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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  Broke after 250 miles - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chris - March 14 - 1:03 pm

  What a piece of junk. After only 250 total miles, my car suddenly turned off in the middle of a busy highway. The engine would not turn over - had to have it towed. The dealer is telling me that the engine will not recognize the key(s)- we tried both. Based on this, caution to off roading - very disappointed being a BMW and Ford Expedition owner where at least a warning light will come on when something is wrong. You get nothing with the Jeep! Even when the car will not start you get no warning. My dealer call back is questionable as well. I am used to BMW service and follow-up; thank god I kept the BMW. So now that Fiat is here I hope they look into this issue.

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  Decent Car - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Laura - March 9 - 5:16 pm

  I have 130,000 miles on the Grand Cherokee and am decently happy with it. I have had to change the transmission twice, but luckily my warranty covered it. The AC is going out and it gets AWFUL gas mileage but otherwise is a good car.

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  lemon - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By simcop06 - March 4 - 6:54 pm

  Bought the car 7 months ago with 7200 miles on it. Its been in the shop 9 times already. There is a unfixable shake in the body that cant be fixed and a few other things. Dunning Motor Sale Cambridge,Oh cant fix anything and Daimler Chrysler dont no what to do. This is my first Chrysler product and the last. Very disapointed it the vehicle and Chrysler.Warning DO NOT BUY.

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  Wished we hadnt gotten it. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By JuJusMama - March 1 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased this vehicle as a replacement for a 2003 Hyundai Elantra. With a new baby we needed more room. The 2007 Jeep Liberty Limited is not the vehicle for a growing family. The owners manual doesnt even fit in the glovebox (theres no storage). The trunk is very tiny. I thought I could live with the back hinge door, but its annoying and heavy. We have had a lot of problems with the front windows not rolling up properly and have taken it to the dealership 3 times, they basically cant fix it. The gas mileage is terrible. I get 18 mpg. The doors dont close properly, you have to slam them shut. Its not comfortable on a long trip. Wish we hadnt bought it!

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  3rd and last Jeep 4.0 - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - February 20 - 6:13 pm

  Had 87 and 88 Cherokee -- over 200k on both. 20-22mpg and few problems. 2002 gets 17mpg, oil leak (rear seal). Computer replaced. Main wiring harness replaced. Rotors replaced. Axle seals replaced. Front axle bearings. Radio/cd replaced. Rear seal again...need I go on? More problems not listed. Hood paint coming off. Still owe over $12,000. Trade in value $10,000. Stay away!

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  Used to love mine but... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By luvmyxterra - February 20 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my 08 Patriot new, and loved it. It was one of the only 5 speed 4x4s available and it was a great value, coming equipped with a moonroof, cruise, power windows, and a built in inverter, among my favorite accessories. I loved the ingenious little spare flashlight that doubled as the rear dome light. What happened? First, the moonroof leaks at random, and will dump up to 1/2 a cup of water on my dash (and me) at will. The ball joints failed at 45K, making it feel like I was driving on marbles, making horrible clunking sounds when I drove over bumps. Luckily bumper to bumper covered it, but now rust bubbles are the deal breaker. Looking to trade for a Mitsu Outlander.

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  Disappointment - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By wedgeup - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I was really jazzed when I bought my jeep, but things have gone down since I have passed the 30k milage marker. I had to replace my rotors, I have an electrical problem that will not go away, and every oil change, it is time to balance the tires again. When the tires are out of balance, it sounds like a plane traveling down the street. Biggest disappointment is how fast the value of this 3 year old vehicle is dropping.

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  Great suv - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mdl1989 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I would have to say that this is the best jeep ever built, I bought it a few years ago with 100,000 miles it currently have over 260,000 miles. It is in great shape minus the only problem I have come across and will complain about is the gas mileage Im glad I did not purchase the V8 version! I cant honestly say the only thing I have ever did to it was the reg services and a thermostat which is common.Other than that a great first car, Now proudly am buying a new Jeep Liberty I hope it holds up as well as my JGC limited , truly is a great car would recommend it to anyone. I am a little weary about the location of the gas tank though. Also it goes great in the snow never been stuck in up to 3fsnow

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  leaks,leaks,leaks - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By snobnk - February 12 - 10:26 pm

  If you are planning on buying a four door wrangler think again.I love the ride, style,ruggedness but cant stand that I paid 30000 for a vehicle where the floorboards fill up with water when it rains........6 times serviced and still leaks. Before buying Google jeep leaks..to bad because I love jeeps, my 2006 didnt leak at all.Chrysler has known of these problems since 2007 and still not fixed..They dont care theyve got you money....mad mike

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  Buyer beware - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By strangely_diff - February 7 - 1:52 pm

  I have owned my jeep wrangler for over a year and it is falling apart. Id wanted a jeep my whole life and finally able to afford one, it was a joke. Chrysler has ruined them in my opinion. Off road, its awesome. Driving on the highway is terrible. The leftover v6 is severely underpowered. 6th gear is useless unless your state is perfectly flat. The major issues I had; death wobble, even a week after the recall was performed to fix, leaking hardtop(common issue, pass side a pillar, water stands under floor mats), and my wireing harnes came apart at the fuse box melting the connector and rendering my ac useless in the Texas summer. Only good for driving in 4-low.