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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  Fair ride if you leave it stock - more info below - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - July 14 - 4:41 am

  I have never purchased my jeep, however it was given to me. Several years without an oil change before i was handed the keys. After adding seafoam in the oil letting the jeep run for 15 minutes, drain it out and add new oil. Runs brand new after over 180K miles. Till this day im still driving my jeep! now it has over an above stock. Do NOT underestimate the power of the Inline-6 Cylinder motor. The motors are very durable and extremely hard to bend. I will be writing this review with some small mechanics advice to all of you if you buy a jeep with an Inline-6 Motor. And some advice with the issues of the A/C and Heater Defrost only issue and other things. First off with little motor maintenance. Seafoam is NOT only used for the gas tank. It helps a lot of things out. to keep your motor working in good condition. and decrease daily driving temperature, Put seafoam in the oil when its time for an oil change, Let it run for 15 to 20 minutes at idol after warming up. Drain the old oil. and change with fresh new oil. (Removes Gunk and sludge underneath the pistons, valves, rods, etc.) A/C and Heater Defrost only issue - The cause 10 out of 10 times is a $2 vacuum hose underneath the battery tray. There is a valve that soley works for the settings on AC and heater pannel. The hose is cracked or broken and needs to be replaced with a new 1/4 foot long hose. (1/2 inch size i believe) If you believe this can be the problem. Start the jeep up, pop the hood, and put your head by the battery to hear a hissing noise. Whether loud, or seems unusual under the battery. Radiator fan cooling issue - If the radiator fan stops working it has to do with a Relay. This relay is underneath the Passenger headlight and My advice to you is buy an aftermarket one from an auto store like Advanced auto parts or Auto zone with a couple years warranty. Mine went out too but it was a $60 fix. Replace myself. Never experienced any electrical problems myself. But if this is the case for you. Make sure ALL ground wires are properly grounded. Including for lights, Sensors, and your engine computer. (Secure tight, and make sure there is no metal to paint contact, Metal to metal only) I will advise you that this model jeep includes 2 different types of transmissions. (dont remember the names off of my head) But 1 of the 2 of those has the issues of Electric solenoids overheating or your rear wheel speed sensors are worn out. (Speed sensors are also very important to jeeps) Causing your transmission to shift very ruff with close or above 3000 rpms, making a nasty meddle knocking noise underneath. No matter on how lightly you touch the gas pedal. If it takes for ever to downshift when you need to get on a freeway these can be the same fixes. Even if you made sure properly Adjusting the TV Kickdown cable in the engine compartment. Window regulators do have a tendency to fail. Make sure next time you replace one. Do NOT put grease all over the wheels and cable. This causes your new window regulator motor to end up off track, bind up the wire, and break. This advice is given to you based on self hand experiences and these were all 1 time repairs for me ever since. My jeep is still running strong. and im gaining 32mpg adverage with some weight reduction, and under the hood upgrades. NOTE: A lot of the stuff the breaks on a jeep is actually lest cost to fix than you think, if you know what your doing. If you dont? there are millions of youtube videos for simple fixes that you think could cost an arm and a leg. Jeeps are way more durable than you think. Go Big, Buy a jeep!

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  Jeep in the Family - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dvldog - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Jeep and I love the thing! I have about 75,000 miles on it. The engine remains strong and responsive. The off-road and weather handling capability is outstanding. Along with normal maintenance, I have only had to replace the rotors and brake pads (better then my 2000 Mercury - replaced at 20000 miles). I was sad to see that Chrysler started building the Liberty in its place. I had a chance to drive one and they can keep it.

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  Review - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NH - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Very unhappy with noise and reiliability.

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  2007 Jeep Commander Limited V8 Hemi - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By none - July 13 - 12:46 am

  I love this jeep. The second and third row seating is cramped, but Im the driver so it doesnt apply to me. Only comfortable for kid passengers.

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  NewJeepOwner - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By NewJeepOwner - July 12 - 1:30 pm

  Prior to this SUV, I had a Chrysler Sebring LXI. I really needed an SUV for my new baby (born in May). Ive been pretty satisfied with it until my air bag light started going on. I was about 100 miles before my 6000 mile service and today took it to the dealer at 6100 miles. They said no code was recorded and that the system would be reset. Guess what, not even 1/2 mile down the road and the light comes back on. Went back to the dealer (with my 5 month old baby) and they tell me no code again. Ive been researching all night and found that this has been happening since 1998. Cant Jeep fix this? Im worried about the future. I need reliability! Saw that 02 models are having window problems. Yikes!

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  Good car for the price - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul Hagan - July 12 - 8:26 am

  It is a Jeep. Rides like a Jeep. Good room inside. Seats 4 adults, squeeze 5.

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  Liberty Renegade Rocks! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Norman C - July 10 - 4:40 pm

  We bought our Jeep Liberty 3 months ago and we love it. The Jeep is more comfortable on pavement than what some reviewers are saying, but this SUV really performs off-road. Weve driven our Jeep on dirt roads, along trails, over tall grass and brush and on the beach. The tough 4x4 handled it all in stride and our 4 speed auto transmission is solid on road and off. The Renegade package makes it look tough and ready for anything, which we really liked. Unlike the other Liberty trims, the Renegade features a flatter hood without the rounded sides which makes it look more like a traditional Jeep. The bolted on fender look and mounted fog lamps adds to the ready for the offroad appearance.

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  Jeep Liberty 2.8 CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By James Collins - July 9 - 9:06 pm

  As fuel prices started to rise I took the Liberty 2.8 CRD for a spin; after the test ride I traded my 2002 Renegade in for it. My last Liberty saved me from serious injury when I hit a deer head on at 60MPH and only did cosmetic damage to it. The diesel Jeep has as much power as the 6 cylinder. I average about 24 miles a gallon in mixed driving and it is one of the most fun cars I have ever owned. Im 64" and it is a little tight but I have driven it all over the east coast with my wife and 3 kids. I am a law enforcement officer and I have to be able to get to work under any conditions and the Liberty has done that for me. The Jeep is a real 4WD and gets the job done.

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  BIODIESEL ready Sweet economy 4WD SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BiodieselDude - July 8 - 10:16 am

  They could have easily made the diesel get better mileage. The seats need more cushion - nice leather surface but they are hard as a rock on 8 hour trip. Feels like metal skeleton inside the seat is sticking in your thighs, maybe made for large heavy person? Windshield is almost straight up like a nice wind blocker reminds me of a Suzuki Samurai, worst jack system ever conceived - not very usable and takes forever to use, could use a particle filter for better mileage and lower emissions. Auto Only shifts gears at certain speeds, 4th at 50mph. Should be variable and able to hit 5th in city driving 40-45. Really nice to tow with, even pulling large trailers, like my 30, 600# camper.

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  Only in a Jeep - 1997 Jeep Cherokee
  By Jeep1413 - July 8 - 10:00 am

  My 97 cherokee Sport has 119,000k and still running. Not as peppy around town as the older models. Great stock off- road capability. I have a few problems like a cracked exhaust manifold,and a vacuum leak. I only get 14 miles per gallon. I have plans to trade it in for a 1996.