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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  Theres Better Out There - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Graysith - March 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought this 8-cyl model as a lease, intending to keep it for 200K+ miles. Routine maintenance, no problems except rear rotors until 95K miles. Then front end going out (typical for jeep, due to BAD design flaw) and 4WD biting the dust... plus I had to put in new front rotors and front hub assemblies. I am terribly disappointed in the lack of high-mile dependability of this vehicle; my Mustang was better! No wonder the power train warranty is only to 70K. After reading other reviews I am now heading to a Nissan dealer; too much $$$ to spend on a vehicle with 97K miles. Owners, look out for that "magic" 100+/-K miles on the odometer, youll be in for trouble I guarantee it!

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  Hot Dang! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By faylchr2 - March 2 - 6:56 pm

  I recently purchased a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 5.2L V8 and 4x4. It has 133,000 miles on it as of now and I have had it just about a month. So far I have had no problems with the vehicle and I bought it for a very good price. I have had to replace the valve cover gaskets and front right axle seals, but I knew that would have to be replaced upon purchasing the Jeep. So far so good!! Hopefully I purchased a good one! Only two owners and fairly good overall condition.

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  Its a Jeep - 2017 Jeep Patriot
  By mpearson - March 1 - 8:48 am

  The main criticism I see from professional reviews is the outdated styling and recommend the more updated Jeep Renegade. If you dont like the more old-school boxy Jeep look and you prefer something that looks like a high top gym shoe, then get the Renegade ;-) . Otherwise, I love the straight-forward basic look, function, and feel. As much as I love having all the fancy bells and whistles on a SUV, I just see as more stuff to break further down the road. I havent had the vehicle for that long so I cant comment on its reliability just yet. I do recommend the 2.4L engine over the 2.0L for a that little extra oomph. Patriots/Compasses dont have the greatest acceleration. Not bad but not great. This is supposed to be the last year for the Patriot. If thats true, dealerships will probably be offering nice discounts to clear out their remaining stock.

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  I love my first Jeep! - 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tolkienpwns - February 28 - 6:39 am

  I bought this Jeep a little over 2 years ago and i absolutely love it! I love the ride and the way it handles and the build quality is pretty good. The only things I dont like about it is the gas mileage (average about 15 combined) and the front speakers have always been a little fuzzy. The low tire pressure gauge is a little too touchy also.

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  89 and 270k and going - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By mandela morta - February 27 - 10:00 pm

  Cubans should buy this jeep. It will be around as long as the 50s cars they drive now and it will be alot nicer. I like keeping things that dont get abandoned by the rest of the rest! We still can buy parts no problem for a jeep 20 yrs old. do as done

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  1st Jeep - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By John - February 25 - 10:40 am

  This is my first Jeep. I have had it for almost a month now and have close to 1000 miles on it with no problems. I have taken it off road several times already and it has performed well on all counts. I have a stock Wrangler and it still overcomes mud and hills with ease. It is a relatively comfortable ride.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By PCI - February 25 - 10:00 am

  very good exterior design but not high quality materials : leather seats showed quickly as "used" for example. Car not stable in turns, even at 25mph, my kids complain of being pushed to the sides when I turn. Greatly disappointed as I expected more in terms of quality. Had to replacve brakes/rotors twice in 2 years.

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  1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 3DR - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By colorado14r - February 24 - 1:19 am

  After buying my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport 3DR new, I proceeded to log over 168k miles in it until 2012. No power windows, roof rack or fancy bells or whistles. I just sold it last month. Most of my milage was city/hwy driving. I averaged 17/22 MPG. Not too bad with an air conditioner. The off roading in the snow was as impressive as a Jeep commercial can leagaly put on the TV. My service record shows normal maintenance. I needed to replace the clutch at around 90K and the air conditioner was replaced at 120k. The only real problem was a clutch sensor that kept burnig out 15A fuses in the fuse box. The sensor was replaced and it ran well ever since. I liked it so much I purchsed another Jeep.

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  Love it - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Larry Cloutier - February 22 - 11:26 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep. "89 Cherokee 4.0L- great vehicle/99 GC LTD. 4.7L-just OK/"05 GC LTD. 5.7L Hemi is wonderful vehicle. My wife and I take several 600+ mile trips per year and wouldnt think of driving anything else. Just replaced tires and brakes after 47000 miles and have had no other quality or repair issues. Took a vacation with another couple and fit all luggage and golf bags in storage area. My friend begged to drive after first time at the wheel. My other vehicle is a 04 300M and that car has been grat as well. I will have no problem purchasing another Chrysler product.

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  Its a JEEP thing, u wouldnt understand - 1992 Jeep Wrangler
  By riddy - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep new in 92 and 12 years and 98k miles later, its still going strong. Its fun to drive on dry roads, dirt, or 2 feet of snow. Just dont expect any creature comforts in these older Jeeps - theyre sparse inside. But even with a ragtop, the heater works great.