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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  Repairs - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CRem - March 31 - 9:43 pm

  I am 16,000 miles in my SRT8 and while fuel economy (12.7mpg average) stinks, it is a ton of fun to drive. A little stiff if you are in the backseat for anything over 15 minutes. On a down note, I had to have a rattle fixed at 1200 miles, the side door panel is installed slightly tilted and I see it every time I look in the side mirror which bugs me. Worst of all the brakes needed to be replaced at 15,900. Because of the Brembo brakes you cant get normal "lifetime" warranty brakes. You have to get the Brembo pads which have no guarantee. All in, brake pads and to have the rotors cut cost $1100. Ouch, will have to do it again most likely in another 15,000 miles.

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  Definitly an Enjoyable Car - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JToddC20 - March 31 - 4:43 am

  We bought our Jeep in Dec 2004 and got the great "employee pricing"so we got the loaded Lmtd. for only 33k. The navigation has gone out - twice. Rear wiper broke off - twice. Had leather seat re-done, etc. We have had a lot of problems with the car, but the car is a luxury vehicle at an economy price. We had a BMW which required constant care, this in comparison has not been a real problem. I do think the trans. is about to go though. Its been sticking a lot lately. But really, for the amount of time I spend in the car, it has held up pretty well. The chrome rims and inferno red color get looks all the time. Money in repairs has been reasonable so far, I dont think its worse than other cars.

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  bad transfer case -- disappointment - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By SaS - March 31 - 12:46 am

  The comfort of this car far surpasses any other SUV I have driven. But it was a major disappointment to find that I had purchased a vehicle that had a bad transfer case from the git-go. You dont expect to be inconvenienced at 3100 miles. And to put up with the noise, vibration and the stress of wondering what else is going to happen later down the road, because Chryslers service reps seem to think that itÂ’s ok to drive the vehicle until they can get around to replacing the transfer case. My concern is will the transmission fail next? Will the driveline maintain its integrity? I did not expect this from a Jeep. But then again it is a Chrysler product now, isnt it!

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By lp1968 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great SUV! This is my second Grand Cherokee, and I have had very few major repairs. I did have to have the tranny overhauled, but that was close to 100,000 miles. The 4x4 is great (I think my 95 was a little better), but for our tough winters it is a must!

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  Go NO where capability - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By DEEZ - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for more than 4 years now and am still having problems with it. I bought it with about 10 miles on it and have had nothing but problems with it. Some problems have occurred several times. 3 times the guages on the dash board have malfunctioned-the same amount of times the defroster linkage has disconnected to cause the defroster not to work-the transfer case was leaking fluid-the drivers seat broke-both exterior mirrors started shedding their paint-a stabalizer linkage arm seal burst in the front end. All of these problems occurred before 36,000 miles.

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  Fun Fun and more Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By grizzlybear - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Yes a jeep with the attitude of the jeep and finally with some comfort. For those who love the jeep as only we can this is one of the best beast they have made for use urban dwellers wanting to get back into nature of the beaten path. Let the fun begin and bring the family in style and comfort.

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  nothing like a jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ccsmith - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had several different suvs in the past. I must say that this has been my favorite. This is the second grand cherokee i have had. My other one was a 2002 the only reason i traded it was that the lease was up. I love the handling, and the comfort. I put alot of miles on my vehicle so it is nice to have a safe and reliable vehicle. So far i have put 6000 miles on this one and i have had no problems.Love the jeep

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  Great Overland experience - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JK Bulman - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Jeep and the best. Major improvements over the older Grand Cherokees are engine performance of the new HO V-8 with improved HP and torque. The transmission is a much improved 5 speed automatic. The low end torque is great. The ride is improved but still lacks smoothness. The sound level is much improved. The Navigation is much better than the older style CD based Jeep Pod. The engine idle is a little rough but acceptable. The seats are great and provide good support and comfort. The vehicle is very functional and good looking.

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  I drink my coffee black, and now drive an American Icon - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By mr_doering - March 29 - 2:36 pm

  My first vehicle was a 1965 American Rambler station wagon with three on the tree. The Jeep Patriot is no nonsense SUV that will take me wherever I want to go; moreover, It truly is an all-purpose vehicle without all of the bells and whistles. I have lived from the Caribbean to the Hawaiian islands and every time zone between (except Alaska), and this Jeep Patriot would be an asset in every past and future home; moreover, for its on- or off-road ability. However, in my case why finance stuff that I do not need.

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  Shoddy resale can benefit you! - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Travis P. - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Considering that my 95 Grand Cherokee stickered at 27 grand when new, I got a great deal at only 11 grand. The build quality is very solid, I have no rattles no shakes and handling is great. I used the 4wd quite extensively last winter and it functions without any problems. The ride can be a bit rough off the pavement but the ground clearance is great. The gas mileage has been between 18-20 mixed and the 4 liter has more than enough power for me. On the freeway, passing is not a problem but crosswinds can be a problem. Great vehicle overall.