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:

• 

  a go any where vehicle - 2001 Jeep Wrangler
  By 60885 - November 28 - 9:20 pm

  Im a senior. In year 2001, we had a bad snow storm. I had to abandon my Volvo and started to walk the 3 miles home. A guy in a jeep gave me a ride. I was so impressed I went and bought a Wrangler. 60yr anniversary for Jeep and same for me. I still have it. I love it and cant part with it. Got less than 60K miles on it. It bounces and it jounces, my wife hates it, the dealership wants me to trade it (theyre salivating) but I can go on the beach, cast to the surf and enjoy my retirement.

• 

  4x4 Fun, Technologically Dumb - 2016 Jeep Renegade
  By Erick T - November 26 - 11:58 pm

  I began leasing my 2016 Renegade Trailhawk about 6 months ago. I was looking for a cheap and fun solution for Michigan driving. The look took a while to get used to the look but then I started to like it, and the visibility while driving was awesome (lots of head room). I took it off roading and was amazed by the capability of the little jeep. With ground clearance higher than a standard truck and multiple smart 4x4 settings there was not much that I couldnt conquer, especially the hill descent was very entertaining. When winter hit the snow was meaningless to the Renegade. It would tear through 12 inches of snow and hard packed ice without a problem. At this point you are probably wondering why my rating for the vehicle is so low, well let me explain. I commute 30-40 minutes one-way to get to work, all highway driving. This quickly made me realize two of the Jeeps biggest downfalls. 1) Speed: the speed of this jeep is unbearably slow. I took the jeep into the shop and was provided a Chrysler 200 as a rental. The significant speed difference of the 200 made me feel as if I was in a tuned sports car. I think a huge problem is the transmission in the 2.4L Tigershark (maybe it should be “Tigger”shark), which is a 9 speed that has a "acceleration" technique of using less gears when you step on it. The lag of this system is well over a few seconds sometimes, and even when the timing is right, the car takes a good 10 seconds plus to get to 60. I didnt buy this jeep with the intention of replacing my race car, however, I very much dislike the terrifying emotion that I experience when simply getting on a launch ramp to the express way, or debating a pass on a two-lane highway. Not to mention, on numerous occasions the transmission has jerked on me when initially putting the car in drive/reverse, and we all know this winter even in Michigan was very mild so cold temperatures are not to blame. 2) Comfort: Driving this jeep on a sand dune or through the woods is amazing, there is no other way to put it. However, city/long distance driving this jeep really shows you its uncomfortable side. I am driving the most expensive model of the Renegade, the Trailhawk, and the front seats lack the ability to adjust lumbar. Also, although the bucket seats look great with black vinyl interior stitched in red, the bucket is a little too small, therefore, a rather skinny mid-build 6-foot guy like me feels like I am being cramped in the seat and my shoulders are pushed forward while my back cannot find support, especially not in my lumbar. Another thing in regards to comfort is noise. At speeds around 30-45 mph the engine/transmission lets out an uncomfortable hum that sounds like the gear change just isnt quite right. I hope this is not how it was designed purposely. To wrap up this review I also must mention that my engine light has gone off 4+ times in a period of 2-3 months. Every time I get it flashed it reads as a thermostat issue, which it is not. It was taken for a few days, while I got to drive the "race car 200", to be looked at more in depth. The computer underwent numerous upgrades and everything was good to go. Less than a mile out of the lot the engine light went back on. I dont think my local dealership is bad at their job, I think a cheap jeep with a 9 speed transmission, advanced 4x4 system, and AWFUL voice activated blue tooth system, among other technical abilities is OVER developed. Similar to Android devices, it might be great that it can scan your retina as a security measure before someone reads your sensitive text messages among a multitude of additional outrageous applications, however, when it becomes so overwhelmed with glitches that it is dysfunctional in less than a year, then the lack of sustainability is an issue. In conclusion, this is a fun, progressive, fuel efficient machine with impressive off road capability. Take my cons with a grain of salt as I am sure not everyone has had the same experience, but when spending $300+ a month to lease the top model of a vehicle, I expect a little more. Drive safe out there.

