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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  regret - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sturnbull - December 23 - 9:56 am

  Never again. Nothing but trouble. Only 42,000 miles all valves replaced fuel injectors. One recall on something on front end and now the heater blower switch quit working.

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  Lots of fixes - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepy - December 13 - 1:06 pm

  I drive in NYC and it is a good vehicle for tight parking, driving, and potholes. Nice interior size but not comfortable on long trips. 160,000 miles. Lots of major fixes. Recall on ball joints done. Suspension is too weak for heavy city driving in a heavy vehicle and have never liked it. Wore out the shocks, now springs are shot. Transmission replaced at 130,000, heads at 150,000. AC does not work right even after recharge and fixes. Suspension is noisy and unstable clunky and unstable. Go through a set of brakes every year with rotors that warp easily. Gas mileage is OK but not a miser by any means. Cant trade it in so Ill drive it into the ground. Will not buy another one.

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  This Jeep is a terrible vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reedl - December 12 - 10:00 am

  When we purchased the vehicle, we expected the reliability that is sort of associated with Jeeps. What we got instead is the garbage associated with Chrysler. In 51000 miles, we have gone through 4 sets of rotors, three sets of brake pads, 2 seat heaters, a rear differential rebuild, and a whole laundry list of minor items that have broken (power mirrors, power seats, covers on seat belts, etc..) The dealer knows about the brake problems, Chrysler will not admit there is a problem. I am glad we did not purchase the Quadra-Drive which had even more problems in this year also. Basically I cannot in good conscience recommend this vehicle to anybody.

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  Brakes down bi-weekly - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jane - December 7 - 6:43 pm

  Dont buy this vehicle. Im not kidding. It has extraordinary design defects and is a safety nightmare. It should be recall before someone gets killed. I have owned it for 13 months and to date it has been at the dealership for warranty repairs 19 times. Other consumers have the same problems...they start at approximately 15,000 miles and by the time you are at 25,000 miles youll be afraid to get behind the wheel. I have limped it into the dealership numerous times.

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  Good Luck: - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trade99 - December 4 - 3:38 pm

  Bought this vehicle and it has been nothing but problems. Safety issues and quality issues. Good luck with your purchase.

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  Jeeps Junk - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SgtBulldog - December 3 - 12:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep in California with 50,000 miles on it. Within the first six months it needed a new water pump, new exhaust manifold, new tires, etc, etc. Since buying this in 1999 I have had the transmission replaced 3 times! I am not a off roader or speed demon. I am a run of the mill guy who believes that purchasing this vehicle is a complete waste of money. WHEN ITS RUNNING, IT HAS A SMOOTH QUIET RIDE that anyone will enjoy. The two wheel drive model is useless in any type of snow or ice.

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  Im done with it - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - November 22 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle spends more time in the shop than it does on the road. I think they have a sensor that goes off at 37K miles that permits every functional system to go wrong with the car. I have spent $2500 in the past 16 months (given - tires & brakes were $900 of it) and I have little confidence that the end is near. This is the second Jeep I have owned & I have no idea why I was so stupid to buy another one. From here on out, I will only buy Toyota or Honda vehicles. American cars are just not worth the headache.

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  Hunk of Junk - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By FCosmen - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Almost the day the warranty ran out, this hunk of junk has been nothing but a headache. I bought this jalopy new and in the last year have had to have the tranny rebuilt, a new water pump, a new power steering pump, a new radiator, and now the evaporator needs replaced. Enough already! I am buying a 4Runner.

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  expected more - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By not pleased - November 16 - 5:00 am

  When we first purchased I loved it. Now that my husband has bought a new larger truck, we have naoticed how loud the Jeep is. Also, the tires are poor quality and we have had our car in the shop twice in 1 month!!! First, we had a transmission leak and now the solanoaid in the transmission went out and the air conditioner went out at the same time. Mind you we only have 12,800 miles on the vehicle. If we had to do over again we would but looks like we are stuck with this vehicle for a few more years due to their resale value unless we get lucky and the vehicle is a lemon!!!

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  I HATE JEEP CHRYSLER!!!! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By kmontijo - November 2 - 1:53 pm

  WORST, MOST HORRIFIC experience Ive ever had! bought a new 2014 jeep Cherokee on 3/25 to have it in service 2x already cuz the engine is grinding &screeching when we accelerate, the trans knocks, & there is a clicking noise coming from behind the dash every time we shift. take the car to be looked at, told there is nothing wrong w/ the car (are you kidding me!?). have the same problems w/ the engine & back again on 5/17, have a tech acknowledge there is a problem w/ the engine, have the car in service for over a month waiting for this factory rep that came on 6/23, test drove the car, & said, "yes, this is normal. This is a new engine & its supposed to do that" (again, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!)