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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  Money Pit on Wheels - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Craig7 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought used w/83K miles on Oct 01. Now has 117K and getting more expensive by the day. Ive racked up over $3000 in maintenance costs just in the last five months. Transfer case work, rebuilt transmission, broken motor mounts, wheel bearings, power steering pump, various steering component replacements, etc. AC has leaks. Except for the transmission and transfer case, I did all the repairs. Would have cost much more. Still needs front end work for an unknown popping sound.

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  Watch the brakes - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SDS - June 20 - 10:00 am

  This has been a pretty good car for us, with two exceptions. First, there was a knock in the rear end that could not be found for over a year. The "spider gear" in the differential was rattling and had to be replaced. Second, the front end braking system is too small for the weight of this vehicle. You will go through rotors very quickly. My first set was replaced at 15,000 miles. I am goint to have to replace them again at 45,000. This time, with a very heavy duty, heat displacing rotor.

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  Liberty Brakes Danger - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By exjeep21 - June 19 - 7:06 pm

  I brought my third Jeep, a Liberty, in February, 2004. I now have 28,000 miles on it and the rear brake calipers locked and I had to have it fixed somewhere other than the dealer. The wheels were smoking and all they could say is that repairs are only at the dealer. I will never buy another. They just dont care!

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  2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bwill9126 - June 19 - 5:20 pm

  I have owned 3 cars and all have been the Jeep brand. I purchased the Limited with Lux II package and couldnt be more happy with the build quality, extra features and fuel economy (as compared to the Wrangler). My 30 mile/day trip averages 19 to 20 mpgs, but is up to 21-22 on highway driving. A tank of gas will last me two weeks with my standard driving routines. I have read reviews regarding problems with the UConnect system (the screen going blank or slow to no response), the electronic shifter being difficult to get used to, and the panoramic sunroof leaking. I am fortunate to have had none of these problems.

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  1st Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By BruceJ - June 19 - 3:40 pm

  This is my first Grand Cherokee, and I have not been overly impressed. The build is very good, not one rattle or squeak, however the transmission is very slow to change gears when you need to down shift. The 3.7l V6 has adequate power but would be nice if it had about 20 more horses. During the first 6 months, it spent a week in the shop due to check engine light, had to replace fuel rail and air conditioner compressor. Fuel mileage is about 23mpg on the highway, not bad for this size vehicle. Back seat is cramped for adults. Standard radio fair, should have upgraded to better unit. Not sure I would consider this vehicle again. Weak transmission.

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  MY WORKHORSE - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerrymax - June 19 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from my neighbor in Dec. 2007 and have put 21,000 miles on it. Ive taken it to upstate NY 21 times, a 600 mile round trip. Only got stranded once when the water pump seized up on a trip to Pennsylvania. Snapped the serpentine belt. Had to replace H2O pump, belt, tensioner and radiator. Car severely overheated but it did not damage the cast iron engine, an indestructible workhorse of a motor. No other problems. With 158,500 miles it still runs like a freight train. Always starts. I have the Quadra-Trac system, full-time AWD. On a recent road trip at 65 mph without the AC running I averaged 20.3 mpg. I use 89 octane so it runs cleaner. Great old car.

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  One great jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rjfster - June 19 - 8:13 am

  I bought my 2002 grand Cherokee 4.7 v-8 model at then end of 2008, as an upgrade from my 2x4 94 Cherokee. I have to say this thing is amazing, I take it off road almost every weekend, this thing drives as good off road as it does on road. Absolutly no problems with it. Only minor, routine repairs, brakes, one tie rod end and alignment, one o2 sensor. Perfect balance of size, good amount of cargo/passenger space, but not too big that its awkward driving.

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  I would pass if interested in purchasing - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Deill - June 19 - 5:23 am

  I bought the Jeep new in 2007. Since then I have had the A/C worked on twice. The air would blow out the floor and thats it. I have had the window regulators replaced NINE times. I have a vehicle I get to take home for work and a only drive the Jeep on my days off. Luckily I am still under warranty since I only have 19K miles on it. They finally replaced all window regulators, tracks and glass with new parts Jeep came out with. That was a couple of weeks ago and they havent broke since. I generally have warranty work done everytime I get the oil changed. This is the first and last Jeep vehicle I will ever purchase.

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  Ive always wanted a Wrangler & got it! - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By KNS - June 19 - 4:40 am

  I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Wrangler!!! I really wanted the Rescue Green (it was the color of my 96 Cherokee), but couldnt find it with the options I wanted. I got the "S" package and it rocks! I do have the annoying door/latch rattle and the back lift window has leaked a few times in the rain, but definitely not the Freedom Top (keeping my fingers crossed). The design of the water drain stinks . . . water runs right into the car when you open then door when it rains & the doors need the hinge stops. They should include the tool needed to take off the back top too. Other than that, its been a blast and I get a lot of Jeep waves & flirty smiles for being a little chick in a hot ride!!!

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  Bad Brakes - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dmcdonough - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  My 07 Liberty is a great vehicle. Window regulator broke too, but they fixed it. Ive had the car since Oct 07 and have 23,000 miles. Took it in for NYS insp. and found I needed new pads and rotors. Mechanic said it shouldnt have done that.Im pretty easy on the brakes and that isnt a lot of miles. Cost me over $300 for just the front brakes. Chrysler should be ashamed for making inferior parts for such a nice vehicle. Talked to several mechanics and they all said the brakes on the Liberty are really bad. I am disappointed in that. The gas mileage isnt that great either. Agree that the window controls shouldnt be in center console.