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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  Great Jeep, Trail Rated is everything! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Quatumron - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Sahara, wanted more comfort. And I recieved it, with the knowledge I could go where my Sahara preformed, and it did very well. Best move this year. Had sports cars but the road is your domain, this you can go almost anywhere. Love to ride in style and go off road as well in style. Best of both worlds. You can not lose with this small SUV.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Sparky - May 15 - 4:03 am

  Excellent purchase - nice styling, fun to drive. Liked it when first came out. Gas mileage could be better. Dependability is yet to be tested, only have 1000 miles on it.

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  New Owner with 4 past Jeeps - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Les Tardiff - May 15 - 1:13 am

  Drives like a Cherokee (what I wanted). Not great on gas (did not expect it to be). Comfortable, but lots of exterior plastic $$$ in a crash. Visibility good, handling nice. 4.7 enough power, would not suggest a V6. Dont bother with the HEMI unless you do a lot of towing and then of course you should have bought a truck! Lower ground clearance than other Jeeps (4 in the past, each I put over 180K miles on each) Not as rugged as my past Jeeps but still room under the hood as I can at least look into the hood area. Looks like an H3 a little and a Land Rover. Drove both of them and still like the Jeep. GPS does stink. Buy an aftermarket Garmin 2720 and put it on the dash. Sound system is great!

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  Fun to Drive! - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jcooperdj - May 12 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this off a good friend who drove it on the highway alot with 112,00 now 18 months later it has 122,000. Really no repairs have been done and it just started on its 3rd set of tires. Seal between transfer case and tranny replaced. Door speakers are junk I have replaced all 4 but the rest rocks! NOISY on the highway from either tires or differential.

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  Do not go by its looks - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By smathew31 - May 12 - 8:17 pm

  Guys please be careful with going only on external appearances and marketing techniques (I am not implying the first reviews made by auto magazines as they get only a “first impression” point of view). I am based in Dubai and bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee (Limited) 2011 in July 2011 and was very impressed by it. I even went around promoting the product to my friends and family so much that even my brother in Australia bought a new one. Moreover I was even planning for a Dodge charger as my next car. My best buddy too has almost booked a new Jeep GC 2012. Unfortunately it has lived to its reputation of very poor reliability. I have been experiencing software and GPS issues from day one. The pad of the parking break came off in 5 months’ time and dealer said it was not covered under the warranty clause and I had to pay for it. Luckily for me the service consultant gave me such a shoddy service that the charge for the same was written off as a measure to compensate for the inconvenience caused to me. (I do not want to give details of the same as it was addressed by the service manager) I took the vehicle on an Oman trip (no off-roading and I have never used it for off-roading) around 6 months after buying the car and it wouldn’t start after doing an uphill (again on good tarred road.)I had taken it to the dealer and they said everything is ok. Now the vehicle has developed some engine issues as the Engine fault light (also called as MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light)) comes on. I cannot understand how a new vehicle can have so many issues? I have been perfect with its service and have allowed only the authorised dealer to even touch it. The dealer technicians cannot seem to find what the issue is with and had reset the computers so that the MIL light goes off. Yesterday the light came back on. Worst of all is I am left without a vehicle for all these days and they refuse to give a spare vehicle. I had also called Chrysler Middle East who promised to get back on the issue but with no luck (they did not even call back). The car spent 3 days at the work shop and I guess it is only fair that I am given a replacement car. The warranty conditions in the US covers this factor wherein the dealer should arrange a replacement car (if the car develops issues during the warranty period and KM limit). This clause unfortunately has been conveniently removed for the Middle East. I even searched the net on the same and came across lots of negative feedback on Jeep GC (the new model) at American forums where they are more transparent. I really wish reliability issues were brought up so that other buyers are not caught off-guard after shelling out so much money for a product that only looks good. I honestly regret for not having gone for a Pajero or a Japanese car. This is the first time I ventured for an American vehicle and I consider it the biggest follies of my life (by the way I used to own a Mitsubishi Pajero which I sold to buy the Jeep). So much of American tax payers ‘money has gone to revive the Chrysler Group and I think the people of America deserve more dedication from this group to upkeep the reputation and trust of the consumers towards American products (especially cars), in the international market. Another warning; please do not go by what the sales persons at the Trading Enterprises say as they are extremely economical in the “truthfulness” area. To all aspiring Jeep owners, my suggestion is to do a research on the net before buying this vehicle.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tom Jones - May 12 - 12:36 pm

  Absolutely the best car Ive ever owned. I-6 engine is bulletproof. Only thing its ever needed is oil change every 3K. Just ticked over 153K and still runs like it did the day I bought it. Replaced clutch throwout bearing at 130K. Replaced brake rotors at same time. Otherwise its needed nothing but oil, tires, plugs, and brake pads. Back seat is small for adults due to wheel wells. Off-road performance is absolutely great. Turn radius is very tight, making it easy to drive in town and park. Easy to work on, although its never needed it other than the clutch. My only regret is that Jeep doesnt make them anymore.

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  I love mine! - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Rottenbelly - May 12 - 10:20 am

  Runs great. Cuts through snow and slush like its not there, goes through the forest off road and up and down hills off road with total confidence. V8 has plenty of power & pickup.

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  Love my Jeep - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By sherry - May 12 - 3:03 am

  I love driving my new Jeep Commander. Its traction in the rain has been awesome. I havent tried it in the snow yet. Im so happy with the features, design and the roominess for my whole family to ride in it.

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  Love My Jeep - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tyson - May 11 - 4:16 pm

  I bought this car car new. It has been reliable. 187000 miles now. Never had an issue with the transmission. Awesome offroad, and snow performance - never been stuck in mud or snow. Part time 4x4 is great. 17 mpg average. Got 21 mpg once on highway trip. Replaced normal things- alternator, belt, brakes, tires. Stuck with regular maintenance. Replaced several window motors, and has had several electrical glitches.Recently had head gasket replaced (approx. $800) due to oil leak - first leak Ive had. Now evaporator coil is cracked ($1300 repair, or no AC). It may be getting close to time to replace, but I really dont want to get rid of it. With new tires, its impossible to surpass off road

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  Dont believe car reviews - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Dan - May 10 - 2:16 pm

  Interesting that the owner reviews are averaging a 9. SUV handles well, is very comfortable to drive. Traded a 2001 PT Cruiser that we loved. Even road tested a 2008 PT Cruiser. Wouldnt think twice after testing the Compass. Upgraded the Sport version with A/C, sunroof, seats, etc. Well worth it.