economy (~24 MPG City). The interior is very comfortable, and of high quality. I love the open pore wood trim. Only 1 problem to date (DEF injector), which was fixed quickly by the dealer. No other issues!

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  Horrible Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bad Car - August 10 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my Jeep for 8 months and I have now gone through 3 transmissions and also ABS sensors. I bought this car hoping that it would get me through college and unfortunately it has done nothing but give me problems and make me never want to purchase a Jeep again! If I were you I would not buy a Jeep compass and especially one with a manual!

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  Perfect size - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By joe - August 10 - 1:03 pm

  The drivers power seat is too high for anyone over 510". The cargo area is a little small. The leather seats are mostly thick soft plastic. The rest of the interior is hard plastic; even the few padded areas have too little padding. Other than that I am very happy with my Grand Cherokee. It gives an excellent ride on or off road. The seats are very comfortable. The stereo is top notch. It has a very solid and stable feel to it that is hard to describe. Lower the seats and add some padding to the arm rests and dash and you have an SUV that will be the best in this price range.

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  2007 Overland 4X4 - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Denny - August 10 - 12:46 pm

  Im very pleased with this vehicle. Great power , comfort, all around driveability. 5500 miles so far. No problems. Pulls my 4500 lb boat effortlessly. Gas mileage is actually slightly better than claimed. I had a 2004 VW V8 Toureg. The Jeep is a much better SUV all the way around. The park assist has already saved me from a backing accident. The standard features are all that one could ask for. Id buy it again in a heartbeat.

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  Before Fiat came to the rescue, Chrysler was dying - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jdwhite9 - August 10 - 9:36 am

  The premium radio and navigation system is out of date, of poor quality and no upgrades available. The sound system has almost no memory, you need to "plug in" a hard drive with your downloads or carry the CDs with you. Worst of all, the drivers seat has some component that will periodically "thump" you at your kidney level on the door side of the seat. I dont know if it is the lumbar support springing out, or something else. Since it only happens periodically, the dealer wont try to fix my new car with this little "gift" from Chrysler. Just like they dont consider the "Premium Navigation" system not knowing that I-49 is open north of Shreveport as being any concern. Service sucks.

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  Got Jeep? - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Got Jeep? - August 9 - 7:26 pm

  Owned 2001 sport Cherokee. Loved it!, I had 160k miles and never had any problems other then the air conditioner went out. Drove it for 7 years. I test drove many vehicles looking for fuel economy. Came down to it I was not giving up my Jeep! Until I found my 2007 Laredo with a sticker price as the same as my 2001 sport. I was willing to give my Jeep for a Jeep! Every Jeep owner will not give it up and if they did wish they had another! I love it, only 2k miles on it, but I have no worries. Bought the life time warranty and the rust proof coating! I I would not buy a Chrysler other then the Jeep. I just cant get over the k-car. I love my Jeep!

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  Disapointed - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dissapointed - August 9 - 9:46 am

  I put very few miles on this car every year. In the time Ive owned it Ive had to replace the brake rotors twice, drivers side front wheel hub, once and the the ball joints were replaced by the dealer (Recall)the fuel mileage is @ 14.5 miles/gal needs improvement. Ill never buy another Jeep again, Chrysler products are questionable as to whether or not I will buy anymore, and that comes from a guy who has sworn by Chrysler products for alot of years. As for the Milford Ct dealer that sold me the car- they will never see another dime of my money.

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  UNRELIABLE - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BTU - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Do not even think about purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I have had nothing but problems from the start. The rotors needed to be sanded down at 13k miles (at my own expense), the computer has been replaced, the steering column and ignition have been replace and now the hydrolics on the brake system have failed. If you do foolishly purchase a Jeep make sure to buy an extended warranty with rental car included. Youll need it. You will be driving the rental more than the Jeep. Trust me.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jane - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my choice of SUVs in the Jeep Liberty. The only negative is that I dont feel as safe when highway driving. I keep thinking of the rollover safety rating (poor)!!

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bige - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Coming to the end of a 3yr lease on a 1999 Grand Cherokee. Here are some of the lowlights of my last 3yrs. Doorlocks went out twice,1st year and again in the last 6 mos. . Drivers seat weld broke. Mickey mouse plastic trim shows much wear . Trasmission occasionally slips. No guts at all. All my driving was onroad, I couldnt imagine taking this wimpy POS offroad. I would absolutely never buy or lease another Daimler-Chrysler product ever again. Just a terrible product! Good luck to anybody who would buy one of these in any year. Every other Grand Cherokee owner Ive spoken to has had a similar experience