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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  Best car ever - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DanP - April 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Grand Cherokee since 1993. I like this style much better than the new one and I cant bring myself to get rid of it. The 5.9 engine and all-wheel drive make this a true performance vehicle, but the mileage is not good. But, in terms of looks, performance, practicality, and features, this is the best car Ive ever had.

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  Fun, Reliable eats gas. - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By pmlupi - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Love my Jeep, and am planning on keeping it until it dies. It is classy enough to tote clients around in and will hold up while impersonating the "General Lee" while off roading. It also seems to look much better when it has a good coat of dirt on it. There is something wrong with getting it detailed.

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  Great Looking Car, Needs Help - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jcoots - April 20 - 10:12 am

  Leased a 2014 JGC Overland. Had it for a year & just traded it for an Acura. All in all, not a bad car. Comfortable, nice features (when they worked), sharp looking. Definitely opt for V8 or V6 (I didnt - mistake). Jeep has got to focus on overall reliability across the board. In particular is the technology. So unreliable. Would turn on car & no volume, navigation has no idea where I am. Half the time couldnt change stations or adjust volume. UConnect is a waste. You get Yelp & Pandora for a fee (free on my teenagers Honda Accord). Navi input crazy slow. The wifi option is expensive & completely worthless. Transmission stinks. Step on accelerator & stand still for a few seconds.

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  Nice ride - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Drew - April 18 - 8:13 pm

  The ride in the 2005 is 10 times better then the prior years, it floats on the road. I love my Jeep and so does everyone who gets in. The only thing I have to say is that I get horrible gas mileage. Also, there are more and more rattling noises, but other than that, so far so good.

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  Hate it. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepHater - April 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my Jeep Liberty a little over two years and have had it at the shop five times because the motors on the windows are failing. Now the back hatch is rattling and the dealership cannot find anything wrong. I only have about 20,000 miles on the Jeep and the windows get very little use. Whats the deal? I will not buy another Chrysler product. I should have learned my lesson with the Dodge Durango!

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  I dont keep cars but, this is a KEEPER! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By takes2tutango - April 17 - 6:26 pm

  Have had my 06 Commander now a month, am about to hit 50k miles and think I have finally found a vehicle I will keep for a very long time. After reading many reviews I hope I got one of the good ones as it seems that most either love or hate this vehicle with very little grey area for this SUV. I have had more trouble dealing with the dealership on things promised in the deal than with any other part of this purchase. It is NO wonder that the American car industry continues to be in the tank when they still seem to lack in customer service. Up until now I have owned Japanese and have had far better service. Now onto the Jeep Commander-I LOVE IT! All but the gas mileage. :( Fix the mpgs)

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  I luv my Liberty. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Off Road Rich - April 17 - 6:56 am

  Didnt want to replace my wifes Sebring convertible. But this really fills the bill. Comfort, style, capability and fun.

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  solid 4x4 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By hunter - April 16 - 2:46 pm

  The gas mileage and reliability were not what I had hoped for but it has performed the towing and off road job very well. It is comfortable on highway and the V8 has plenty of power. It now has 120,000 miles and has required no internal engine work. I have an "up country" suspension and limited slip rear end which makes it a good hunting vehicle.

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  Dont Buy a Jeep Liberty!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By harryr4 - April 14 - 7:47 am

  We have had numerous major mechanical breakdowns on our Jeep Liberty resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Just had to have the transmission fixed for almost $3000. Check it out, it happens all the time on these vehicles. Dont buy one!!

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  excellent redesign! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Steve - April 14 - 5:56 am

  Finally, a change from the bulbous shape of the old JGC! The SUV looks sharp, with short overhangs, nimble, and athletic. It really does look like it can go anywhere, and through anything, unlike its behemoth competitors. Ive looked into the new Frontier, Pathfinder, and 4Runner. Chevy TrailBlazer and Nissan Armada are too big to be considered SUVs, maybe just UVs. Compared to the Jeep, all of them are awful on highway. Off-road, these 3 are quite competent, but, if youre like me, you spend 5 days out of 7 on asphalt. The NHTSAs crash-test results 3 weeks ago gave the Grand Cherokee an all-around "excellent" rating, and for the price, no other manufacturer can come close.