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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  Turning into a money pit - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cindy314 - October 26 - 11:17 am

  This is my first and only car. Was bought in 2005 or 6 with 40k-ish miles. Since then I have replaced the window regulator SEVEN times. Seriously learn to fix it yourself, the part costs about $70. Costs $300-400 at a mechanic. Fan relay broke once. Now the Throttle position sensor is jacked up and causing me to stall out while idling occasionally. Tail lights are just always out - honest to god I rigged it with tinfoil and that seems to work the longest. Battery seems to need replacing yearly. It has always groaned/vibrated when making slow tight turns no one seems to know what it is. All of the hydrolics for the lift gate/hood dont work. Basically, only buy it if you a fairly handy.

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  I bought a LEMON! - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By Kansas - October 25 - 3:06 am

  My Patriot has been in the shop 9 times since purchased just 6 months ago. Everything from malfunctioning wipers, washers, fuel gauge, flashing Traction Control light, loose half shaft, missing brake caliper bolts, faulty motor mounts, rusted door hinge, and now have "hiss" when I go over bumps (sounds like air leak?) and brakes squeal in reverse. I am fed up! Hope to return this and buy something else - not another Patriot!

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  Terrible car experience - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By andera11 - October 22 - 6:08 pm

  This 2007 Jeep Compass is the worst vehicle to drive. It is not reliable; there is always something wrong with it. I had my Transmission Oil Temp light come on within a week of purchasing the vehicle. Roughly 2 weeks later, it came on again and now 8 months later it has come on yet again. The RPMs go up and the speed goes down within 1-3 minutes after the light comes on; makes you pull over on the road side for the vehicle to cool down. Definitely not worth anyones time. Not happy at all. On top of it, they say it is something different every time I take it in to get fixed.I have also had the control arm and sway bar and bushings replaced in the front at 66552 miles.

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  Poor Quality Parts and Build - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jkim500 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  I was warned about the poor reliability but thought Id take a chance after reading about improved quality. HA! I was very unhappy with the cheap parts constantly breaking and TERRIBLE transmission. Two power windows went bad, the steering wheel radio controls got stuck, the power locks went bad and the arm rests cracked. Dealer was familiar with all of my problems. Transmission was extremely clunky: car would buck when switching from first to second; when I stepped on the gas after stopping, it would act like it was in neutral for a few seconds before making a loud clunk and lurching forward; dealer said this was normal!

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  Gas guzzler - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By michelle - October 9 - 3:30 pm

  I have always driven Expeditions so I was a bit leary about buying this Commander. At first I enjoyed it, just because it was shiney and had the new car smell (you know the puppy smell syndrome) but then I began to realize just how much of a gas guzzler it was and how little power it had. I quickly became very nostalgic for the great get up and go my Expeditions had. I would only recommend this car as a weekend run a round vehicle, not a vehicle for everyday use-unless your last name is Halliburton.

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  like the "old-school" styling - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeeperscreepers - September 25 - 10:00 am

  To me, this suv just looks like an suv is supposed to: tough. The new Liberty looks too much like the old Rav4s--to rounded, small, and wimpy looking. Ive enjoyed my Cherokee, and wish it would have snowed more often last winter. It plows through snow like a knife through butter. I think the V6 has pretty good acceleration, and it cruises at 75-85 mph quite smoothly. For only a V6, the gas mileage seems a bit low...only about 17-18 mpg on average. The inside could use more storage areas. Theres not really anyplace to put things besides the armrest cavity and the glovebox.

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 L6 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By AlaskaCommuter - September 24 - 9:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle used from a private owner. When I purchased the vehicle, I knew that I would need to replace a few parts but did not suspect just how many I would actually have to replace. I have since had to replace all shocks, all rotors, pads, calipers, the muffler, a steering damper, all tie rod ends, an EVAP canister, both hood supports, the rear windshield wipers motor and both headlights. I still need to replace the driver side ball joints, and something within the vacuum system. I put a K&N air filter in & high-flow muffler, with absolutely zero difference in gas mileage. Have constant minor and foreshadowing problems, that always stay true. Would not recommend buying ever.

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  Save tearing your hair out -BUY A TOYOTA - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ad_vitum2 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  My jeep has been well maint. to the tune of $$. Although it has been taken "care" of, it has been been plagued by problems. Both bun warmers and the computer console burned out, the odometer developed bleedthrough on the numbers (you could see mileage when you had the trip meter on..) air cond leak (somewhere), evap system leak (somewhere).. IS ANYONE SEEING A PATTERN? JEEP stands behind their product until the magic 36KÂ…then see ya. BEWARE-- do your homework BEFORE you purchase a product which doesnt have any workmanship quality. Shame on JEEP.

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  Lemon with a golden wrapper - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brooks - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I have been almost anal with the up- keep of this car. I have followed the manual and performed every service recommended to the letter, but it has been nothing but problems in return. I know 4 other people, besides myself that have owned upper end Grand Cherokees or Loredos and not one of us would ever buy another one. Every time I have taken it to a shop and talked about the problems I have experienced, the mechanics confirm my frustrations by agreeing that this is not a reliable car.

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  Junk - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RRyan1 - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Awful! 60,000 miles and the brake system (pads, calipers and rotors) replaced twice; rear differential & axle replaced twice (under warranty fortunately); transmission replaced once. $35,000 cars should not fall apart like this. Partially my fault- should not have trusted claims that quality of American cars had improved. I love America but will never purchase American designed/built auto again.