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:

• 

  My Last "premium" Jeep - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By marcusknyte@yahoo.com - March 21 - 9:09 pm

  Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 2014: Ill start with Do Not Buy anything that costs 50k+ from Jeep. I dont think they know anything about supporting this level of cost of automobile. Their service is absolutely horrible. Not at the dealership lever but the corporation itself. I have had numerous problems with my DEF system since purchase. I am at 14900 miles now and still have issues. I have been to the shop 5 times now. It has all so far been related to the emissions system. ] When I call Chrysler I talk to some of the rudest people I know in customer service. They reflect the same level of satisfaction I have come to expect from my Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 2014. As I type this I am waiting for parts to come in so I can take it in again. Just this morning I got a DEF message pop up. I called my case manager and could not get a hold of her. Every time I call the general team number it goes to voicemail. So I called Chrysler Corp and spoke to a rude person who said she cant help and would put me to my case manager. She did and I got voicemail. Its like they dont really care at all about their product or satisfaction of the customer. I am looking into a legal means to get my problem resolved. I hope there is a class action lawsuit against these guys to teach them better responsibility.

• 

  BUYER BEWARE! RUN AWAY - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Natalie - February 28 - 9:39 am

  This Jeep is horrible! i originally wanted a jeep wrangler but settled for the compass because i read it had good mpg, bought used with only 15k couple months in and had front end issues, have replaced front rotors,front and rear brakes, new tires .. has had multiple alignments, three months ago needed new ETC system ! Im at 87k and now the alternator gave out today! something rattles when i hit any bump and slips even with a little bit of rain or snow on ground ,

• 

  Beware! Poor quality + poor customer service! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By rlarocca - February 23 - 12:30 am

  I purchased my Grand Cherokee new in September of 2014. As of today, it has spent over 35 days at the dealer for numerous issues - transmission, radiator, gps, bluetooth, brake recall, electrical recall, rusting of tow hooks, water pump, interior door panels broken from the factory. Jeep has refused to negotiate under the New Jersey Lemon Law and has kept me waiting since August. I was also promised that customer care would call this week after my Jeep spent 10 days waiting for a radiator and water pump. Still no answer. Fiat/Chrysler/Jeep have the worst quality as per the latest Consumers Report that came out last week - and the worst customer relations in the business!

• 

  My $33,000 piece of junk! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By natalie - February 17 - 11:05 pm

  I currently have a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 and it was the biggest mistake and waste of money! I have had nothing but problems with this Jeep. It has stalled numerous times, I have smelled a burning smell coming from my dash, my touch screen radio goes blank, my turn signals get stuck on while I am driving, my dash flashes and I have no idea how fast I am going, my shifter gets stuck in neutral, my transmission jerks, my back tires kick, sometimes my keyless entry works and sometimes it doesnt. I have never written a review about anything before but I also have not been this disappointed about anything in my life! My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the biggest mistake I have ever made. Do not waste your time or money. They are not safe. If you are like me and unfortunate enough to have one of these do not bother calling FCA with any complaints! They will ignore you, make you think you are crazy and then ask you to stop calling them about your problems! Do yourself a favor if you are looking at a Jeep Grand Cherokee and stay far far away from them, trust me if you dont you will regret it just like I do.

• 

  I hate it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By alm - January 26 - 6:46 am

  We bought this Jeep thinking it would be reliable for our daughter as she just turned 16. So far shes terrified to drive it because the car has spun multiple times from poor traction. Ive sat it in more now and see that the seats are extremely uncomfortable, the technology/music is hard to reach and you have to lean forward to get to it. The wheel base is short and the vehicle is hard to turn and maneuver when you are an inexperienced driver, I wish that my husband and I would have gotten a better car for our daughter and we are highly considering getting her a different car.

• 

  2016 model 6cyl 9 spd - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By joe skelly - January 3 - 5:14 pm

  I guess we win. transmission crapped out after only 265mi. yes thats right 265! All the things everyone is saying about this vehicle are true. Run dont walk away from this. Luckily we were not on highway when it failed. Dont listen to dealer lies. They know about transmission problems and are not able to fix them. Gonna have to take a huge loss to get out from this junk. Lemon law is our only hope.

• 

  2018 jeep compass sport - 2018 Jeep Compass
  By Mike Hayden - November 23 - 10:04 pm

  the dash dimmer dont work(software problem, all models) backup screen is so bright at night you have to cover it to see out of the car no dimmer option, my traction control and abs both made noise when driving in just a mist and something was pulling the steering wheel out of my hand for some reason later found out this is some kind self correcting steering but it kept trying to steer me into on-coming traffic so you have to be ready to fight this all the time, check engine light came on 43 miles from the dealer, didnt have it looked at because the company gave me the car and we are usually stuck with them after i told them i didnt want it in the first place, i carry a obd2 reader so i just pulled over and hit erase codes to get the light to go out, i havent drove it since...gas mileage is only about 12.8mpg because you have to run it almost floored to keep a speed of 70mph which is the avarage speed limit around here...i think the stock tires are too small for the size and weight of the car...which wound cause the hydroplaning and from the hydroplaning would cause the traction control system to kick in...not a good car for everyday use...sunday car for grandma maybe...hell my was free and i thought it was so dangerous that i only drove it once in 2 weeks because im afraid to get caught in the rain in it

• 

  Recall and Crush - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Corey - October 13 - 1:43 am

  Traded in 96 xj Cherokee with 298k on it for this Lemon,, What was jeep thinking.. Liberty Averages 13mpg, it cant tow, It is usless off road, It is slow, the interior rattles, Needed balljoints at 43k cv joints at 65k, rear spring broke at around 70, Traded it in on a 2001 xj with low miles.... Good riddance Jeep Junk

• 

  Stay AWAY from the Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Gail - September 23 - 9:34 pm

  Purchasing this car was the biggest mistake Ive ever made! Buyer beware - read the reviews/complaints before spending all this money on a vehicle that has so much hesitation on acceleration that Im pretty sure Im going to get killed. A vehicle is suppose to move forward when pressing on the gas peddle. Instead the engine revs really loud like Im in a plane taking off but your still not going anywhere. In the meantime, the window of opportunity to pull out is quickly decreasing because of oncoming traffic (to the point where I would no longer feel safe in doing so) Then the car finally reacts and lurches forward throwing everyone back in their seats. To oncoming traffic and passengers in my car, it looks like Im pulling out at the last minute and cutting them off. This happens during All accelerations, back streets and highway driving. I brought it back to the dealer and took the service manager for a drive and his response was thats normal! He confirmed that it drives this way but to say its NORMAL is unacceptable. I have a 2015 Grand Cherokee Overland and will trade it as soon as possible!

• 

  Just not good- CHEAP - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By KRogers - July 26 - 12:47 am

  I had this car as a rental and pulled over just to write this review. The whole car feels cheap. The center console is dated and the cup holder is far too low. No USB charging in a car made in 2016 tells me Jeep just doesnt care about keeping up with the times. However, by far the worst feature is the engine. The car is brutally slow and doesnt get anywhere near the claimed highway gas mileage. PASS ON THIS CAR.