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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  Horrible waste of your money - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Andy - July 22 - 12:33 pm

  Only a month after my fiancé drove it off the lot, she began having major issues. Front end issues, transmission issues and braking issues... took to the dealer 2 times before they would even take it in and look at it. Tie rods were ready to snap off at only 4000 miles! Vehicle does not see the interstate anymore because you cant even get up to 50mph before ramp ends causing a huge safety issues... all problems addressed to jeep (fca us llc) and it was a laughing matter to them... they claim issues arent actual issues and are normal for new vehicles... as an ase certified tech I can diagnose many issues and gave in detail the problems and was still shrugged off. Now in the process of lemon law which now jeep wants to try and make things right after 9 months of constant complaints.Do your research before buying a used one as fca us llc tries to get you to opt out with taking a new vehicle or giving you cash settlement and keep the vehicle so it isnt listed as a lemon which then looses a lot of value at manufacturer expense.

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  buyer beware - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By whut wuz I doing - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have never wasted so much $ on a worthelss item. ****WARNING**** you will regret buying one & most jeep owners will say i told you so

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  Many problems at 122K - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By LP - June 14 - 1:44 pm

  Every week or so, I have another problem with this car. In the past two months alone, my check engine light went on ($400 fix), my control module computer went haywire ($140 to diagnose and reprogram), my alternator died ($160 - the shop did the labor for free). Now my transmission is dying and Im selling the car at a big loss just to get rid of it. On the rare occasions it does work, it still has the infamous rear-end clunk, is way too top-heavy, and costs a ton of money in gas. If youre looking for a reliable car, look elsewhere.

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  Buyer beware - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Lonnie Mack Ratliff - May 26 - 8:33 am

  No support from manufacturer contacted Jeep twice about problem with tire blowout that caused several hundred dollars of out of pocket expense . possible buyers beware !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [contact info removed]

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  dont waste your money - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By abrown - April 26 - 12:43 am

  We have owned this vehicle for one year now and have regretted the purchase every day since. It has been in the shop so many times we have lost count. It will die while in motion and cause loss of steering and braking. It has happen several times and no one can seem to fix the problem. It is a death trap! Luckily, these "stalls" have happened at low speeds. Wind noise, water leaks, ac makes horrible sounds, numerous recalls, and slow response throttle are just some of the problems we have faced. We bought this car brand new, it was not used. These problems are happening to most owners of this car. NHTSA is investigating the engine and hopefully the situation will finally be fixed. Horrible!!

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  Garbage - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Willie - January 31 - 12:07 pm

  Until the day I die Chrysler will never get another dollar from me.

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  what a joke - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By What a joke - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle ive ever driven. I have 6 cylinder, wish i had 4 because they put 3.07 gears in mine which makes it suck. I have not used 5th gear yet. cant climb hills in 4th. Gas mileage is about 14 (probably cause i cant use the high gears). Water comes in through floor when i go through puddles or it rains (about an inch, easy). Brakes warped when i got it, warped again at 12000 miles, again at 20,000 miles. Shakes like hell at 60+ mph. They said nothing was wrong. Ive had two CJs, 3 YJs, and this TJ. Worst wrangler I ever bought. Never buy one again, unless its an old CJ or a YJ. Plus it cost me almost twice as much as those ever did.

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  Dont buy one - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JEEPJUNK - November 21 - 2:00 am

  118,000 miles and Im on my second transmission and it now needs to be rebulit. I have the full time 4X4 and its a gas hog. 16 mpg on the highway. Ive heard from others with Grand Cherokees and they also have put transmissions in within the 100,000 mile range. 99% of my driving is highway and no offroading so you cant blame the driver for a crappy trans. Stay away from Jeep. Buy foreign. It may cost more up front but will last longer.

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  RUN RUN STAY AWAY FROM SUNCOAST CHRYSLER DODGE - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By E Clouse - November 18 - 4:35 am

  THE BRAKES SQUEAK EVERY DAY> I went to two dealerships and they both said its normal. Think twice before purchasing this vehicle. PLUS and this is HUGE! Never EVER buy from Suncoast Chrysler Dodge in Seminole Florida. Run from them! YOU WILL GET BAMBOOZLED!

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  piece of crap - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ex-jeeper - November 16 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has been the worst automobile in my life. Everything has been replaced at least twice. Dont pay attention to any warranty because it will break again when it gets out.