• 

  Should be a negitive number on the reliablitly - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 1madjeepowner - November 23 - 3:27 pm

  This is my second 2014 Grand Cherokee. Why? Because at 500 miles, the first one had a total and complete transition failure. Like could not turn the car off, take it out of gear, nothing. Should have walked away then but we had a bad experience with a Suburban once, had it taken back under lemon law, and our next burb was great. So my new car, a 2014 JGC Summit has had the following: Nav System failures - shows me in a completely different city than I am in, constant radio issues (we are now on radio number 3), phone connect issues, remote start doesnt turn on A/C, and now there are days when the car simply will not start. At all. Chrysler is crap. Beautiful car that will not run.

• 

  Buy this only if you have money to burn. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Larry - November 20 - 12:36 pm

  Fun vehicle but gas mileage is a lot worse that what Jeep claims. This jeep looks large on the outside but rather small interior.

• 

  Glad to get rid of it! - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By sdont - November 17 - 11:57 pm

  I traded in my honda civic for a new jeep limited in 2007. I never had so many issues with my car in 12 yrs than I did in owning the jeep for 4 yrs. It was always something. Just had to replace the outer tie rods and replace 2 low profile tires the other day BILL=$500+ (I dont know why they put those tires on SUVs, tho its the popular thing to do these days). I just traded it in for a Kia Sportage...Love it so far, just hope I never run into the issues I had with the compass!

• 

  2002 3.7 AT 4 WD - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - November 13 - 9:06 pm

  Bought new and now have 104,000 on the Jeep. Had been pretty reliable but am now having multiple engine problems. The Check engine light issue and mechanics have been unable to fix. Vehicle runs very rough.

• 

  Test while cold - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeepman - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The patriot is inexpensive but you get what you pay for. The CVT has a horrible jerk, so-called engine braking, at low speed, and the four cylinder sounds like a diesel until it gets warmed up. Jeep says the jerking is "normal" and they are not working on fix. Good cheap transportation but dont expect a refined ride.

• 

  Transmission Troubles - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KAM - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The transmission is terrible. It has been at the dealers numerous times because it hestitates and slams into gear. Everytime the dealer "fixes it", the problem worsens, to the point of slamming into gear 2x between 15-20 mph producing a bucking effect. The ackward shifting is more dominant when the car is warmed up & between 15-30 mph. It also has much difficulty switching from Park to Reverse. Although the ride (suspension) is very comfortable, it is offset when you are bumping into different gears. Since the transmission is a costly repair that the dealers "speciality" mechanics cant handle I wouldnt recommend this vehicle.

• 

  terrible - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Jen Losurdo - November 3 - 11:47 pm

  I have a 2009 jeep liberty that I have owned for 2 years. The heater core is shot,the jeep squeaks like every day I drive it, the sunroof leaks and my head liner is completely ruined. This is a piece of junk! Bought it from Drivers Village in Syracuse, ny and they had it back there 3 times to fix all this and never did. They sell lemons dont go there!

• 

  JEEP The High Price of Low Quality - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By 00jeepgcl4x4 - November 2 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my Jeep used, paid book for it. Beautiful exterior/interior fully loaded minus sunroof. The following is a list of noted discrepancies or issues Ive had by order of occurrence. 1. Garage door programmable buttons - are for looks only, at least mine cant be programmed. 2. The fuel gauge works from 3/4 tank and below only, when I fill it up, once the gauge hits 3/4 it immediately drops to Empty (the fuel light comes on too) 3. Rotors, pads, alternator (all replaced, and all expensive compared to other makes/models) 4. Replaced CAM SHAFT position sensor (idled rough, and kept jolting and dying) 5. ABS/Brake lights came on, Speedo went crazy, the engine died. Its still broke. SIGH