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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  Search GOOGLE -- so many problems with this JEEP - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By hartnv - November 20 - 7:48 pm

  Awful -- I have no idea how there are reviews on here with 4-5 stars, but when you read the review it is cluttered with problems. This make and model has substantial electrical issues. It appears many made have severe danger issues as the one I own has. It stalls while driving, hesitates and accelerates randomly, and periodically wont start. Dealerships and independent mechanics do not know what is wrong or why these issues exist. Please Google the problems and complaints.

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  Could be better - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sunnyd - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Continual a/c problems. Vehicle lurches at stops. Problem when purchased. Repaired but doing it again. Clunking when coming to a stop. Would not purchase another one.

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  my jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By whats up - November 15 - 10:00 am

  interior is too small (tight) switches are too close,such as window,door locks,etc. should be moved further forward for comfort and ease. Also,the front seats need to be adjusted somehow so the seats can be moved further back if need be. They are now very limited. If someone wants to nap in a reclined position the headrest is too hard,even being down.

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  Transmission - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Teik - November 13 - 4:50 pm

  I really loved my Jeep until the transmission went out without warning!! My jeep has less than 73000 miles. I knew that Chrysler was having problems with their jeeps in the mid to late 90s, but I bought my jeep used because I thought they had fixed the problem. I bought it with @42000 and 30000 miles later I am without a vehicle. I did contact Chrysler hoping that since the mileage was so low they would consider fixing it for free. It would have been nice if they would have at least diagnosed the problem, but of course they were completely hands off and of no service. I had just looked at the new Commander. Needless to say I didnt buy. Dont trust this vehicles drive train!!!

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  regrets - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By unhappy - November 13 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this because it was affordable and would get good gas mileage. The first horrible thing I noticed was that if you put down the back window and not the front, your ear drums feel like theyll explode. Lacks power, rough ride - you feel every bump, strong winds feel like theyll blow you over. Wish I wouldnt have bought it. If you dont mind a bumpy ride without much power, then this vehicle will suit you. Never again will I buy a Jeep.

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  Oil Pressure Beware - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DCFS - November 3 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased the 2001 Grand Cherokee Laredo in May of 2001. About one year ago my oil pressure began to drop to the point the check engine light came on. I was told by the dealership the oil pressure gauge stopped working. I replaced the gauge and the issue continued, this time they told me the oil pump needed to be replaced. Replaced oil pump and issue continued again. The Jeep dealership after the third time in is now telling me this is a internal engine issue and replacement of the engine or total rebuilding of the engine are my options. 76,000 miles and my engine has a death sentence. If you have oil pressure issues with your Jeep start looking for another vehicle now. Avoid Jeeps!

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  Why did I buy? - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Junk - November 2 - 2:56 am

  I bought this Overland used with 44,500 miles on it and I have had it for 2 weeks. The first day the heat stopped working on the drivers side (Im told is a common and EXPENSIVE problem) $680 I had that fixed after much yelling and screaming at the dealership. Now in the second week the truck gas mileage is down to about 10 miles to the gallon and is bogging down. I think it might have an upper intake gasket leak. It bucks when under power. I have put about 300 miles on the truck and this is the second time it needs to go in. What a piece of junk. I was warned about Chrysler products and wish I had took the warnings more serious. Next truck will definitely be foreign. Sorry USA.

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  Be Prepared For Repairs - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Broke in Indiana - October 22 - 8:30 pm

  If you buy a Liberty, be prepared to spend a lot on repairs. I have had to replace all brakes 4 times because of faulty calipers-approx $850 each time. The front right wheel fell off - lower ball joint recall issue-repaired twice). Front end 4x4 went out - $1,600.00. Catalytic converter failed- $2,200.00. Many other issues costing $200 to $400 each time. Other undesirable items: Very poor gas mileage. I avg 14.5 miles per gall mixed city/hwy driving. Good Things-Looks good. Like the power, but beware-on rainy/snowy days you can easily spin out

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  Death Wobble - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ron - October 15 - 9:40 pm

  I really enjoyed the Jeep for the first six months that I owned it but at approximately 12,800 miles, while driving down a freeway at roughly 65 mph I hit a small bump in the road and the entire front end of the vehicle started to shudder to the point that it was almost impossible to control. I took the vehicle to the dealership and after checking they advised that I had a leaking steering damper which was replaced under warranty. After doing a lot of research, I discovered that this is a condition commonly referred to as "Death Wobble" which appears to be a recurring problem with Wranglers. I dont feel that the vehicle is safe to operate and I will be getting rid of it.

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  Very Disappointing - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Edward Smith - October 11 - 1:00 pm

  We had an ongoing issue with the engine stalling out. All 4 brake routers warped in the first 18 months. Needed a full brake job with 14,000 miles on it. Nothing was covered. Many electronic items have quirks; seat memory, outside temp, and others. Have replaced the windshield 3 times in 26 months for cracks from road stones. It seems to catch them all.