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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  UNCOMFORTABLE! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By traci - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  I am not a large person; however, the Jeep Liberty makes me feel like I am in a Barbie toy car. The seat is so small -- a friend that is 63 and 181 lbs finds it very uncomfortable as well. I like the bells and whistles. The ability to drive through high water is fantastic in hurricane ravaged areas. But, my bum is always numb after only 20 minutes of driving!

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  Junk that looks nice - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tyler Cole - March 28 - 3:53 am

  This is my 2nd JEEP GC Limited, and am not impressed. I had a 2003 GC Limited, and was not happy with the reliability. So I drove a Nissan for almost 3 years, and of course no problems. I decided I liked the HEMI power and looks of the new design, and assumed they would have made the reliability better, but in my case, it is worse. Starter went at 15,000 miles, 2 Stem Valve Sensors, Crankshaft Sensor, missing Radiator fluid, and now needs a new Manifold gasket at 30,000 miles. Today I traded it in on a new Toyota TRD Tacoma. I once again tried to support American cars, but I cannot afford to anymore, my time is money, and I spend most of it in the shop with a JEEP!

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  Wish I would have rented one first - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Cindy - March 18 - 3:10 pm

  After on 2 weeks I knew I bought this vehicle in haste. The seats sit really high and are not very comfortable. The brake and gas pedals are dangerously close. The steering is very touchy and difficult to control. The price really isnt that great when you really take a look at what you get. My Jeep has been for sale for 2 months with no bites.

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  Dont waste your money - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ANONYMOUS - February 27 - 6:03 am

  First of all, I know nothing about mechanics. But I have had problems with my Jeep from day one. First day I had it would not shift past 35 mph, it got worse and I had to call roadside assistance. They sent a tow truck from out of town so it took over an hour. Turns out something was wrong with the transmission. Then all winter long the service 4 wheel drive light would come on, dealer could never find the problem. October 2006 it started stalling as I drive at low speeds. Again dealer cant find the problem it now does this at least once a week and Ive been told theres nothing they can do. Its been to the dealership for leaks around the sunroof and windshield 3xs.

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  Unreliable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pat Rogge - February 16 - 7:50 pm

  My Liberty 2005 has proved to be the most unreliable vehicle Ive ever had. The first year, the engine had to be removed twice to replace valves, then had problems with transfer case. Then, the rear-end differentials had to be replaced...not once, not twice, not three times, but "four" times. The first three times it was covered by warranty, but not the fourth time. I approached Chrysler for a replacement vehicle, but to no avail. Chrysler is ignoring these problems, indicating they can do nothing. I am definitely stuck with a lemon. Am waiting for the rear-end differential to go out again...which it surely will. What do I do? Sell this piece of junk to some poor unsuspecting buyer

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  DOORS NOT FLUSH TO FRAME - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mxburket - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep in the shop 6 times to adjust the drivers door frame. When it snows or rains it builds up in all four doors. When on the highway wind blows in around the frame. The strike plate on the drivers side continuously needs adjustments. The dealer tells me this frame problem witht the doors is normal. I have owned 3 SUV and never had this problem. I am pretty disgusted.. I would like to hear from a JEEP representative to discuss these problems.

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  TOTALLY DISSATIFIED - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kelly - January 28 - 6:10 am

  This is my first American car and after 22months and 20,000mile my water pump, disc brakes and now my cam lifters has to be replaced. Thank God the car is still under warranty. This car has too many repairs and recall which I didnt mention. For such a stylish looking and pricey car, I you would think since jeep has been at this for such a long time they would have made a better product. Jeep doesnt needs these problems just correct them and you will be on top for a very very long time.

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  Jeep should be ashamed.. - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By slh22 - January 27 - 10:06 am

  I purchased my Compass brand new in 2007 and was so excited to have a reliable vehicle--wow was I wrong! Since buying my Jeep, Ive had nothing but repairs. A new transmission around 30,000 miles, new sway bar, two new ball joints, front and rear brakes replaced, and now both of my outer tie rods need replaced--all of this with only 65,000 miles on it. Jeep really should be ashamed of the poor quality they put into this model. Coming from a "Jeep Family," I will never buy another one.

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  This is a little late - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By vak1 - January 18 - 9:08 pm

  I have been driving Jeeps since 1976 and my loyalty to this company is over. At 45,000 mile the problems on this Jeep are too numerous to mention. I hope that people who read this and other reviews will seriously take heed before purchasing a Wrangler.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nanmar - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just outside warranty period. Had to replace the gear module. It cost $1100.00. I called Jeep, they were very rude. This is my second Jeep, will be my last. I do not recommend Jeep to anyone. They have really gone down hill.