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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  I should have thought twice - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kenny - June 16 - 9:23 am

  Since the car is brand new of course there arent any major problems yet, but I can tell there will be a lot. It seems like the components are cheaply made. For example: 1) Exterior rubber trim is all falling off 2) Car is loud for a brand new truck 3) AC is horrible, full blast and not cold 4) have to punch the steering wheel hard for the horn to work 5) Acceleration is horrible: it lags on and off and decides to accelerate when it feels like it. Sometimes there is no response when the gas pedal is pushed down. Overall the car just seems like its doomed. Luckily I leased it for 3 years and then Im out. Ive had used cars run better. Im going back to Japanese models, theyre better.

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  O.K. LIBERTY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TAMMYBRANT - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I FEEL LIKE IM TILTED TOWARD THE WINDSHEILD WHEN IM SITTING DOWN. I MIGHT HAVE TO JUST BREAK IT IN! LOVE THE JEEP LOOK INSIDE. PRETTY COOL!

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  bad car - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bailey - June 12 - 1:43 pm

  When placing my Jeep gear it will jerk real hard, then when pushing on the gas the Jeep will hesitate and lose all power, I too drive to work in heavy traffic I am scared to death that I will be in a fatal accident, last year I took this Jeep to the dealership and explained what the Jeep was doing he explained to me it was bad gas, it now does this a lot, I once again took it into the dealership he explained to me this time that it was the transmission module which of course is not covered in Chrysler wonderful life-time powertrain warranty how Nice this is going to cost me a pretty Penny, so I have been reading on all these complaints about the same problem come on Chrysler recall

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  Still Needs Work - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Chester0 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  In total, not the worst SUV Ive owned, but still has room for improvement. Thirsty, lacking interior storage areas, and mediocre acceleration are common complaints that I agree with. Mechanically the Liberty is subject to bad ball joints, computer problems, rear hatch opening at random and bad ring and pinion whine. This last is my biggest gripe, as Jeep insists it is normal and acceptable for the Liberty to make a loud whining sound at 60-70 mph and refuses to try and fix it. Very irritating and sufficient to keep me from ever buying another Jeep.

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  Looks great, Build quality is a true Chrysler. - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ajg1136 - June 8 - 3:25 am

  I bought my Jeep a year ago and have waited until now to write this review because I wanted to give it a thorough testing. I love the looks both inside and out. I like the features and got a good deal. The build quality just sucks. Im normally a Toyota person but bought this after being disappointed with the ride of the new 4Runner. I was hesitant about buying a Chrysler due to their poor reputation for quality and it turns out I shouldve listened to myself.

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  Last Jeep for me - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By george - June 8 - 12:23 am

  I have always loved Jeeps. I had five new ones before I purchased a new 2001 fully loaded. I have had four brake jobs, replaced the steering wheel, the drive shafts, the window regulator, the water pump, the speakers, several sensors, major transmission work,the battery, electronic ignition problems. It was bad enough having to do these things to a $32,000 car, but the treatment from Chrysler and the costs have soured me on any more of their products. Since I have always taken excellent care of my autos, this car still looks like it did the day it left the showroom 4 years ago. Brand new condition. It is parked in my garage, and I drive my Infiniti. Too bad because I used to like Jeep.

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  Do Not Buy - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MWM - June 6 - 2:00 am

  From the time I purchased this vehicle a year ago, it has been nothing but trouble. I have had problems with the alignment (four adjustments), worn out shocks, power window and door locks, and have recently had to get new brakes. I am not at all rough on this vehicle. It was built poorly, and I would not recommend the Liberty to anyone. Go for an Eplorer or Sante Fe instead. I have had it in 11 times this year. That is ridiculous for a new vehicle. Do yourself a favor and do not buy a Liberty.

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  Lots of problems - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pamela - June 2 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this car last year and have had lots of problems. The transmission has been "checked" but they cannot "re- create the problems" that I seem to be having. The gas mileage is horrible! I average 16 mpg highway or in town. The seats stain, even just from water! I have lights coming on all of the time. Either the gas cap, airbag, tire pressure, you name it! Sometimes, the Windows dont work, the brake lights only work when they want to. I bought a Jeep because I thought they were made well and dependable. This one sure isnt. I cant wait to get rid of it!

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  My repairs - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By JWA Jeep - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my jeep in Sept. 99 the pwr window modulator had to be replaced twice, it was still under warranty. The fuel pump regulator went out and cost $150 the front brakes were replaced last year & this year the front & rear rotors needed replacing costing $450 & I still have squeaking. The passenger side air vents does not blow as much air as the driver side & I was told the air modulator would need replacing to correct this problem. Theres water in my headlight kit & a rubbing noise in the steering wheel when turning. I was very disappointed with the costly repairs & resale value. I bought a Trailblazer & Im loving it.

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  all kinds of trouble - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rwestondsm - May 28 - 10:30 pm

  Bought my Liberty new and enjoyed it for first six months or so despite the design that makes it sound like a helicopter with windows open. Since then have had repeated electric problems -- dome light short, power window short, cd player quit working. The final straw is an automatic transmission that had to be rebuilt at only 50,000 miles with no abnormal driving conditions. The dealer was not helpful with this. Because of all of these issues, I wont purchase another Jeep product.