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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  More Fun Than You Ever Thought Possible! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By coolbreezesd5555 - May 19 - 11:23 pm

  I love my Jeep SRT8. I own a number of pricey vehicles and more times than not, I choose my SRT8 Jeep. It is so powerful, quick, with a great sound! I love to throw my bike in the back and head to the mountains or beach - fast! Its fun, its affordable and its rare. By the way the seats are the most comfortable I have ever enjoyed in a vehicle under $100K. Buy it now, before the Feds find out how much fun we are having!

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  Short Life, Big Probem - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bob Stokes - May 19 - 8:43 pm

  I purchased on 3/24/05. On 3/29/05 after 147 miles, heard a tremendous "bang" underneath car. Entire car shook. Much clanking and banging under car before I got it to road shoulder. Towed to dealer. Front transfer case separated from chassis. Dealer does not know why. Chrysler now involved. Car has been in dealer shop since 3/29. Car rides well, 4.7 liter big enough to move it, comfortable, gas mileage unknown at this time. My 2002 Grand Cherokee with same engine delivered 15-16 city and 20 or slightly better on the open road.

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  2012 Jeep wrangle - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepornot - May 18 - 7:13 pm

  I had purchased a new 2012 wrangler and less then a month I was on the side of the road of a major highway. My stearing and car just died when I was going 65 mph in the fast lane at two major highway intersections. They towed the Jeep Wrangler to the dealer and they said it was a defective fuel pump. Rediculous. I talked to the tow company and they said oh yea he tows a jeep wrangler at least 3-4 times a week. I had a 2009 I traded in for the new arctic model and now wich I had kept it as I did not seam to have any issues with 2009 version

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  This vehicle stinks! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kim2008 - May 18 - 2:54 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have had nothing but issues with it. My husband and I have had it towed twice (should have towed it a third time but we limped it into the service department). This vehicle gave out on a busy highway in the passing lane late one night on my way home from work. On another trip the car would not shift out of 1st gear (this was one week after it was supposedly fixed). While driving, the car will suddenly drop into first or second gear. Sometimes when shifting from reverse to drive, the car just seizes up and wont do anything. Today, the car wont even start. I cant wait to trade it in and purchase a Ford. Much more reliable and many less headaches.

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  Our 6th Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By festone - May 17 - 1:53 pm

  Everything considered - this is far and away the best GC that we have ever owned. The 2004 Overland that we traded in was great - but this one really shines. The design and build quality seem far superior than previous years. The engine - although thirsty at almost all speeds - is responsive and relatively quiet for its size. We had 34" of snow during December and the Jeep navigated the hills and drifts with ease. Far better in fact than our Wrangler. The MyGig Nav system / audio is great.

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  Scary to drive - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Matthew - May 17 - 11:36 am

  Good looking vehicle that makes me nervous to drive on paved roads. The brakes and suspension are not well tuned to street driving. No confidence whatsoever in maneuvering this truck in urban or freeway driving. Brakes take forever to slow it down, and in the event that you need to avoid an obstacle youre better off plowing into it rather than trying to turn. I drove a Cherokee previously, and the big difference seems to be the added weight of the Liberty. The weak 3.7 V6 moves this boat slower than a 10 year old Civic. Not recommended for people that enjoy driving. Look for a used RX300 instead.

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  My 2005 Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Avenger923 - May 17 - 5:56 am

  First of all, I am 24 and this is my first SUV. My Jeep rides very smooth. I chose the V6 model due to rising gas costs (I was used to the gas economy of a 2001 Honda Accord EX). So far, I am still in love with this SUV. Most of my driving is done on the HWY, so Im not too upset at the fuel economy. I get around 21MPG on the HWY and in the city and it can dip to about 17MPG. The AC blows great in the summertime. The engine does sound good when revved. I have noticed a little sputtering from time to time.

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  Transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MaiaG - May 17 - 12:40 am

  I received my jeep as a Christmas present. It has been amazing! I had so many problems with getting my other cars stuck in the snow. It was a major relief to get my jeep. I never got stuck again! However, my jeep has a very inconvenient problem. Sometime when I drive it the transmission will not shift. I have to pull over and turn off the vehicle, but then it works just fine! Also, the tire pressure light comes on randomly and makes a dinging noise. I like how my jeep heats up fast and the heated seats work wonderful.

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  2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sheryl - May 17 - 12:12 am

  Ive owned my Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition for 2 weeks and I LOVE it! I have never owned a jeep before- in fact I am comparing it to three Toyotas I have owned previously. The ride is smoother, cabin quieter, and gas mileage is equal to our 2011 RAV 4. I drive during the week mostly on the highway but do not find the EES annoying when in town. The Bluetooth sound quality is clear and easy for both parties to hear. I am happy with my purchase and have no buyers remorse. I hope to say I will be one of those dedicated Jeep owners that can brag about 200,000 miles and still be going strong.

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  Great Vehicle, but - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Loveland - May 15 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in Sept 2002. Love everything about it, except that the darn engine light comes on at least every six months. The latest is for something to do with emissions. Come on, this is ridiculous.