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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  I wouldnt buy a jeep again - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Thermofonz - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I wouldnt buy a jeep again. I bought the car knowing that jeeps arent the most reliable. The car was towed twice, and has been in the shop at least 2 other times. But dont forget, youre buying an American car, and your really buying a suuped up wrangler.

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  In my opinion...... - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ELLE99 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Granted it is a 96 and with age it will ultimately depreciate as will any other automobile out there. So that being said youd typically want to buy something thats reliable. This car is anything but reliable in my opinion. Its broke down twice in a year. Ive had a series of problems which has cause me numerous headaches. A helpful tip... if anyone is looking to purchase this Jeep I would advise them 100% not to. Spend alittle extra money and purchase a used Nissan Pathfinder. Its an outstanding SUV.

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  Buy a warranty if you get a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bryancos - September 13 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased our nearly new Liberty Limited in April 2005, with only 12K on the odometer. We installed a set of new tires two yrs ago, installed a new battery and new brakes one year ago. It recently hit the 80K mark and in the last three months, they replaced the High Pressure Power Steering hose, the Alternator, Water Pump, Serpentine Belt, and today a brand new Radiator and new Hoses was added to the list. Fortunately we had purchased an extended warranty so everything except hoses/belts/fluids was covered, but we had to pay a $50 ded. each time... Word to the wise... its a Chrysler product and purchasing an extended warranty is well worth the money...

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  Dont buy-transmission problems - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By millert30523 - August 31 - 8:30 am

  Good looking vehicle. Has many mechanical issues. Transmission is crap. Mine went out at 41000 and I had problems getting Chrysler to fix it. There is something horribly wrong when a vehicle has 41000 miles on it and the transmission fails. Dont buy. Cheaply built. I traded for a Honda.

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  Dangerous shifting lever - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John Connaughton - August 21 - 6:11 am

  Test the shifting lever which is electronic, when shifting from park to drive 90% of the time if goes to "N". When shifting from "D to "P" it will stop at "R" and if you are not careful and double check the shifter and try to turn the motor off prior to getting out the car will start moving backwards. The dealer tells me they all operate this way. I have owned many Jeep Cherokee over the years and this will be the last. Not good at all

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  Worst Mechanical - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By William Beckerley - August 17 - 7:13 am

  Vehicle had problems for the time it was delivered. It suffered multiple leaks oil & grease. It is extemely hard on brakes and tires in city driving. Shocks leaked at 36,000mi. U joint went at 36,000mi. Transmission locked in 2nd at 37,000. Had to be replaced. The SUV had mild city driving in very mild climate. It is very expensive to maintain and very unreliable. I have owned many new vehicles and this has been the worst.

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  Never Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CherokeeNoMore - August 15 - 1:53 pm

  I was so happy when I first purchased my Cherokee. Brand new off the lot, it was shortly after I started having problems. Tranny, rack & pinion, etc... The dealer, no matter which one I took it to was so bad I had to start taking it to a paid mechanic who himself states he sees too many of these in the shop. After I had my baby I had a terrible time with his car seat and the back. I was so disappointed as this is supposed to be a family car. NO! I dont even feel safe with him in the car now... its having back electrical problems causing interior lights to flash, no starts and weird smells. I am DONE WITH THIS THING! I have lost nearly double what this originally cost and wont get it back.

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  Crap - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By outdoorlady - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I hate this car. Bad gas milage. Its very uncomfortable and it looks like a cheap car.

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  Dont buy a grand Cherokee - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sabriew - August 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2001 brand new and Ive had so many problems ranging from my moon roof not working to my transmission being replaced to replacing my heated leather seats. I dont recommend this product to anyone!!

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  Jeep Cant Do It - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By sacopaddler - July 29 - 1:03 pm

  This vehicle is a danger to the driver, passenger, and anyone else on the road that is near it. My Jeep has stalled repeatedly, even after the "Recall Notice" and was repaired. Cant drive with kids in the car and really shouldnt drive with me in the car. Have to fight Chrysler for it to be returned. Really too bad!!!! I have always wanted a Jeep. :-( A very big let down.