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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  KEEP AWAY - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brian - November 27 - 11:40 pm

  Keep away from the JGC. I had a 2004 JGC and loved it. replaced for new model in 2007. After I bought this SUV I had horrible noise coming from outside after 30mph. Had to take in 3 times for them to redo weather stripping because it was not fastened at factory. Horrible blind spots. Cheap plastic interior. Auto windows dont work when it rains and Chrylser wont fix it under warranty? Cloth seats stain when water gets on them. This has been a known problem since 2005 but Chrysler wont fix. No leg room in back seats. Horrible gas milage for a V6. This 2005 and up model is a huge let down compared to the 1999-2004 model. No wonder Chrysler went under

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  Death Wobble - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ed - November 15 - 8:16 am

  I purchased my jeep in 2005. About 3 months after driving it I had to get the throw out valve replaced - twice. After only a year, I started to experience the death wobble. Ive had it aligned and two sets of new tires but it keeps getting worse. Ive taken 7 times to two different dealerships and they have no idea how to fix it. I almost wrecked yesterday and am now taking it back yet again to Monroeville Crysler. This is obviously a common deadly issue with jeeps and cannot believe consumers put up with it.

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  lemon - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By rodick - November 13 - 10:00 am

  front end constantly shakes when on highway. every time you hit a bump or pot hole front end shakes viliontly. have had car in the shop twice and know body can find any thing wrong with the vehicle. at 40k shouldnt have any problems with a car that is built right.

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  AMERICAN MADE JUNK - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sarah G. - November 10 - 3:50 pm

  Bought this after my 98 Camry got totaled in an ice storm. Thought I was upgrading...boy, was I wrong. Shame on me for not reading the reviews before purchasing; shame on Daimler Chrysler for poor build quality and shoddy reliability. Only owned for 6 months because repair bills kept piling up. Went to four different garages; none could figure out why the vehicle kept stalling. Replaced computer, coil pack, went through three fuel pumps...nothing solved my problem.

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  Poor Service and Reliability - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By billmn - November 9 - 10:09 pm

  Purchased 2014 Grand Cherokee 16 months ago. Worse car ever in terms of performance (40 years of owning cars). Eight different times in shop for over a dozen problems (not counting 3 recall issues). No help from dealership GM on any front as he would not answer a call, e-mail or letter. Note that this was not a stalking but singluar contacts with no response. Went through "lemon law" arbitration which was a complete joke. Told that this level of service issues was "normal and reasonable". I guess spending 25+ hours in waiting rooms is a privlege and honor in the Jeep world. Would not recommend this auto manufacturer to anyone under any circumstance.

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  Stay Away - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Dean - November 9 - 2:06 am

  I bought this grand Cherokee back in 1999. It turned out to be the most unreliable car I had. The dealer took it back and I will never get a dodge/Jeep again. I think the main issue was with the new 4wd system they introduced that year. It cause many drivetrain issues. Look at all the recalls for this vehicle. My Jeep had all those issues.

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  JeepSuck - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepsux - October 10 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep left me stranded three times in three years. Electrical problems abound. The transmission was clunky and skipped, and the dealer couldnt repair it. The sunroof often failed to close or open; getting stuck in whichever position it was in. The air conditioning system was unable to cool the vehicle in Atlanta Summer weather. Customer Service is virtually non- existent. Dont recommend Jeep.

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  Fluke or Flaw? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By konigstiger - September 26 - 11:07 pm

  Bought brand new on April 5. While driving home, Service Air Suspension System Immediately light went on. Returned it, it was fixed, on way home it again went off, and kept going off, sometimes 3-4 cycles worth. Back to dealership. When dropped off, had 1060mi on it, 360 of which were spent back and forth for repairs. They have had the Area Tech look at it, and also gotten the Engineering & Parts Development Depts involved, as well as the company that designed the suspension system. No luck, Has been there a combined 3 weeks for same problem. Beware: When Jeep has problem, it becomes yours too. Case is now in hands of settlement team, but nothing is moving forward. Can you say lemon?

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  Bought new jeep is a lemon horrible !!!! - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kathy - September 23 - 8:02 pm

  Bought new first dealer messed up had to get a Whole new loan then when I had car issues they Told my I was [non-permissible content removed] ( what who does that when. Your car is new and has 7 issues Like brakes squeak and worse Transmission jerks and the car makes a bad noise Just driving I paid this much to have daily issues and makes my life a mess I have a 20 yr old camaro that runs better than this Its said because Chrysler doesnt care If there is one thing I can do to help others Dont dont dont buy JEEP the company does not care its a horror that will consume your life Repair failed ok try again repair failed ok wil give you a rental that failed they dont care if you walk I had to walk to the hospital to seem grandchild born they promised a car rental for 3 days that never showed up but kept telling me they got it Not for me I never saw it ! Jeep to me is a rip off an I wanted a reliable car this is NOT ONE beware unless you Want to spend 40,000 for junk then thats up to you I am saying this to help others who dont have to go threw what I do daily And the dealerships get upset becuase they cant figure it out I am overwhelmed and have high bp now I am truly a jeep owner and this is true I 4000 miles on my car and more problems than any car I have ever ever owned Please shop the net for recalls and jeep Issues there are tons Mine are transmission and front wheel and axle And the computer they also have cheap seats and my carpet is messed up so are my seat buckle holders and being a woman I am so upset and cry alot just want then to take it back

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  someone is going to be seriously injured - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spiker69 - September 21 - 12:00 am

  I bought this jeep with only 12,000 km on it,after owning a 1999 jeep cherokee sport before this one I didnt think that I would regret making this purchase.This vehicle has a mind of its own and decides itself when it wants to accelerate and when it doesnt, I dont want to take any chances when pulling onto a major highway as I never know if it is going to go or not!After seeing all the reviews of people with the same problems Im wondering how seriously someone is going to have to be injured before Chrysler recalls!I bought this vehicle because I have a family but I dont want to even take my son in it! This jeep has turned me off chrysler products definitely look elsewhere for reliability