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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  Great looking, but.... - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jp - March 12 - 5:44 pm

  Traded mine in with just over 20k miles. Simply the least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Traded in for a Subaru and couldnt be happier.

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  Fun to drive, lacks performance - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By SciFiChick - March 9 - 8:40 am

  While I am new to the Jeep Wrangler World, I am a veteran of other Jeep models (which I LOVED). When I got into the Wrangler 4 door it was purely a question of lust. It looks GOOD. Alas, I live in Miami, its rare that I can take the top off (shocking yes) because you either bake, scorch or get soaked. Once that fact finally sunk in, I realized I had bought a box on wheels. If you want 0-60 in decent time, get in someone elses car. If you drive off a cliff, dont worry, the aerodynamics (HA!) are SO bad, youll stop mid-air. Its very good looking, easy to modify, but horrid to drive on a daily basis in the urban outdoors. Youre better off with an XTerra.

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  badjeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By badjeep - March 6 - 11:20 am

  I bought this Jeep a year and a half ago. It had 13000 miles and has been nothing but trouble. The window mounts break and the windows fall down into the doors(all four of them did this!) The light fuses burn out constantly and I cant keep up with replacing them. The anti-slip warning comes on on dry ground and the four- wheel drive kicks on when theres nothing to slip on! It has been one problem after another with this vehicle. After 28,000 miles it has been in the shop with so many problems, including expensive new shocks that I will not ever recommend this car to anyone. Im getting rid of it as soon as I can and never looking back at this very expensive and poorly made Jeep.

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  MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH WATER LEAKS - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By rbeasley - March 4 - 6:10 am

  Owned this vehicle 1 1/2 years now, 17,000, miles. No issue except water leaks. Sunroof leaked and Rear Dome Light still leaks. My 08 Patriot is at the dealers now and has been there for two weeks. Water leak at rear dome light. This is the fifth time at the dealers. Dealer has no idea where it leaks. They even took it to a body shop. I filed a complaint with Chrysler they been putting me off. Still waiting and trying to get them to buy it back since it is still under warranty. I am passed the lemon law date in VA. Anything older than 18 months is to late to file a lemon law claim. I would think twice before buying a Patriot. This vehicle has major issues with water leaks.

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  NOT A SMART PURCHASE - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brianj - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive now owned my 96 Limited Grand for about 3 full years.... thats plenty for me. Im in the process of selling the piece right now. The reasons for the sale are endless but basically, the transmission is continually "failing" by shifting hard or not at all, even after repeated "Transmission Flushes". The brakes have gone out twice, both axles have cracked from simple highway commuting, the CV Boots have cracked repetitively, the interior "integrity" is marginal at best with cracking plastic pieces, sticky/jammed buttons, chinsey fake wood paneling thats falling apart.... AAAHHHHH!!!!!! If its not one thing, its another with this Jeep...

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  Looks good, runs like crap - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By JeepFL77 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  If you want to look good at the beach or driving thru your neighborhood, get a Wrangler Sport! Oh, and get one if you want a plastic and cheap interior, awful gas mileage, a hit or miss transmission, absolutely no cargo room, windows that scratch when you breathe, ventilation that turns on and off without turning it on or off, a cd player that skips at every bump, painful shocks, check engine light that is always on, POOR Dealer SERVICE, parts that RUST (screws, attachments on vehicle exterior, windows) and if you like replacing your windshield every three months, GET A WRANGLER. I cannot wait to get rid of this piece of garbage.

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  Jeep Patriot not what I expected - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Cragzop - February 16 - 8:16 pm

  My 5 speed tranny began to grind at 400 miles. There was a TSB by Jeep and as per, my dealer changed the synchronizers in the tranny. At 7200 miles, no more problems. Squeaking in the passenger seat also covered by a TSB. The dealer performed the "fix" but there is still a squeak. I tracked it down to a seat belt anchor rubbing on a large bolt. My gas mileage around town is about 16mpg. This from a 4 cylinder 5 speed manual! My first foray into an American car since I gave up my 61 Impala. Never again. The quality control just aint there

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  Cheap Jeep - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sad Jeep Owner - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Brakes and rotors on the vehicle are terrible and undersized. The tranny leaks, rear main leaks, rear end had to be replaced at 80k and I dont even go off road. The paint is thin and fades, chips bad. Tire eater, noisy v- 8 engine. Jarring ride, makes people bounce around.

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  Jeepgirl has bought her last Jeep :-( - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepgirl712 - February 3 - 10:57 pm

  This is my 4th and last Jeep. I have love all my other ones, but this new 2011 is not the same. I went from the V8 Hemi to the new Penstar V6. The MPG are much better, however it is loud and sounds like its in the wrong gear. sometimes i think it might blow up. I have had trouble with the bluetooth it just stops working. they dont know why. the remote start is not always working either. It just does not handle as smooth as my 2005. The power seats do not tilt down in the front like the older Jeeps. I need that to keep the seat from cutting into the back of my legs. sometime change is not for the best.

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  Lemon, no warranty coverage - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jack - January 8 - 5:30 am

  Have owned 2 previous Jeeps with no problems. Purchased top of the line hemi limited 4X4 quadradrive; have become very disappointed. Quadradrive system has design problem. Bad vibration between 70 and 80 MPH. Had tires balanced, Drive shaft replaced. still have same problem. Dealer and company refuse to repair. (Cant test above the area speed limit so we wont cover or repair) performance vehicles? They do not back their cars. Chrysler customer care people are rude. Do not buy one! Mileage on Hemi is bad 10.6 in city, 15 on highway at best even after break in. Read Edmunds forums before purchasing any year Grand Cherokee. Jeeps are not Jeeps any more. Bring back my old Cherokee.