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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  So Far So Good! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By ajb1975 - July 13 - 1:16 pm

  I purchased it used with 8K and have had it for 2 weeks. I have to admit its one of the most fun cars Ive owned. The ride is great compared to earlier years. Get the 6 speed over the sluggish automatic. Summer is coming and I have both tops (soft top is going on in 2 weeks). As far as long term reliability, cant answer that yet.

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  Good SUV! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By beekmanta1 - July 13 - 12:01 pm

  I have owned my 2004 since 2006. Bought with 85k miles and now have over 172k miles. Only minor repairs during life of vehicle so far. Very comfortable, performance lacking big time but isnt a V8, MPG awful! Probably get 12-14 MPG on average. Most get is 18MPG hwy but with very conservative driving. Only major repairs is a transmission solenoid about 450 at 160k miles, fuel pump at 90k miles (ran the gas too low for a long period of time my own fault). Other than that change all fluids when your supposed to and has been a good reliable vehicle for me.

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  We must have got the lemon... - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dotnboo - July 11 - 10:33 am

  Everyone loves their Jeep. I want to love ours but I think we metro Mitsubishi sold us the only Jeep lemon in Jeep history. At 89,000 miles we thought it was an awesome deal @ 5k. We were told it ran great with no problems but check engine comes on each time we drive it, gas gauge always says empty, overdrive doesnt work, power Windows dont always work from back seat & the sunroof had to get fixed from dealer the evening of the day we picked it up. Been to the shop 3 times to have it fixed with bills adding up to more than a grand. All I can see is my $$$$$ out the window.

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  Nice vehicle. - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ladibuugs7 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Youve gotta love a Jeep. The gas milage is not great but what do u expect in a SUV. Jeep did a great thing when they put the spare tire under the luggage space and out of the way.

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  Great Design, Mechanics Questionable - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By slim - July 10 - 1:30 pm

  Bought used with 32,000 miles. Transmission began to leak from a bad seal but was covered by warranty. Transmission also does not feel like it shifts properly, with hesitation especially on an incline. Check engine light came on just after warranty went out, unsure of the problem. Fuel mileage is good for an SUV, 22 mpg on long trips 17 in town. Ample room, I am 64" and am comfortable, except if the car seat is behind me then it is very cramped. 4wd is great in the snow.

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  maintenance nightmare - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jo - July 9 - 3:10 am

  Only drive 5,700 miles/year. 43,815 miles when I bought in 1999. Replaced differential, power steering pump, rear hatch supports, water pump, power steering pump, manifold, unplugged drain for a/c. Headliner is falling down, door panels coming off. My ABS light stays on and computer shows it to be "ABS pump motor circuit" Normal maintenance items replaced were battery and serpentine belt. Is it me, or is this a high maintenance vehicle? 77,850 miles now.

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  Love it. Radio, electronics needs attention! - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By J Bartz - July 8 - 3:50 pm

  The button on the back of my steering wheel to navigate through pre-programmed stations has never worked. The dealer, Steve White in Hickory NC told me 3x they could find no problem. It skips stations, goes to stations never programmed, repeats several stations 2-3x. Havill in Jefferson WI saw the problem immediately. Despite their best efforts (replacing the button, updating the computer, new wiring harness) -its worse than ever. And now the tailgate opens on its own. Theyre contacting Chrysler but Im looking at trades. Ive had this since new, paid $40k, have the Trailhawk with 3.2 (which wasnt an option on this site), has only 15,000 miles.... Comfort, driving, etc is excellent. Very happy otherwise, but this is annoying enough to consider trade.

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  JUNK transmissions - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By abe1980 - July 7 - 6:20 am

  Bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder, auto ( CVT )... Bought the jeep with only 54,544 miles, now at 70,053 the transmission went. Only had the jeep for one year, not very happy with still owe $13,800 and bought for $15,500... www.whybuythrifty.com is not recommended dealership, no extended warranty offered, also a lot of run around...

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  Unreliable - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Denise Mesmer - July 6 - 5:40 pm

  We have owned our Jeep for a little over 1 year and are in the process of having it towed for the 4th time back to the dealer. Three times for the throttle body light and once for a problem we have heard referred to as the death wobble. The entire front end shook so violently that it rendered the vehicle uncontrollable and impossible to hold on to the steering wheel. The Throttle body issue although not dangerous leaves me without transportation and Jeep wants me to buy an upgraded warranty to pay for my own rental. At best the vehicle is unreliable and uncertainty steals the fun out of driving it. The door hinges are rusting under the paint and causing the paint to bubble. Lemon. Run

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  Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By HagenHelgeson - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Its a great utility vehicle for a city / suburban dweller like me. Its fun and sporty with a great interior.