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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  Beware of 2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By MJ - February 18 - 1:56 pm

  Very nice SUV for the size and price range. However, there have been several recalls and it is hard to schedule the time to get them all fixed. Also, had to replace all four tires and front and rear brakes and rotors at 32,000 which is ridiculous in my opinion. Keep looking unless you are ready to handle the maintenance and have a second car to tide you over during its down time. At this point, I find the car hard to trust.

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  Take the Bad with the Good I Guess - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By oldjeepdriver - February 18 - 3:56 am

  Bought 2008 Commander Limited 4.7 as a "executive use" car never titled with 15,000 miles in Dec 08. Right away the mygig went dead, took two trips to fix, then sat antenna wiring fried and had to have headliner removed to repair. First trip on the highway noticed vibration at 70+ mph. Back to the dealership 3 times, finally had torque converter replaced, vibration not as bad but still there. Now dealership is closed due to Jeeps financial woes. If it is raining, dont let down the the front windows because water will flood in and forget trying to see a traffic signal with the near vertical front window. On the plus side, front seats are comfy and roomy, sound system is excellent.

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  Chrysler ruins what had so much potential ... - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By kingtj - February 16 - 5:19 pm

  I bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 with the CVT transmission, used, just over a year ago as a "certified used vehicle". Thankfully, I also bought an extended warranty. The vehicle is ideal in concept; small fuel-efficient SUV that seats 5, can haul a lot of cargo for its size (including a full length ladder if you fold down the passenger front seat and back seats), and great snow/ice handling too, at a reasonable price. In reality? Chryslers cutting corners everywhere ruins things. My CVT transmission is shot, after less than 70K miles, and had bad ball joints/tie rod ends at 37K miles. Interior is full of cheap plastic everywhere, too. Even the factory battery wore out in 40K miles.

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  MORE TROUBLE THAN ITS WORTH! - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jpgrl - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but trouble with rotors, and axle repairs. Jeep refuses to fix these problems and see them as defects. I have had rotors replace 2x and rear and front axle work!! It was a lemon from the get go and they didnt do anything. The first 2 rotor(both done at less than 12,000 miles!) repairs were covered under warranty along with the rear differential work. More recently i had new rotors(again!) and a front axle job!! Please save your money and buy something other than a gr cherokee!! Save yourself the time, money and stress!!

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  Do Not BUY - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Notagain - February 2 - 10:00 am

  A reliability nightmare. Three fuel pumps have been replaced. Complete transmission overhaul @ 69,000K, heated seats do not work, brake problems, etc. etc. I should know better--had same problems on my 1999 which I just sold. Jeep can not build a reliable vehicle and Carmax is so busy because of all the needed repairs it takes two weeks to get an appointment so they can attempt repairs.

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  Great Intention/ Bad assembly - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By Bill - January 29 - 4:50 pm

  I bought 2008 Jeep Commander from Used Hertz car sales with warranty 14800 miles. The first problem after 1 month was complete electrical failure of the vehicle. Under warranty they reprogrammed the vehicle but would not give me reciept anything was done till I demanded 2 times from JEEP. Hertz actually stuck up for me. Four months later while going through Iowa the top of the windshield seal blew off for under head winds of about 40mph. Jeep dealership tried to say windshield had been replaced. Hertz stuck up for me again and proved it had not and had it fixed. I still love the Jeep though. I think there are quality control problem but vehicle is still very very nice.

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  Bad Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Florencia - January 29 - 5:46 am

  Dont get me started on the Jeep windows. Im sick and tired of paying $100.00 each time one of the windows break. We had to replace the windows 6 times since we got the vehicle in 2007. I will never buy Jeep again. I tell everyone I know not to buy Jeep.

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  Eyagos Review - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jamaica - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle...Gotta punch it on the highway for passing or else your not getting much of a response, engine is weakest between 1200 and 1900 RPMs ...

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  fly by wire - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By crazieglued - January 23 - 11:26 am

  It takes a special sort of person to drive a Jeep. If you drive it like a Toyota, you will probably hate it. If you have had Jeeps previously, you know the "when the weather gets ca-ca you pull your select/command trac lever". Not so in this. First time that all time 4WD is at the base model. *Even though the machine delivers top notch treacherous road handling ability, you will forget that its an all time, all wheel drive vehicle and still reach for the lever.* Electronic Gas Pedal is very fickle!It gets confused going up/dwn rolling hills, almost as if it doesnt know if its going up or down the hill, same thing when accelerating at speeds 25-40 mph, I.E. getting on highways from onramps.

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  Not what I expected - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jrn-cherokee - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Jeep last January. After owning the Jeep for 11 months I am in the process of looking for another Ford. Wheel bearings are gone, howling from either a idler pulley or alternator ($250 for a rebuilt), transmission slipping terribly when it get below 40 degrees F, fogging headlight, leaking tailgate at both the window and gate seal, squeaks and rattles. I have 91K on it now and purchased it with 71K. I have no faith in this vehicle. If you are considering one, get rid of it before 100K. Friend that works for Chrysler said allmost all Jeep Grands need a tranny rebuild then. Wish I had known, my first and last Damlier Chrysler vehicle.