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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  Give it up Fiat - 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lemon - August 21 - 7:48 am

  Jeeps are no longer the American staple vehicle. Poorly and cheaply made, over priced and do not hold their value. I would NOT recommend blowing your hard earned money on any of them.

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  DEATH TRAP!!! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  DO NOT BUY A JEEP!! I puchased my 2007 Jeep only 3 months ago and it has stalled 6 times since, leaving me in near death experiences.I just grduated from college and wanted a reliable car...Jeep isnt it. I took all these reviews for granted, thinking it would not happen to my Jeep...it did and I ALMOST DIED because of it. Jeep will stall on HWYS, roads, or just pulling out of drive way. DO NOT BUY!!! We should have let Chrysler go bankrupt, and then we would all be better off and driving cars that are actually safe!

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  Gaz guzzler and expensive service - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dt34119 - August 14 - 6:13 pm

  Leased vehicle since May 2005. This is the V8 4.7 engine.This vehicle is a gaz guzzler! Only 14 MPG in mixed use and often 12 MPG only. Water is infiltrating in the car from the right A pillar and despite two visits to the dealership, its always the same. Now the navigation system is beeping all the time. The dealer says we have to upgrade for a new CD which costs $250! We cannot listen anymore to the radio or any CD because of the beeps! So why itmandatory to get a new navigations CD? We do not care about one or two new roads.. This is an unfair practice.

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  BUYER Beware! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gberger1 - August 11 - 9:03 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel. I have been a gentlemen with people who really DO NOT CARE about my poor experience. I have had so many problems that I cannot get into it. I would be very careful about buying one as I would NOT want another person to go through what I have had to endure.

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  Wished I had not bought it - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By davidirn - August 10 - 2:39 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my new $50K Jeep GC limited. Transmissions clanks when shifting. Hesitates when trying to speed up. The uconnect went out and had to be replaced. Touch screen went out. Rear hatch will not open when pressing the remote control. Rear hatch inside trim fell off. Door locks takes several attempts to open the door. GPS is very unreliable. Set the radio to a station and turn it back on and it goes to another station. But the worst problem is the blind spots around the vehicle, I have almost gotten into several accidents because of the poor visibility. Each time I have taken the vehicle into the dealer it is like pulling teeth to get them to honor the warranty

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  Bad Transmissions - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cristine Lewis - July 31 - 8:46 am

  Purchased this Jeep for Ohio Winters and comfort. Purchased with 53K miles. After one year of driving at 69K miles tranny was shot. Noticed vehicle slightly surging on inclines (was tranny slipping). Very upset with 12 pymts rebuild tranny cost $3K. Towed it back to dealer and traded on a 2010 Jeep Patriot. Do not buy this car! Hope our luck changes for the better at a healthy cost.

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  Noting but trouble - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MBJ - July 4 - 2:00 am

  If you need a car to get you to work this is NOT your vehicle!! My Jeep has been in the garage 20 times in the last twenty two months for various problems. At 16,000 miles the engine blew, the alternator has gone, I have had four stereo speakers replaced, and the brakes need to be fixed every 5,000 miles. This is without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. Admittedly it is comfortable inside but I only have the car three weeks out of every month. To compound matters when it does break down the dealer feels it it fair to give me a subcompact as a replacement. If you are considering this vehicel I implore you to do your research!!!

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  my last Jeep - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By L.T. - June 25 - 1:50 am

  Dangerous blind spots; front windshield too low -- hard to see traffic lights; back window too small; interior too tight -- bump head ( I am not very tall); serious blind spots; seats hard and uncomfortable. This is not a reflection on the dealership. I would buy another car from them without hesitation.

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  1,2,3 Heave the Anchor - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By VectorW8t@hbvac.org - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Cons: Its quite painfully clear that Jeep has under-engineered their drive train and braking system. The vehicle simple looks and is marketed as being tough but cant walk the walk. The truck is built "Good Enough" to make it through a lease period which seems to be the mantra of the American Auto companies. My next vehicle, which will be shortly, will be a Japanese vehicle. The brand Jeep conjures up images of a tough American icon built to last with second to none off road capabilities, which is a farce.

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  Nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bob Orsulak - May 24 - 4:53 am

  Problems began when we drove the car off the lot. Knocking noise from the suspension. It has been back to the dealer 4 times in 9 months. Reoccuring problems with the passenger window not closing, sunroof not closing, front and rear windshield washers not working and also a transmission leak. Today I noticed a whistling noise from what I think is the windshield. My major concern is a hesitation on acceleration. The engine cuts out when pulling out. This is very intermittent and the dealer and the Jeep rep are saying they cant find anything wrong with it. They also said that the 3.7 L engine is too small for the vehicle and this is probably what my problem is. Really hate it.