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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  Jeeps suck! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By M.Ziolo TL - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I should have been careful and bought a Japanse Suv. The MPG sucks and so does the ride. The engine is very weak and build quality is poor.

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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jloe1322 - September 24 - 5:34 am

  I leased a 2014 Overland back in June and todate my jeep has been in the shop 3 times each for the navigation either going to a black screen multiple times, the adaptive cruise control failing, my windshield wipers go off when making a left hand turn, or the fact that the navigation does not work and when it goes to a black screen while driving im stuck with my heated seat on high for 2.5 hour drive. I even shut the car off got out of it and stopped numerous times on my trip to try and reset the system, to no avail. They have replaced the nav already and it is going into the shop for the 4th time. I am in the process of lemon lawing this car. Chrysler For Shaem on putting this car out!

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  Another Bad Transmission - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kwijibur - September 17 - 9:55 am

  I bought this new in 2007 3 weeks before they offered the lifetime powertrain warranty. Now, at 56k miles, it needs a new transmission. This is after the control arm and tie rod failures that were covered (thankfully) under the 3/36 warranty. I understand that its out of warranty now. But, a new transmission on a 3 y/o car with only 56k miles? Really? Chrysler customer service have also been real jerks. I called them for payment assistance at the recommendation of the dealer and theyve promised me a response by the end of the day for five days straight.

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  Nice toy but not much else - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By umco20 - September 16 - 9:13 pm

  Rides awful. Poor MPG. Poor build quality. Water pump failed, A/C failed, poor interior. Awful transmission, laud and rough. No room inside. However, it is great at open air off roading and cool to have. Not recommended as a daily driver.

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  Poor Control - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marstexas - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased mine brand new and have had nothing but problems..Im only at 18,000 miles and am ready to dump it. The steering is very poor, stability and the Tire Pressure Monitering sucks..I have a loaded one w/on board computer, etc..I must have been loaded when I bought this as Im very disappointed with its performance. The lights flash on and off ..I could go on forever...

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  Transmission - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By kristen - August 30 - 2:00 pm

  Right after the warranty was over the transmission went and needed to be replaced. The winsheild has been replaced twice because it wistles all the way down the highway and if a small pebble hits it the winshield cracks.

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  No longer the all american classic. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Madmike - August 30 - 11:46 am

  I hate this vehicle. So far I have had the transmission, transfer case and front axle and oil pressure gauge replaced, the computer system overhauled, and countless other small problems and the truck still does not work right. The dealership says they can never find the source of the problems (clunking, grinding, hard shifts, steering noise, and horrible performance). LOOK AT THE RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. Do not buy a 1999 or 2000, especially with Quadra-drive.

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  Not happy with this Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdjeepowner - August 28 - 3:33 am

  I bought the Jeep GC Overland because I like the styling and read a great review by Warren Brown in the Wash Post. After owning the car for 2 months, I wish I hadnt purchased it. Ive had the car in for service twice already, both times due to faulty computer issues (radio presets gone, clock not working, NAV system freezing), and transmission issues. The first time, I was told that they did software updates which should fix the problem, and the 2nd time, I was told that there is nothing wrong with the car (even though they recognize/identify the issue). Apparently, Jeep doesnt have a fix for the issue, so the issue doesnt exist.

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  Holy Trans and Fuel Pumps - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Zerblas Family - August 26 - 2:00 am

  well I love my jeep but talk about problems. I hd to wait 1 week for Jeep to replace my fuel pump because they were in such big demad... NOT GOOD and for the trans it SUCKS problems after problems. I am ready to look for something more reliable. Please do research before you purchase...

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  Please stay away! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Islander - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Stay away from this vehicle. Wonderful lemon.