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:

• 

  Take your chances - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dan - September 6 - 10:20 pm

  You are really taking your chances by buying a 2001 Grand. The build quality is terrible. Problems I have had: steering pump and steering column needed to be replaced. Window regulator broken. Electronics nightmare! Gas tank leak. Exterior Jeep logos oxidize along with paint. Do yourself a favor and get an extended warranty. I really think I might have been unlucky by buying this particular Jeep. Ive owned two in the past and have never had problems.

• 

  Not The Best - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ashwallace - August 22 - 10:23 pm

  One of the worse vehicles I have ever driven. I have only had my 2002 jeep for a year and i have had to replace the power steering 2 times, the oil had a leak in it so I had to fix that, we fixed the starter 2 months ago and now it wont start again, the heat went out in it and nobody can seem to find the problem with it. It is not a reliable vehicle and I wouldnt trust it.

• 

  Kind Of Like a Boat - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Artback - August 18 - 2:48 pm

  It is said the happiest days in a boat owners life is the day a boat is purchased, and the day it is sold. So goes my story with my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Ecodiesel with Luxury Group. The vehicle was a great looking package with a rugged appearance and nicely trimmed interior. The diesel engine, while slightly noisy, pulled like a mule and got great mileage. That is, when it was working. Fortunately, my Jeep dealer was about a quarter of a mile off of my daily commute to work. That was a good thing as I saw the dealer often. The vehicle information system was very informative. Here are some of the messages it would send me: - "Engine Will Not Start in 130 mi See Dealer" "Incorrect DEF Detected. See Dealer." - Kind of interesting as the dealer is the only one to service this vehicle. - "Engine Will Not Start in 195 mi Service DEF See Dealer" .....and that frequent Check Engine symbol was kind of nifty. I was in the shop over 6 times within a year with multi-day layovers common. At least I got a loaner with the dealers promotional messages pasted to the outside. The last service, based upon forum recommendations, I had them change out the catalytic converter under warranty. Only then did I feel the vehicle stood a chance of being reliable enough to pass the potential problems off to someone else. I really loved that Jeep when it worked. I really hated that Jeep and the dealership experience when it did not work. It is likely I wont be back to any Chrysler product for quite some time.

• 

  Never again Chrysler - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bobgv - August 16 - 6:53 am

  I bought my Liberty with the diesel Crd thinking I would get better mileage. Although that did prove to be true the cost of diesel went up and so it didnt make sence to have a diesel. The cost to maintain the diesel is higher than a gas engine. I have had so many problems with the egr valve and the boost pressure sensor, and the egr air flow control valve. I have contacted chrysler and they say TOO BAD Its out of warranty. As soon as I fix the egr (yes again) I am trading in this piece of junk . I have purchased a number of new chrysler vehicles over the years but no longer will I buy anything were they do not test their products and sell juck to the public. Good by chrysler and goo ridence

• 

  Not a good buy! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jenniferb8700 - August 14 - 12:45 pm

  Happy when we purchased our Liberty in 2005 but since then, weve had to have the transmission rebuilt and u-joints replaced. The gas mileage is pitiful, too.

• 

  dont buy a jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By roughride - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Liberty has got to be the worst riding vehicle I have ever owned. DEaler replaced front &rear springs & shocks after 8 months. Gas mileage sucked never got better then 16 mpg hwy. Had a fulsize extended cab 4x4 V8 that got 21 to 23 should have kept it.

• 

  Wow what a car! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By ok suv - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been pretty decent. I have not had a problem with this car. I have 41,000 miles on this and had to replace the brakes already. I hate bouncy they are! Fuel is not to bad. If I was to buy a another car it would be a Chevy. Not Dodge

• 

  Disappointed - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By R C Mangham - August 11 - 2:03 pm

  Very poor gas mileage in town, only about 13, freeway about 19. Very comfortable and powerful with V-8. It is too big. We traded in a 03 Cherokee and would much rather have the Cherokee.

• 

  staller! - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dan - August 11 - 11:23 am

  Extremely comfortable, but terrible car overall. I should have listened to the reviews before I bought it - it kept stalling on me, the dealers dont know what to do, and its too late to declare it a lemon. What a terrible vehicle - BEWARE! Chrysler/Jeep has not completely worked out all the kinks in this car, most importantly with the engine. This car is extremely dangerous to drive - I stalled out once on the highway and once in the middle of traffic, other times at the bank or while turning to park my car. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE - the ridiculous maintenance fees are bad in themselves, but even worse when they dont fix the problem.

• 

  Beware - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By John B - August 8 - 12:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used with 36,000 miles on it and 45,000 miles later, i am proud to say i am FINALLY getting RID of this car. The AC went twice, the parking brake randomly fell out and for some reason I just went through tires (found out that wheel barring was bent somehow). MPG is awful, the lining around the moonroof fell out constantly, heated seats broke twice, and the side paneling of the door started to fall out. I loved the vehicle at first, but I am truly not sad to see it go this week!