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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  Fit and Finish - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Christopher - October 8 - 10:10 am

  They are not breaking any stereotypes about American cars with this Jeep. I really wanted to buy American and it seemed at first that Jeep gave you so many more options for the money compared to other brands. But the number of items big and small to break down in the first months of ownership is remarkable. From the ignition to the door on the thing that holds you sun glasses, almost nothing is too sacred for a trip of two to the shop. At the shop these problems are so common I hardly get a surprised look. I read in their propaganda that they are taking a hard look at improving the fit and finish. That would be a good start. We do drive ours off-road, and it is a lot of fun.

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  Dont buy it - because youll love it - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Hawk - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep and if I hadnt had so many major repairs at 54,000 miles, I wouldnt be trading it for a Toyota 4Runner. Note: Manifold, Differential, Seat Belt, and Drive Shaft replacement!!! No favors at the dealer with the warranty or the trade value for a new one.

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  Would I buy another Jeep - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tricky - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the second jeep I have leased over the lasy 5 years,would I lease another? No On both my 97 and 99 I have had to replace tires with less then 25000 miles on them.Both have had problems electrically and transmission problems. Both had batteries replaced after two years under warranty. 99 had fuel pump problems,a/c does not get cold enought in the FL sun.

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  Rubicrap - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By mwgiese - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Although the Rubicon looks great and boasts hard-core options such as the 4:1 transfer case, Dana 44s, lockers, etc., I have found the quality of the vehicle to be too poor to justify buying this vehicle (in retrospect). In the three months I have owned the Jeep it has been in the shop five times for transfer-case and rear differential work, including two complete transfer case replacements! Save yourself the headache and buy an old Jeep (before Chrysler got a hold of them), buy quality aftermarket options, and install them yourself.

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  On the verge - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By one_putt - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the way this car drives. It is the best hadling SUV out there and with the power that the v8 rovides it is fast and nimble. But,,,, The brakes were replaced at 20k the tranfer case is leaking and the back windoe leaks water. Asside from this it is a great car. I am gald I have leased it though for I dont trust that this car will last.

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  too many electrical issues! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By krystal - September 20 - 11:49 am

  the motor in the driver window gives out. I think I had it for about 2.5 years. then shortly after, theres a short in the rear window wiper. just starts wiping on its own. I didnt turn it on and it wont turn off! I would have to pull over and turn off the car and turn it back on a few times hoping to get it to stop. then in late 2015 the cruise control, radio and all the door locks except the driver door stopped working! (including the hatch! cant open the hatch!) I cared for the car as well as I could. regular oil changes and maintenance. full tune up at 4 years. it was never taken off roading. used it to get to work and to home.

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  Penny wise, pound foolish - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DoctorJ - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought this vehicle off lease with 28k miles. Needed a high-clearance vehicle for work as I occasionally have to drive on dirt/gravel roads. I really wanted a 4Runner, but thought Id save $3,000 or so and "Buy American" - BIG mistake. Interior trim is peeling off of the doors and the seat fabric failed early. For some reason, Im always banging my foot on the door lip getting in & out. Has that "tippy" feel on corners. Worst of all, I had to replace the transmission at 65k mi, spending the $3000 I "saved" on the purchase, but it still doesnt work that smoothly.

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  Most Unreliable Vehicle Ever Owned - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By George - September 14 - 8:10 am

  This piece of junk has made me return to my original policy of buying only Japanese motor vehicles ! This past weekend, I suffered my 3rd and 4th window regulator failures within a few hours of each other. Really wish that I had done internet research before making a decision to buy this thing. My two broken windows are now held in the up position with duct tape, as I can not afford the repair cost. Numerous other costly repair problems also.

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  JUnk - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JUNK - September 11 - 3:36 pm

  I have a 2005 GRand Cherokee. I have been driving it for 2 years. I have had numerous transmission problems two different control modules a million blown fuses, electrical sensors and so on. I always wanted a jeep and never have heard of such problems with one. I bought it at 36 thousand miles and problems started within a week. The first 6 months i spent in the shop getting things fixed under warranty, and 2 years later have spend my own money to fix it. I would not recommend buying one unless u have it thoroughly checked first!

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  2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland-Pricey Lemon! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 49caddyman - August 28 - 3:55 am

  I bought an 04 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland in 2005 w.a mere 22,000 miles on the odometer. Being loaded, this SUV cost $43,000+. I immediately learnt that both axle seals, & both rear shocks, were leaking. At 36,200 miles (200 miles out of the "warranty"), all "Hell" broke loose. The starter failed, the factory CD player died, power windows & door locks ceased to function (Ive had this problem repaired 3+ times already), no Jeep dealership would help out even though this Jeep was only 200 miles out of "warranty", thepass. side rocker panel & frnt fender are rotting out, transmission started slipping at 117,000 miles. A grossly overpriced LEMON, & my LAST Jeep. Honda Pilot here I come!