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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  2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Y - August 16 - 12:26 pm

  We bought this car used with 24k and it had no problems whatsoever, but after the 15 day return of the vehicle we have had nothing but trouble ever since. It has been to the dealer more than 3 times. It shakes really bad when you drive it and the air will not work unless it is on lo of you put it any higher the car will break down. The check engine light is constantly on and has been reset. We have owned a jeep before and just had a few problems with it but I would not recommend any type of jeep to anyone. With all the money we have spent on parts it should work just fine even though it has 80,000 on it. Every time it goes to the dealer there is always something with it. So dont buy one.

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  Dont Buy This Vehicle - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Alex Drake - August 11 - 2:00 am

  At under 60,000 miles Ive already replaced both the front and rear differentials. Now Im having transmission problems as outlined in bulletin 21-02-99 (harsh 1-2 shift at speeds of 10-15 mph). Jeep will not stand by their transmissions or assist me in any way. I will never buy a Jeep or Chrysler vehicle again and I strongly recommend you look elsewhere unless you like visiting repair shops.

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  Disapointed - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dissapointed - August 9 - 9:46 am

  I put very few miles on this car every year. In the time Ive owned it Ive had to replace the brake rotors twice, drivers side front wheel hub, once and the the ball joints were replaced by the dealer (Recall)the fuel mileage is @ 14.5 miles/gal needs improvement. Ill never buy another Jeep again, Chrysler products are questionable as to whether or not I will buy anymore, and that comes from a guy who has sworn by Chrysler products for alot of years. As for the Milford Ct dealer that sold me the car- they will never see another dime of my money.

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  1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bige - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Coming to the end of a 3yr lease on a 1999 Grand Cherokee. Here are some of the lowlights of my last 3yrs. Doorlocks went out twice,1st year and again in the last 6 mos. . Drivers seat weld broke. Mickey mouse plastic trim shows much wear . Trasmission occasionally slips. No guts at all. All my driving was onroad, I couldnt imagine taking this wimpy POS offroad. I would absolutely never buy or lease another Daimler-Chrysler product ever again. Just a terrible product! Good luck to anybody who would buy one of these in any year. Every other Grand Cherokee owner Ive spoken to has had a similar experience

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  Do yourself a favor...buy something else - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By fedup0174 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2002 JGC Limited with the 4.7L high output engine in December of 2001 and have regretted it ever since. 30 minutes after I drove it off the lot a hose came off, overheating the engine and stranding me. The Jeep has been at the dealership 6 times for brake problems and after over $2000 in repairs still have the same problem. The mirror memory has never worked, has to be set every time vehicle is started. It likes to die at stop lights for no apparent reason and after a $1200 "tune-up" at the Dealer and given a clean bill of health continues to do so. The starter has failed and been in the shop twice and recently started failing again.

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  Could be soooo good, if Daimler cared... - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By Motoman - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I use this Jeep as intended. I tow, regularly go off roading and drive the wheels off the thing. The build quality is awfull! I have had problems with the water pump, several vacuum hoses, the steering, the transmission, the stereo/subwoofer,and the wiper motor. The dealers cant really fix the stuff because the replacement assemblies are the same poor quality units the Wrangler is built with. The finish on the body, hatch hinges, wheels is not durable at all. The fuel economy is poor for a small SUV. Never better than 16 mpg. With all this time the manufacturer has had to develop this vehicle, you still need the aftermarket to make it right.

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  Wouldnt buy another Jeep! - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GRWEDM - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Repeated, repeated, repeated problems with the A/C...have replaced virtually every part at least once. Interior door panels began peeling off almost immediately after I bought it. The radio never worked even after being "repaired" twice by the dealer. Jeep service at several locations is terrible. Rear wiper quit working within a year of purchase. And on..and on..and on..

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  My wifes Jeep Liberty LTD ia a lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nitlion - August 3 - 6:30 am

  My wife loved this Jeep from the beginning, every year her love has lessened to the point now where she would give it away. Numerious problems, most not covered under manufacturers warranties. Weve "sunk" several thousands of dollars into this beast. Gas mileage is worse than a RR!

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  Wantmyoldjeepback - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Last Jeep - July 26 - 10:50 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo for two years now. When I purchased it I felt there was way too much Chrysler influence. I was right! I have had this Jeep to the dealer 6 times. It is now in the shop because leaked oil all over the exhaust system and filled the interior with smoke. I assume the PVC valve froze and created a pressure built up in the crank case. This caused the oil to exit the weakest point. I am afraid that I will have a very expensive repair bill. I owned a 2002 Jeep and from the time I bought it, it never saw the dealers lot again. I loved the reliability. VERY DISAPPOINTED!

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  BUYER BEWARE! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Lisa - July 24 - 7:26 pm

  Please make sure the transmission is checked before you put your name on paper. They are having problems with water getting into the transmission. I had mine flushed several times and I kept telling them it is not driving right. Of course they say, the computer is not coming up with any codes. Well coming home from two nights ago my transmission went out on a major highway. This is the fourth time that it is in the service dept. I am glad I live in Florida where there is a lemon law.