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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  Never Getting One of These Again! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By midwestjmj - April 3 - 1:30 am

  We bought this Jeep used and one year old last fall. Since then it has been nothing but a money pit. The left front wheel bearings went out at 40k miles. The check engine light comes on and off constantly. The gas mileage is horrendous, much less than the sticker claims. The windshield cracked under the windshield wipers and it is clearly a defect as there are two separate cracks that line up w/ the front defrost, and it happened in winter when the defrost was running a lot. Chrysler refuses to fix this defect. Oh, and the seats stain from water! By far the worst car weve ever had.

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  huge mistake! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By bridges114 - March 25 - 5:07 am

  I purchased a 2008 jeep patriot in 2012 and ever since I have had issues. Ive had to replace the battery, alternator, plugs(which isnt a huge deal i understand that happens) but now my transmission has went out!!! Its completely ridiculous. I dont have 2000 plus labor to fix it so I am now screwed. I have no idea how Im gonna get my kids to school, Dr appointments or me to work. I will never but anything made by Chrysler again nor do I reccomend it.

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  Grand Cherokees have really changed- for the WORSE - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jmp325 - March 23 - 10:17 am

  I have owned 5 Grand Cherokees over the past 15 years. This has been my worst experience by far, and everyone I know that owns one says the same. I have never purchased an extended warranty on a vehicle, but thank goodness I did on this one or I may have spent as much in repairs as I did on the vehicle itself! Chrysler HAS to get their issues together. I cant imagine how many loyal Jeep fans have felt the same as me, and left for other brands. First of all, I had this vehicle for just 2 years. In 2 years, it was in the repair facility for 3 recalls, (including the famous gear shifter one) and also 2 more major issues. One of the issues kept my vehicle in the shop for 3 weeks, because the repair wasnt able to be performed without cutting into the body of the vehicle, (yes you heard that right- unbelievable!) and the last one put me in a dangerous situation when all of my electronics failed at once and my Jeep shut down in the middle of traffic. I immediately traded it in as soon as it was fixed. I have read countless other reviews regarding these issues. It is very sad because I LOVED my jeeps- they are sporty, well designed aesthetically, comfortable to drive, and very reasonable in price. However, the reliability and repairs were enough for me to leave the brand completely. I would not recommend this product for at least the next 5-6 years until they can figure out the issues and correct them.

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  Not worth the money - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By leoswifefromny - March 21 - 7:06 am

  I just got this in feb and the stereo is bad doesnt sound good at all the car goes through gas alot the transmition seems like its slipping and the brakes push back at you when you brake i hate this car

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  Danger, Will Robinson! DANGER! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John Skiba - March 14 - 7:12 pm

  Bought the 2004 Liberty used in 2007 "ASIS" from our local Jeep dealer after our master certified mechanic did a full inspection and told us it seemed OK. 3 years later, while driving the interstate under 100% perfect driving conditions, I suddenly found myself with no steering (wheel had no effect). The car rolled 3 times then flipped end-over-end, skidded to a halt on its roof. The police wrote it up as a no-fault unknown cause accident. We got a recall notice 2 years later that explained that the problem could cause sudden loss of steering. When we contacted Jeep, they said unless we still had the wreck we were S.O.L. The standard Jeep response was always "We dont care!"

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  Bad Transmission - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mad - February 26 - 1:30 pm

  At 5000 miles I needed to have the torque converter and valve body replaced on my transmission. Both are MAJOR components. About 500 miles later the same problem with the transmission came back. it was not upshifting or downshifting properly especially in traffic. This time the dealership replaced the entire transmission. Now, 2 months after the transmission was replaced we are back to square one with even more issues. I like the design and feel of the Liberty but be aware that there are automatic transmission issues with this vehicle. I have talked to other Liberty owners that have experienced a lot of the same problems that I have experienced. My problems are still not over.

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  Very dissapointed - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By KelC - February 21 - 10:30 am

  Bought my 1st semi-new vehicle after college. Have owned it less than a yr. now it keeps getting stuck in gear. Code says Transmission Control Module. Paid $2000 for an extended warranty, but it is not covered b/cits considered electronic. Well, the whole car is based on a computer so it should really improve electrical components. So a tow, rental car, and who knows what the cost of parts and labor will be...and Im one very angry customer. No wonder Chrysler is going bankrupt! Less than 45,000 miles, so something like that should not be breaking!!!

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  Speed Sensor Defect - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By becautious - February 10 - 2:23 pm

  I had good luck with my Jeep Liberty for the first year that I owned it, but a year later the speed sensor went bad and I had it fixed. Four-five months later it went bad again-had it repaired. Four months later, bad again. At this time took it to manufacturing dealership for repair. $256 later and the following day, it went bad again!! I keep being told this is not normal on these models so maybe I am lucky enough to have gotten one with a manufacturing defect. It is pretty bad on gas mileage and cant wait to get a different vehicle. I was actually on my way to look at one, hoping to get good trade in value on Jeep when sensor went bad again. At 85,000 miles now.

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  Jeep Engine Failures due to Valve Seats - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By David K - February 8 - 2:13 pm

  major problem with the valve seat coming off and damaging my Jeep Liberty engine. We purchased the car new and have continually provided maintenance on the vehicle at your dealerships. What is upsetting is the lack of interest now from your customer relations department except for your local dealership who has been supportive, on what has occurred. This is a safety issue and this problem is a manufacturer defect . This incident could have caused my daughter to have an accident since she was driving this car as a high school senior. I will take

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  Worst car I ever bought - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GLENNS - February 1 - 9:03 am

  This car has been in the shop for shutting off while driving multiple times, rubbing noises when braking, windows not working properly, mirror has to be replaced, car still stutters periodically, manual locks had to be fixed. Until reprogrammed, car would stall when you hit a bump. Would NEVER buy another jeep. Horrible investment. Check resale value before purchasing.