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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  2010 Lemon -Transmission dead at 8400mi - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By CTJeep - September 25 - 2:13 pm

  Being a loyal owner of a 1998 Cherokee, I was really looking forward to the Wrangler experience. Turns out it was nothing but trouble. Alignment off day 1, clunking noises coming from the hood when AC was turned on. Automatic transmission takes forever to switch gears, etc, etc... Three trips to the dealer, who thought I was crazy. Now the transmission is dead 200+ miles from home. RIDICULOUS! I think the build quality of Jeeps have gone down considerably, probably too many cost cutting measures. Never again. This car was a piece of junk. At this point Im trying to get it declared a lemon or have the dealer buy it back. They can keep it! Buyer Beware with Jeep.

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  Chrysler = Unreliable - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Driver - September 12 - 5:40 am

  Used all highway, never offroad. Serviced only at Jeep dealerships. All maintenance in the owners manual followed on time. Has blown four rear differentials, numerous electrical problems with airbags, heater fan controls, lights, radio, turn signals etc. Radiator started literally coming apart at 4 years. Paint just started falling off after 3 years, all the plastic on the exterior faded white after two years. Seats splitting apart and seat belts coming apart at the seams after one year.

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  Jeep Is Junk - 2008 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4x4 (automatic) - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By gumby1995 - September 3 - 5:46 am

  Bought 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited new in 2008. Noticed right away absolutely no power during normal acceleration, to point of being dangerous. Had one incident where gas pedal stuck on hill on windy backroad. Was able to unstick pedal and break before losing control of jeep. At time thought maybe floor mat had gotten stuck, after reading reviews online, not so sure. At 40,000 miles dealer telling me power steering leaking - cost - over $1,000! Advised me during driving I could lose control and cause major accident. Sounds like death shudder others commented on in reviews. Also burning oil like crazy at 40,000 miles, dealer told me well, thats just normal for a jeep!

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  POS Chrysler - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Charlie - August 29 - 1:04 am

  I cant tell you how much problems the jeeps we have get. Me and my dad both own the exact model 1998 Jeep even both of them being the same color. My dad has the 4.0 and I have the V8. They have always been nothing but trouble for many years. His has been in the shop forever, mine has 240000 miles now. It leak oil all the time always has, leaks coolent, leaks transmission, transmission slips also even when fluid is full, O2 sensor went out recently (as expected), no heat, no a/c, and thats just the recent stuff, tried getting that to work like four different times and it always just goes back out. And many more things over the years, its like every other month somthing breaks down on it. Now its a metal death trap because everytime I slow down/mash the brakes/ come to a stop, the RPMs drop to zero and the jeep shuts off and brakes and steering lock up WHILE IM DRIVING. even as your turning into a parking spot, or almost ramming into the back of a car because the thing just decided to shut off. Alot of times in a nervous wreck when I get home from almost crashing. Have spent many times trying to get the problem fixed but four different machanics at four different shops cant figure it out. Its now sitting in the yard because Im too scared to drive the junk. Now driving a little Chevy s10 truck. maybe I can use the jeep as a dare for my friends to drive it and if they get back without crashing Ill give them a hundered bucks.

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  Big Mistake - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Terry - August 23 - 9:56 pm

  Worst car I have ever owned. Has been in the shop 24 days since purchase in February. I am starting Lemon Law paperwork. Throttle control has been the issue 3 times.

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  Rethinking My Loyalty to Jeep - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By max888 - August 21 - 12:33 pm

  Initially purchased 2007 Wrangler 2- door X model. Freedom top (hard top) repeatedly leaked, despite many trip to the service dept at the dealership. Service manager told me, "They all leak," as though it should be expected. Jeep did a buy- back and shipped it back to Michigan. Replaced it with 08. Same thing--top and doors leaked like sieves. Repeated servicing, heavy-duty gaskets installed finally solved leakage problem. Next--the "death wobble." Not a new experience, as 95 Cherokee had done the same thing. Steering stabilizer replacement fixed the problem. Now, the dealership is telling me that at 54k m., the shocks are "seeping," steering damper "leaking." Want $800--NOT!

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  Should have kept my Audi - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By I AM ENZO - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Word to the wise do not ever buy one. I used to work for jeep and when I bought it wasnt sure if I was making the right choice. Then I realized that my Audi was not going to tow my snowmobiles and jetskis so I bought it thinking that since I work for jeep it will be easy for me to fix. Well, I will say I was thinking wrong. This car has broke down so many times I dont even know were to start. Starter rear diff, trans. The biggest of them all was when my wife was driving on the expressway and the seat frame snapped. When it snapped it fliped the seat back about 8 inches. Which almost caused a huge wreck.

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  Air Ride a disaster - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Toni DeFade - August 16 - 1:42 am

  I guess you could say I was almost completely satisfied with my Summit until some one crashed into me. That was March 30th and my car still has not been returned to me! Why? Because Jeep cannot fix the air ride! Dealership repair people tell me once an air ride goes out in a vehicle its a usually is a continual nightmare. However Jeep says it can be fixed, so why has it taken close to 5 months and they dont seem to be any closer to fixing it. So, the persons insurance does not want to total it since they feel it should be Jeeps problem to fix it. They will not take responsibility Im left to dry and am no closer to getting my car returned to me. I will never again buy an air ride so BEWARE!

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  Awaful SUV - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepie1 - August 13 - 8:36 pm

  My 2003 Jeep GC is almost new!!! because I have had every thing replaced in it. Some very common problems are fan relay, rotors, window mechnism, interior lighting, rusting, hydrolics to hold hood and hatch door, wipers. I also have had problems with parking gear, reverse transmission, front axle, radiator, all bushings are rotten, air bag mechanism has malfunctioned, CD player makes clunking sound, turn signalling system has malfunctioned, has lot of air noise, a/c is smelly, all shock absorbers have been replaced, brake claipers have jammed front wheels. Dealships are bad, expensive, non-courteous, time consuming. Will never buy it again, will not recommend anyone to buy.

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  LEMON - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bob - August 7 - 3:16 pm

  17.75 MPG in 2wd. No willing or capable dealer service in Alaska. EGR problems that have to occur 3 times before lemon law kicks in. Lousy expensive tech manual. High beams light the ditch but not the road. Too many computers and idiot lights enforcing a relationship with greedy dishonest dealers. NO help from Jeep Daimler Chrysler Dodge. All brands I wont buy again. As lousy as this thing is under warranty and as lousy as dealer service is I wont be able to afford to own the fixing on this thing post warranty and Im locked out of tuning it through the computers anyway. This is not transportation.