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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  2014 Cherokee Limited diesel - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JoAnn Hennings - December 22 - 2:10 am

  23,575 mi. Had 2 catalytic converters. 5 engine lights. frustrating to have a new car that strands you a 100 miles from home. Even with appointments car is not always looked at on that day. Not right. Always excuse they are short in techs. (So you can an be out 2 days without a car) Oil changes are ok. $60 oil filter on diesel, + oil + labor.

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  Stay Away! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By atl7 - December 19 - 11:17 pm

  We have owned our 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland for 5 months. Tomorrow will be the fifth time it is going in the shop. We have transmission problems that are dangerous, problems with the radio which controls the heat/ac/clock/navi, the speedometer blanked out at one time and the abs breaks maded the car almost come to a complete stop on a highway. The Jeep dealership continues to do "computer updates" to the car and it continues to have problems. Now we also have a squeak in the back. Beautiful car but terrible reliability! Not safe to drive!!!!!!! Do Not Buy.

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  Not that great..... - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By jeepsport99 - December 13 - 5:03 pm

  For a Jeep I expected more. This vehicle has been nothing but problems. Shocks every 30 thousand miles, $1500 for upper and lower ball joints, both front bearings/hubs replaced, passenger rear leaf spring replaced, both O2 sensors replaced, clunky drive line. Now at 107,000 miles, water pump may be going. I think the most annoying thing to me is how the rear end sags because the leaf springs wear by design. Luckily I had a extended warranty up to 75,000 miles otherwise I would have been really upset. One thing that is good is that during the summer months I can get 20 mpg from the 190 hp inline six. This is a poor product and Chrysler Jeep should be ashamed.

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  2006-07 NAV system is garbage - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By paul brenner - December 12 - 12:30 pm

  Bought a used Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited- under warranty, and the DVD nav system is pretty poor. the maps loaded up from factory doesnt show neighborhoods that have been in use since the 80s, new roads since the 80s, etc. The Dealer update DVD -$200 doesnt guarantee the date of the maps either. The Ebay version - watch out! IF theyre selling the original OEM, it still doesnt help. I have the SUV under warranty and the maps are not covered! I cant warn you enough about how poor Chrysler/Jeep did with this arrangement - customer is always cheated -no complete maps when new, $200 update has no guarantees! My $80 Tom Tom surpasses this junk system.

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  Eco Diesel DEF Problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By J Brownlee - December 10 - 3:00 am

  As many have indicated in their reviews, Jeep has a design problem with the exhaust system on the 2014 Eco Diesel. It appears to be a software problem. My Jeep has been at the dealership for 4 weeks now and all mechanical parts have been replaced. Its really rediculous. If Jeep corprate folks are monitoring these reviews they should really get this design issue sorted out quickly and make things right with their customers!

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever owned - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By quickkick - November 24 - 10:00 am

  You name the problem, Ive had to pay for it to be fixed. Power locks, well- described brake issue, (still) leaking driver side rear window, entire rear axle (twice!), air conditioner control button, fuel injection. Take my advice: Buy Japanese. I know I will for ever more. (Even worse than the build quality, was the inept way and high cost of repairs!) Just awful.

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  Choose carefully kids! - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By joeshibotnik - October 29 - 3:30 pm

  The only difference between new and old Commanders is age and engine h.p. Otherwise, not much changes. It is way overpriced new. Resale value is very poor. It is FULLTIME 4x4. Why? Is it that hard to push a button. Just think of the mpg increase if you could switch to 2WD. 12mpg is lucky in town. 17mpg is pretty standard. Put in E3 spark plugs and K&N air filter (averaged 19.1mpg on a 265 mile trip. Dont plan on hauling around above average height people in the back seat, especially if you are tall. Air cond. will go out. A plate protecting the lines will hold sand and salt causing leaks. If you own a Commander get rid of this plate, replacement of these lines... around $1200.

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  Never buy another Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By jenjen - October 28 - 2:20 pm

  Was so excited to buy this thing and after 2500 miles I realized I made a HUGE mistake. Been in the shop 5 times, 20% of the time since purchase. Recurring transmission issue, windshield replaced and resealed numerous times, windows not functioning properly, interior cloth CHEAP and stains with water, brakes squeak and warning light flashes off and on and terrible gas mileage. Chrysler basically has not accepted responsibility and I was told to pursue the lemon law in Texas.

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  Looks good parked in the dealers garage - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By American Tim - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I hail from the Detroit area and we’ve always purchased cars from American manufacturers. In 1999, we purchased a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The reliability has been lousy at best. It has been in the shop for one thing or another 3-4 times a year since weve owned it. The “rap sheet” is longer than my arm! The repairs did not cease after the warranty expired (due to time lapse). At 38K, the PCM module died, stranding my wife. At 41K, I found a transmission leak on my garage floor. At 43K, the Quadring Seal (?) was replaced. Got nowhere with Chrysler. Need I say more? Reliability is the name of the game. Acura MDX here I come!

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  If I can save just one person from buyin - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jude - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Piece of crap. A/C went at 26K, the regional Chrysler/Jeep rep offered to pay half as a good will gesture. At 26K? Brakes went at 25K, same thing. Radio goes out at any given time. Had to replace seat warmer @ $400 at 45K. Mirrors will occasionaly reset themselves at weird angles when parked. I get in car - side mirrors are aimed at the ground. Rear end piece just went at 65K...yup, a real well built machine - NOT!!! I will NEVER buy a Jeep again.