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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  Transmission failure - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kschleic - January 26 - 9:06 am

  After about 30 seconds driving forward, the car shifted from 2nd gear back to first gear. The car practically skidded to shift back to first. I was thrown forward in the car. It would not shift out of first. The engine light came on. They said something is wrong with the transmission. They said with a car this new, they do not have the knowledge to fixing the transmissions. They replaced the transmission. I picked it up on a Monday, November 24 and drove it home. The next day, I had the problem again. When turning on 4 lane road, the vehicle started to go across the intersection and stopped in middle. Needless to say, they cant find a problem with it. I dont want the car anymore.

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  Will not buy a Jeep again! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Unhappy Jeep Owner - January 21 - 12:06 am

  Having leased a 2000 Jeep Laredo, I was excited at the new Jeep models in 2005. A week after purchase, I discovered that rain was leaking through the pillar between the windshield and drivers window. Dealership fixed, but leak returned several times afterward. Disappointed in exterior integrity. Mileage better than expected on highway. Fairly comfortable ride. Rear windows would open, but wouldnt go back up without pushing them from the outside. Overall, disappointed in Jeep "quality".

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  I would not give this car to my worst enemy! - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike Duross - January 14 - 7:54 am

  Do not buy!!! Multiple recalls. Poor quality.

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  Garbage - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Steve - December 14 - 10:00 pm

  This vehicle is for the off road consumer. It rides poorly on the road and feels like it jumps around when you take a turn and hit a bump. I purchased it brand new and the dash squeaks (dealership said that is how they are from the factory). You can see the spot welds on the rear quarter panels. (again ok to Jeeps standards). Weld marks on the doors not ground down, just painted over. (again ok with Jeep).

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  Sorry Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DannyH - December 7 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle was bought AS-IS and I tell ya i thought it looked ok and everything seemed cool even on the test drive. Well I was fooled, in the three years i owned it i spend just as much TRYING to repair it as i spend on the vehicle itself. Problems included, speedo, windows not closing, stalling on low RPMs, and more. Well the motor blew and i couldnt be happier. Thats right, happier to move on to none Jeep/Chrysler product. I bought a Ford Explorer XLT today.

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  Piece of Junk - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Mike - December 5 - 8:49 am

  I purchased a new 2009 Jeep Patriot . The dealership replaced the transmission after 3 years due to overheating and noise. After I reached the 50k mileage mark, I have replaced most of the front suspension i.e. (Upper/lower control arms, etc.) a few times every 15k miles. I have heard from various mechanics that all low priced Jeeps are constantly in the shop with issues. I will NEVER purchase another JEEP or Chrysler product.

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  Ruined on Mopar products - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By loveanicecar - December 4 - 4:16 am

  Drive it for a week prior to purchasing, you will change your mind if coming from a GM vehicle. This is the second Chrysler product I have owned and the second I have been unhappy with. For the 2nd time since 08/07 I have had gear shifter problems and is in the shop to have it replaced again. Unlike GM dealerships and their catering to customers while their vehicle is in for service I was handed a lowest of the line Jeep Patriot as a loaner. Just goes to show how much Jeep appreciates their customers. I will NEVER purchase another Chrysler product once I get rid of this one. From GM to Chrysler is like going from luxury to ghetto in my opinion.

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  Dont Buy Anything from Jeep - 2011 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepsucks3 - December 3 - 7:00 am

  Worst new car I ever purchased in my life. Jeep has been in the shop 5 times and only has 2,600 miles.Jeep will not take back the jeep and replace it with a new one(yet).Reason why is the jeep must have the same problem 4 times(which it has)They claim its only been in the shop 3 three for the same problem.Ive drop the jeep off three times and have been in two rental cars,about 15 days without new jeep I paid about $34,000 for.Everytime I pick up the jeep they say the same thing "problem fixed" I heard that 5 times now and its getting old.Ive been calm so far,but enough is enogh.like when my 6 and 8 year boys and wife are stuck in a parking lot because are new jeep wont work Thanks Jeep

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  call me a fool - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jlh452 - November 24 - 10:40 am

  call me a fool. I have owned 5 Jeep Cherokees/Grand Cherokees over the years. This one is by far the worst of the bunch. With 21,000 miles, I have had 4 rear pinion seal leaks, 1 transmission leak, faulty front brake rotors (I had to pay 50% of the cost to replace the warped rotors since I had over the 12,000 brake warranty), a relay replacement so that the rear flipper glass would operate, a transmission recall where a vent tube had to be installed to prevent potential engine fire and lots of other aggravation. The vehicle does ride nicely...especially from home to the dealership for service. Gas mileage is poor. Never again-this is why the domestic car producers are losing to the imports.

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  Highly Defective Substandard Suv - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By truth1hurts - November 24 - 2:40 am

  We bought the 2008 Patriot new for $25k and within a few months endured unjustifiable anxiety for unrelenting warranty repairs on an inferior made cheap product. First and last time Jeep buyers, the 5-speed manual transmission went through 4+ major warranty repairs: clutch, transmission, defects, gear box, ball bearings, etc. It had to be towed a few times to the car lot. We lost value and money in a headache suv that was highly defective and unreliable and dismissed trips too. Very poor car, dealership, head office and managers. Stacks of warranty repair files amplifies our deserved poor rating of the car and all involved.