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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  Well lets see..... - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By danny000 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the Jeep Grand Cherokee for about 3 years. I havent had any REAL BIG problems yet. One major thing to keep in mind: it makes a humming sound in the rear. I heard its a common problem with the JGCs. The cab is extremely noisy, especially in the back seat. The 4WD also takes about a 1/4 mile to pop back into 2WD. Taking corners on the 4WD is also a chore. Overall, I like the Jeep and would consider buying another, just beware of the hum, it will drive you NUTS!!

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  utilitarian but who asked? - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By amandamarsh - October 30 - 2:00 am

  My first Jeep, and why did I wait so long? My commute is fun, and if it snows, my sports car can sit it out until Spring. Sure, it is a bit noisy, but it is responsive, practical, and flat fun. And to add to its pleasure - the dashboard doesnt look like the cockpit of the Space Shuttle Endeavor. Like the old VW Beetles, it tells the driver all she needs to know.

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  Buyer Beware - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Juan234 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Where do I start... The front and rear differential seals have been replaced along with the seal around the oil pan. Suupossedly bad from the factory. Plus the control for the climate control went out after 3000 miles and did I mention that the sun roof leaks and they have replaced the headliner. Oh, and by the way the drivers side seat heater was replaced and now the passenger side is going out as well. So far this has all been under warranty but when its up this car is going to cost me a fortune. Dont just take my word for it, read the other reviews. Buyer beware unless you want to spend alot of time at the delears repair shop.

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  Cute Ute? are you CRAZY? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kjmike - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So far, I have found the Liberty to be an EXCELLENT vehicle because of its overall build quality, terrific handling, and solid JEEP like feel.

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  My Perfect Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Andria - October 30 - 12:30 am

  Always wanted one...and its so much more than I expected.

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  Transmission Issues - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By david_h_69 - October 29 - 6:59 pm

  In for my second transmission @ 12,000 miles on my new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude V6. They have had my car for over a week now and still dont know when they will have a new transmission to install.

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  Think twice about buying Jeep Liberty Diesel. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By antijeepster - October 29 - 12:46 pm

  Bought a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD with 31,000 miles on it, two years ago. Since I bought it, I have had nothing but problems. Have had to replace the water/fuel seperator twice and the alternator once. Turbo blew at 49,000 miles and again at 80,000. Have had all the work done at the Jeep dealership I brought it from. After the second turbo was replaced had to bring it back twice to get hoses inside the turbo replaced. That was another $1000 on top of the cost of the turbo ($5,500) each time. Three weeks after I got it back from the dealer the motor blew. Chrysler and Dealership are blaming one another and refusing to help. If you are looking for reliablity and value, look elsewhere.

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  02 Overland, Over-rated - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Ackdog RI - October 29 - 11:16 am

  This is my 7th Jeep product. The 1st six were great vehicles except for one transmission in a 93 Grand Cherokee. My 02 JGC Overland has had nothing but problems in 111K miles. Brakes, electrical gremlins, heater core @ 99K and now a transmission @ 109K miles. The tech who rebuilt the tranny says rear end due very soon. The car has all highway and some beach miles, so it hasnt been used hard. When the car runs its a dream. Too bad it likes the shop more than my garage. Maintenance is per the manufacturer schedule. Build quality and reliability of the main parts is suspect. 100K miles is not excessive nowadays. This car should go 200K-300K for the price.

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  Going-Goning - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Charlie - October 29 - 4:03 am

  We have owned this since it was new. Has run well over the years. Now a second car for just running around town.Hope it last , but slowly problems. No A/C, many leaks , shocks on rear hatch gone, no 4 wheel drive. Paint has held up great.

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  9 month update - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Luganathan - October 28 - 2:26 pm

  Have now owned my Patriot for nine months. This vehicle is better than expected. Drives much better than my previous vehicle with was a Forester. The new interior design on the 09 really makes you feel like your driving a luxury crossover. Once you learn how to drive the CVT is becomes very smooth and a joy to drive. I did have the dreaded front dome light leak in April, i brought it in, they replaced a seal and after a record breaking amount of rainfall over the summer I have not had any other problems with it. Once the CVT gets broken in a little, gas mileage improves. I now average about 25.5 on the highway (on long trips) and 22+ city. Pretty good for a 4x4.