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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  Jeep Bondage - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Lewis - August 27 - 5:46 am

  Manual shift lever for Part-time 4WD, Full-time 4WD, and 4WD Low is difficult to operate. Oftentimes, it is finicky getting it in, and out, of Full-time 4WD (all wheel drive). At 65K miles, transmission 3RD gear valve body screws broke. Dealer service said that the bolts were deemed not strong for the application. Still havent seen a recall for that! Seems that Jeep isnt as reliable as it once was. Reliability is more like that of a typical Chrysler product. Theyve fixed something that wasnt broke. Fuel economy (15-17 mpg) Stinks! Blind spots abound.

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  Wrangler Right Hand Drive - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By 08WranglerRHD - August 22 - 7:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep new in September of 2007 to replace my 98 right hand drive Cherokee. I owned the Jeep less than two months when the first problem occurred. The removable roof panel on the right side developed a leak. The warranty covered the repair. The next problem wasnt until February of 09 at 38k miles,out of my warranty period, the horn stopped working. I had the repair made in September of 2009 at 52k miles when the airbag light came on. I called Chrysler and filed a complaint once I found it to be a faulty clockspring inside the steering column, they covered my repair due to safety concerns. The last problem occurred in December of 09 at 60k when the water pump went out.

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  Looks Nice but breaks - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Whalya - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Here is what has broken: Transmission, AC evap, AC cond, AC high pressure hose, AC compressor, catalytic converter, water pump, CV boots, rear axle seal, axle bearings, door wiring harness (twice), interior mirror, radio, exhaust manifold, Thottle body warped, fuel tank check valve, front suspension bushings, brake caliper froze on the freeway. I have had the Jeep since new and did all maintance as listed. A friend also has the same Jeep and he has had similar problems. Im going back to Subaru and Toyota for my cars now!

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  Shameful for the price - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MCB - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I paid too much money for this vehicle to be worried about everything breaking. Ive had to have an automatic window break and the fuel pump replaced. Now my side view mirror is broken and costs $500 to replace. Whats next??!! Im very irritated that Daimler/Chrysler knows that there are mechanical/design flaws such as with the fuel pump (Bulletin #1400201), and yet they expect the customers to pay for their shoddy workmanship. I really expected a quality,top-of-the- line car when I purchased my Jeep. My Toyota 4-Runner NEVER, EVER gave me any trouble. I will NEVER buy another Jeep!

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  Death around the corner - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Denise - August 9 - 2:20 am

  I have been a Jeep fan for for years. I own a 1996 Cherokee Sport with over 100,000 miles that will still get up and go without hesitation. But driving my 2007 Laredo, stalling out, hesitating and poor acceleration is nothing more then a death trap waiting to happen. At 45mph it stalled out again, with traffic behind me. I hit my hazard lights and tried to pull over to the side while pressing the gas pedal to the floor. Then as suddenly as it hesitated, it excellerated!! Driving this car keeps me on pins and needles. Every time I leave my drive way, I think will this be the time, Death meets me around the corner? There needs to be a recall now!

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  Good performer for a price - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By iameziv - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We bought this vehicle with about 26K miles it served us well until 6 months ago. After hitting 34k miles there are many electrical hickups (Lights, Info center, Alarm, The horn botton collapse) Then the water pump started leaking (replaced that one too) now the rear differential is making whiny noise and who knows how much that going to cost.

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  Waste of money - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Kellman - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had many problems, Front Brake rotors have been replaced 3 times, power doors do not work, front doors never open with remote or key, must open rear door and reach in front to opeen either front door.

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  Big fat lemon - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By tremeregirl - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream vehicle, emphasis on WAS. Ive had 3 new transmissions, 2 new throw out bearings, a new starter, new clutch, and a new rear differential in under 3 years. I have babied the hell out of this vehicle and have still had all of these issues. Ive put in formal complaints with the dealship as well as with Chrystler to no avail. I cant wait to get rid of this thing! It has spent more time in the shop than on or off the road. NEVER AGAIN.

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  Shouldve kept my Tahoe - 2010 Jeep Wrangler
  By Kmurray - August 2 - 5:20 am

  Well after bugging my husband to get our 71 Scouts done he finally caved and let me get the Jeep. I wish he had held his ground. I didnt really test drive it all that much, because if I had I would have never bought it. Rough ride more of a man truck and not a family vehicle. Need to trade it in for one with better fuel economy. Only bought it because I wanted a smaller car payment. Like the forums say "Your either a Jeep lover or not" I would be one of the nots. My husband on the other hand likes it. Looks cool, but just not for me.

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  Do Not Buy A Jeep - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By Liz Hamby - July 28 - 1:28 pm

  Bought 2 2014 Jeep Patriots last year. Within the first 2000 miles the brakes on both Jeeps starting squealing. The pads were replaced and then the drums. The squealing continued. After multiple service trips, Chrysler basically told me they could not do anything about it. The squealing was "normal" So I now have 2 new cars that squeal every time we put them in reverse and apply the brakes. I will tell everyone I know to not buy a Jeep. They do not stand behind their product and know nothing about customer service.