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:

• 

  Problematic Vehicle - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Laura - May 19 - 2:36 am

  After a year of having my GC, I had one problem after the next. In the last year, the window regulator has had to be replaced on the passenger and driver side. Also, the check engine light has gone on at least 6 times, and all repairs were very costly and usually required new parts. Finally, my transmission randomly gave out after exiting the highway one day. Ive had my check engine light go on twice in one week for completely separate problems. This was my first Jeep and will most certainly be my last due to the reliability issues. The good things about this car are overshadowed by all the repairs-at the rate Im spending money on it I could have bought an 07 instead of going used!

• 

  ........ - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By vladimir lokshin - May 18 - 11:06 pm

  Good Car

• 

  Satisfied After 20 Months - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fizzle1979 - May 18 - 10:06 pm

  I purchased this used in June 05 with 59,500 miles. The ONLY problem I have had with this Jeep is that Ive replaced the battery twice in 20 months. I drive with my headlights on "auto" and Im told this drains the battery. Other than that, Im extremely happy with it. The seats are VERY comfortable. I usually drive 80 on the highway and gas mileage is around 17 mpg but I also have the 4.7 L engine and I put larger tires on it. Ive gone mudding in this Jeep and taken it on the beach and still no problems. All electronics still work and no brake problems. I change the oil every 3K miles, however I am not sure what the previous owners did.

• 

  Love to Hate it - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Michael - May 18 - 4:35 am

  I like the heavy duty heft of my jeep, gas mileage is as expected for a heavy Jeep with a V8 Hemi. I love the way it looks and the 4X4 works great. It rides nice, it is quite and the stereo sounds great. The sun roof does leak but I live in SoCal. My only regret are all of the electrical problems I have had. Stalling on the freeway while I am driving, intermittent starting issues. and the high cost of replacement parts. I am torn if I want to sell it or hold on and hope the last 7 trips to the Jeep dealer resolved all issues.

• 

  2016 Jeep Grand 4WD LMTD - 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Grand - May 18 - 2:53 am

  Love everything about this vehicle, off road is just amazing. Great performance, handling and awesome on long HWY trips. Test drove many 4WD SUVs none come close to the Grand Cherokees interior and performance. I went for the luxury and tow package. Very pleased...

• 

  the jeep - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By drew haught - May 17 - 3:06 am

  Overall the vehicle has been good and reliable. The biggest issues are the shocks and struts went bad at 40000 miles. The ride of the vehicle and cabin are wonderful.

• 

  2007 Jeep Liberty 4/4 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary Dee - May 16 - 10:16 pm

  The steering is very hard and am not crazy about the tire on the back. The heat controls take a while before going to the selected temperature. Not the best gas mileage either. I paid for built in blou tooth and when I received the vehicle it was installed and not built in. I am still very disappointed with that. Im not sure that this vehicle is a good value for the money I paid. Ive had it since Sept 2007 and All in all to date its an ok vehicle.

• 

  You really need to want a Jeep! - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By You gotta fix it! - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves the styling. I hate fixing everything. Buy yourself a service manual otherwise you will make the $tealership rich. These vehicles are bought broken and you have to fix them to make them work right.

• 

  My love/hate relationship - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Live and Learn - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought 14months ago with 37000 miles. Lots of trouble. Replaced front brakes twice. Replaced relay switch in fan. Repaired A/C, Replaced stereo, Repaired transmission leak, Replaced rear end. Jeep does not stand by their product. This was my dream vehicle but turned into a nightmare. Dont even consider buying this year and model Jeep.

• 

  rubicons got some problems - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By jetmec9 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  im having transfer case problems at 451 miles out of the dealer. aft drive shaft, and speed sensor seal. been waiting a week to get the parts. ive read several reviews with the same problem. havnt even taken it off road yet, just to and from work. t case was nearly out of fluid, jeep wont replace it, thats great customer service for ya. i can only hope this is the last time i have problems, or ill just let that t case leak all the way down until it burns up, then theyll be getting me one.