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:

• 

  170k and still going - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By bmv - January 25 - 1:56 am

  Bought this Jeep in 1999 with 63k miles. Ive put over 100k miles on it. Its been cross country twice, up and down the East coast and throughout the Southwest. It is very utilitarian, harsh over rough roads, but it handles better you would expect--very nimble. As it aged I replaced multiple water pumps, a radiator, wheel hubs, a starter--but overall it has been pretty resilient. Some creaks and rattles and the paint and some of the exterior bits are fading, but it always starts. Worst problems: oil leaks consistent and difficult to fix, driver door upper hinge broke off, lower engine mount broke around 90k miles.

• 

  Dont think I made a good choice - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Mcoey - January 24 - 2:13 pm

  I have had mine for 6 months now and have had it in the shop 10 times for the engine light. They cannot figure it out and they are giving me a hard time about the lemon law. I am just not happy at all. This is the first brand new car I have had in a long time and this just ruined it. I like the jeep, just wish they could fix the problem.

• 

  Havent seen my Jeep in almost a month.. - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By RRAaron - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought a 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2W drive. AutoNation "certified" and under limited warranty. Had a nagging "clunk" when shifting from N to D, not all the time. Turns out I needed a differential & transfer case. Due to warranty process, car had to be inspected by an AutoNation adjuster - took over a week for dealership mechanic to make appt. then 3 day wait then 1 day eval and then had to get OK to proceed. Jeep dropped off on 1/25/03, still in the shop as of today, waiting for parts. Part of problem is the Jeep ran fine- apparently problem had been present for some time, but no one noticed. No official cause for the mechanical problem.

• 

  Jeeps best engine EVER - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jan - January 23 - 3:30 pm

  The inline V6 is the best engine Jeeps ever made, this is fact. Might run 250k ... but, in last month alone, I had to replace battery, starter, alternator, and finally got around to getting estimates on $1,200 air conditioner replacement (leaking), new exhaust, and total electrical system overhaul. My stereo was stolen, and now the windows and locks work only intermittently, and the check engine light has been on for 2 1/2 months, EVEN WHEN THE CARS OFF. No diagnostic tests have solved puzzle. It was fabulous until it went bad, and it went bad FAST.

• 

  JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED 5.9L - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NORMA - January 23 - 12:20 am

  Purchased used, have done only standard maintenance. Get 21 mpg on freeway, have hauled passengers, 5 large dogs (over 85#), and furniture. Gone 4 wheeling on purpose and not, without problems.

• 

  Not so economical - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Bou - January 21 - 9:33 am

  I purchased this car and the next day at about 105 miles started a 450 mile trip. I was not expecting to get 19 MPG on hwy after reading on the Jeep website that you get 380 mile range per tank full. 210 miles into the trip on flat Southern Florida hwy, I had to stop for gas and every 210 to 230 miles thereafter for the rest of the trip and on the way back. Yes A/C was on but 19 mpg. I love the car, the interior and exterior designs but I am very disappointed with the gas mileage. The mileage was a major factor in the purchase decision and I feel that I was lied to.

• 

  Auto Off Lights - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bamalady - January 19 - 7:23 pm

  This is my only disappointment with my first Jeep. The auto off for lights is not standard and cannot be added. I havent had to pay attention to turning off lights for YEARS. This could have been a deal breaker if I had realized prior to purchase.

• 

  They were made to be run into the ground - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NP - January 19 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Jeep two years ago with 174k miles on it (yep, you read that right). In those two years, ive done routine maintance, and replaced the driver side wheel bearings (about a grand at a Jeep delear). NOTHING else ever went wrong with it, but i suspect the other owners might have repaired the brunt of it. Im just now starting to have issues- but the Jeep is about to hit 200K! Beware, they were made to last, and made to be run into the ground, but when they get old - their repairs are NOT cheap! My problem is viscous coupler - OUCH - and sway bars. Will be sad to see her go, but cant sink money into her.

• 

  My Favourite Vehicle Ever - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By mozeby - January 19 - 1:16 am

  I bought this Jeep after graduating about 8 years ago. The TJ was only 2 years old with 20K on it. I had to get a few minor recalls taken car of first (water leak on passenger footwell) but since then it has been rock solid. It now has 95000K and still runs like the day I got it. Even the suspension has held up the same. My only complaint is the paint quality and rust problems. I live in Canada and snow and salt really are not its friends. Have to undercoat it every year or it will rust. Will probably last me long enough to give to my kids, or if I break down to buy a new Wrangler.

• 

  MY NEW JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bethtylbrand - January 18 - 10:00 am

  MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWNED JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. I TRADED MINE IN ON THIS LIBERTY. AT FIRST IT WAS A LITTLE GETTING USED TO, BUT WITH ALL OF THE ADDED FEATURES IT DIDNT TAKE LONG. THE ONLY THINGS I WOULD CHANGE WOULD BE THE WINDOW CONTROLS,AND TO PUT SOME TYPE OF HANDLE ON THE BACK FLIP UP WINDOW TO AVOID THE HAND PRINTS. WHEN YOU CLOSE THE WINDOW YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THE GLASS. THESE ARE LIVABLE AS THEY ARE, BUT SINCE YOU ASKED, THAT WOULD BE ALL WOULD CHANGE. THANKS, DIANE