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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  Dont Waste your money - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - October 1 - 5:00 pm

  I have had nothing but issues with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The mechanics in the automatic windows is faulty, this model has a well documented faulty brake problem, with a class action lawsuit to boot. The transmission is no dream either, constantly slips and has trouble shifting gears. This oversized golf cart is quite possibly the worst investment that you can ever make, save your money and get an Accord. Ive also had issues with alignment on the vehicle, so in short I really dont have anything positive to save about the Jeep Grand Cherokee other than the fact that the wheels have not flown off the vehicle while driving but I must say that is about it. Hope this helps.

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  Money Pit - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill - October 1 - 3:51 pm

  Got the Jeep with 75k on it; looked great and ran well until 80 k. Replaced struts,radiator, tune up( 16 plugs!) Trans now jumps into 3rd gear all the time-dealer has no idea what the problem is. Dash lights continually flash , not a bad car but expected more from jeeps flagship. Update; This jeep HAD to have been built on a Monday morning by the hungover or still drunk workers from the law. Too many gremlins and expensive fixes to mention. Will never look at another Chrysler product in my life. terrible....just terrible.

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  Ill never buy another Chrysler - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Millaina - October 1 - 2:53 am

  I like most people have had nothing but problems with the windows. I have had to replace all the window regulators and now I have had problems with the sun roof. I have had the torque converter worked on as well as the tranny. The biggest problem now though is the air conditioning only works when it feels like it and no one can tell me what the problem is. And of course I am out of warranty! I only have 47,000 miles on this thing! Oh and to add to all that the gas mileage stinks! I average around 15-16 mpg. Thats only a little better than the husbands 1991 Chevy 4x4!

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  Aggravated and disappointed! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By patty0011 - September 10 - 4:41 am

  I have had my Jeep Patriot for 7 months and had an occuring problem. It only happens occasionally, and of course never when I take into the dealership. Often while waiting at a traffic light for the green light, my motor has a hesitation. "Meaning when I am at the light, foot on the break, the motor makes a noise and jumps like it is cutting off." I have to literally put the vehicle in park and wait for the light to turn, then put it in drive to go. Has anyone had this problem or know what it can be?

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  Not Good - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jillcurry5 - September 4 - 7:55 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for 5 years, I have had to have my air conditioner fixed 3 times. The windows have dropped 5 times, there was a recall on some jeeps in 2006, bad luck for mine did not make that cut, I now have 2 windows broken and dont have 700.00 to fix them.Too bad says Jeep, The back seat is covered in stains,because of a the type of material used . I will never buy another car from Jeep, and very sorry I bought the one Im stuck with.

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  Chrysler and Ferman Sucks - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By FermanBAD - September 2 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased the Jeep it had bad rust on the under carriage pitted metal on frame, muffler, steering arms, etc... cause by exposure to salt, on a brand NEW Vehicle! The Dealer and Chrysler refused to do anything about it, stating that it was an acceptable amount - Not for me or anyone I showed it to.

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  Glad its gone - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By OKIE - August 26 - 12:10 pm

  Bought the Jeep new in Dec of 04 at a great price,and after 2 1/2 years of owning it we figured out why. Build quality is the poorest of any vehicle I have owned. The V6 is so underpowered it was almost scary at times, merging onto highways was not fun. The tranny wouldnt down shift as needed to keep the RPMs and torque up. Blind spots everywhere, seats stain with rain water or condensation off a water bottle, jittery / uncomfortable ride, no room in the back seats, I could go on but there is limited space left. Traded it on an 08 Pathfinder SE V6 with twice the power.

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  beyond dangerous - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By antonia nin - August 25 - 10:00 am

  In the past eight months that the Jeep has been with me it has had and still has these problems: abrupt vibration of the steering wheel and dash board. It feels like the Jeep is going to fall into pieces. The Jeep till this day accelerates on its own. Water gets in the vehicle and the rug smells afterwards. Under carriage is cover with rust. Rear seat would not fold down. Air conditioner vents stop working. The Jeep has been in dealer to resolve these problems but till this day most of the problems still exist.

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  Not at all Happy Jeep Owner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DougM - August 13 - 12:46 am

  This is the most uncomfortable SUV that I have ever driven. It lacks any power in the 3.7 liter and fuel economy is VERY POOR due to vehicle weight. Its in for major engine repair now that left me stranded in the middle of the road; it broke three intake springs with only 22,300 miles and well cared for highway miles. The seats you slide around on while driving - no contour to seats, tilt wheel is difficult to operate, doors slam back at you when opening, and major blind spot in windshield at the A pillars. I will NEVER buy another Jeep product AGAIN! Daimler Chrysler/Jeep emergency roadside service leaves a major lot to be desired also. They wont call back when they say they will.

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  No more Jeeps for me! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bard123 - August 11 - 9:20 pm

  I will NOT purchase another Jeep Liberty - NO WAY. Cruise control is terrible (+/- 5 mph!), seats are extremely uncomfortable, engine is under powered, and gas mileage is 16 - 19 mpg.