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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  1st Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BruceJ - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Grand Cherokee, and I have not been overly impressed. The build is very good, not one rattle or squeak, however the transmission is very slow to change gears when you need to down shift. The 3.7l V6 has adequate power but would be nice if it had about 20 more horses. During the first 6 months, it spent a week in the shop due to check engine light, had to replace fuel rail and air conditioner compressor. Fuel mileage is about 23mpg on the highway, not bad for this size vehicle. Back seat is cramped for adults. Standard radio fair, should have upgraded to better unit. Not sure I would consider this vehicle again. Weak transmission.

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  Ive always wanted a Wrangler & got it! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By KNS - June 19 - 4:40 am

  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Wrangler!!! I really wanted the Rescue Green (it was the color of my 96 Cherokee), but couldnt find it with the options I wanted. I got the "S" package and it rocks! I do have the annoying door/latch rattle and the back lift window has leaked a few times in the rain, but definitely not the Freedom Top (keeping my fingers crossed). The design of the water drain stinks . . . water runs right into the car when you open then door when it rains & the doors need the hinge stops. They should include the tool needed to take off the back top too. Other than that, its been a blast and I get a lot of Jeep waves & flirty smiles for being a little chick in a hot ride!!!

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  Bad Brakes - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dmcdonough - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  My 07 Liberty is a great vehicle. Window regulator broke too, but they fixed it. Ive had the car since Oct 07 and have 23,000 miles. Took it in for NYS insp. and found I needed new pads and rotors. Mechanic said it shouldnt have done that.Im pretty easy on the brakes and that isnt a lot of miles. Cost me over $300 for just the front brakes. Chrysler should be ashamed for making inferior parts for such a nice vehicle. Talked to several mechanics and they all said the brakes on the Liberty are really bad. I am disappointed in that. The gas mileage isnt that great either. Agree that the window controls shouldnt be in center console.

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  KEY NOT DETECTED MESSAGE/KEY LOCK IN CAR DETECTION DONT ALWAYS WORK - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kkfoster54 - June 17 - 10:19 am

  I have been having problems with the key not detected message which is happening quite often, I thought it may be the key battery. I switched keys (spare) and its doing the same thing. I was thinking it was the key battery at first, but when I switched keys after a while it started doing the same thing so I dont think its the battery. I have to try anything and everything to get my car to crank. The problem seems to be getting worse, I hope I dont get stranded. Also I have accidently locked myself out the car a few times and the car lock key feature works when it wants to, the key was in the console or my purse in the passenger seat less than 2 ft and it still locks.

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  For a 16 year old rig very pleased. - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mrlypage - June 17 - 6:00 am

  No big complaints. Getting ready to sell it after 2 years of ownership. I figure with repairs and maintenance it cost me $100 month in depreciation-- not bad, especially considering the abuse the previous teenage owner surely put it through. Very torquey (V8) and grabby 4WD. Speaking of grabby 4WD, I do NOT like the full- time 4WD-- it costs you in gas mileage and the front wheels differential doesnt work well when making low speed, tight turns.

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  Still Runn - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JS - June 17 - 12:46 am

  After 136k miles our Jeep ZJ is still running great. The raves about the I-6 are true. No oil burning to speak of. Its basically a tractor engine-very simple-nothing fancy but very reliable. More reliable than the v-8 counterpart and easy to work on for the shade tree mechanic. Output on par with many other manufacturers V-8s of similar years. Selec-trac is very competent. Nice to have just 2x4 when you want it. The NP242 transfer case is one of the best Jeep has. Ours gets only the good stuff (Mobile 1, Royal Purple, et. so take good care and it will treat you right.

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  So far, so good - 2010 Jeep Commander
  By inuvik - June 15 - 5:57 pm

  We were in the market to replace our 09 Dodge Journey which we liked, but it had a lot of quality control issues. We had always wanted a Jeep and when I found out that 2010 was the last year for the Commander I was intrigued. I was interested in the V6 model only. I had a 07 Mega Cab with a Hemi and it had absolutely horrible fuel mileage so I wasnt interested in another. After searching through dealers inventory I found that there were very few Commanders left in inventory anywhere. But I did find a V6 4x4 Sport. The dealer was highly motivated to sell the vehicle due to the fact that incentives were about to expire. Mileage has been good 20 MPG on the highway. $23,995 12k off.

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  ITS BEEN GREAT CAR- LOVE IT - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By MONICA DEVLIN - June 15 - 10:00 am

  great car, long or short trips - little bit of a gas hog

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  Needs Refinement - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By afguy - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Overall a good vehicle. The engine has a lot of pinging and knocking which cannot be done away with. Steering is very touchy and gas is horrible (15-16 mpg average). It is hard to get non-Mopar accessories to fit the rear hitch due to the spare tire sticking out so far. I also wish I had the color matched flares and bumpers because they are starting to fade. Seats are a little uncomfortable too. I find my lower back gets tight after more than 45 minutes of driving.

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  Maybe Im just unlucky - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By cpr4cpu - June 14 - 2:13 pm

  I have owned just about every model Jeep prior to 06 so I know what to expect from my Jeeps (or so I thought). I have all service performed at the dealership. This car has spent more time in the shop than every other Jeep I have owned COMBINED! I have had 2 computer modules replaced, had the transmission replaced, had 5...yes FIVE new nav radio systems (each time I have to pay Sirius another transfer fee), had the 4wd wiring harness short out, dead electrical system left me stranded, a burst fuel line molded through the firewall (that was a doozey of a repair bill), and now I find myself stranded 900 miles from home because the 4WD system decided not to talk to the main computer any longer