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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  Disappointed - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mattg22 - May 23 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this vehicle for two reasons: the style, both interior and exterior; and the positive experiences of my in laws and their multiple past Grand Cherokees. Unfortunately, I will not be recommending Jeep to anyone. My factory warranty expired less than two months ago, and all my problems have appeared since then. The passenger side power window "up" doesnt work properly. The window stops mid way everytime. The power steering has been making groaning noises for the past week or so. The outdoor thermometer has been permanently stuck at 86 degrees for a few weeks. With less than 40,000 miles, and problems appearing almost daily...this vehicle has been a complete disappointment.

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  V8 Laredo 4x4 - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ford_guy351 - May 23 - 2:13 pm

  This was the first car I had when I got my license and I bought it becouse it looked very good and I wanted the V8 power. Soon after I bought it though I relized that it was a typical Mopar useless and unreliable. I figured out that it leaked oil and it began to make a popping noise which was the drivers side C/V axle shaft boot had worn out and soon after the whole thing snapped and I had to replace it. But the engine itself has never had any major problems and currently it has 136k miles. The interior is nice but the stock speakers were blown when I got it and the passenger side heated seat refuses to work on high but the leather is very nice.

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  Niche SUV--Large Interior/Smaller Body - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Rockinroller - May 22 - 7:02 am

  This is for the 2016 Limited 3.2 pkg. Shopped the market segment (Ford Escape, Dodge Journey) and ended with this as a 2-year lease as our daily driver. The Cherokee fits into a needed niche for SUV folks: small enough to park and maneuver easily, but large enough (inside) to not feel like a compact SUV (like the Escape). The leather interior feels like quality, as well as the dash and door surfaces. Heres a few complaints: (1) wheres the inside hatch release button? Please, FCA: tell me there is one (on a $36,000-MSRP vehicle); (2) the "auto stop" SUCKS! I didnt research this vehicle enough before selecting it and had I known about that "feature" it definitely would have deterred my interest in going this route. Imagine stopping for a few seconds, seeing your tach go to zero, then transitioning quickly between the brake and gas pedal and incurring a "clunk" as the Cherokee engages and moves ahead. And its not permanently defeatable, allowing only its disengaging manually each time you start up. To me, its utterly ridiculous--to force the shut down of the vehicle in a (vain) effort to increase the fleet MPG for FCA. Ill be curious to see how many trans issues Jeep will face in the future as the wear and tear related to that very noticeable bump between stop and take off shaves miles off the already precarious transmission in these vehicles. Otherwise, a well built vehicle, but based on the auto-stop I am glad I leased and didnt purchase.

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  My so-so Jeep Cherokee - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By SassyOne - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Jeep for over a year now, bought it with about 46,000 miles on it. Ive had to replace my sway bar links, had to have a my exhaust manifold fixed, seal on the sunroof, replaced the drivers seat (heater didnt work) and have had to replace several speakers twice. Poor speakers for the quality of the stereo. Now while driving if I hit a bump the wrong way, my steering wheel goes crazy and I have to hold on for dear life until it decides to stop, havent figured out what this problem is but I hope soon otherwise I may end up in a ditch because you cant stop the SUV while the steering wheel is shaking uncontrolably.

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  luke - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Big Luke - May 21 - 10:00 am

  At 57000 miles I had to repair the front gear box at 950.00 dollars. At 68000 miles I had to repair the back gear box at 950.00 dollars. Was not to happy. And two sets of front rotors in.

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  4WD, Necessary? - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Southpaw - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a review of a 2002 Liberty Sport 4wd, automatic. The car has gusto, powerful engine. The ride is bumpy and uncomfortable on long hauls. Just drove from NY to Florida and got body aches to prove it. The gas milage is poor at best. The rear seats dont fold flat which I didnt think would be a big deal...until I had the thing fully loaded, at that point I was very annoyed with the difficulty of loading the rear on an angle. This Jeep is about utility, it was great in the NY snow storms of this past winter and it does have plenty of room to make the rounds at the local stores and trips to Home Depot. In a word a utilitarian SUV.

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  A bit disillusioned with gas mileage - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jfzdad - May 21 - 1:50 am

  Ow, I came from a Nissan Altima with a 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 155 hp, getting about 30 MPG around town. At 2,200 miles, and no different driving, getting about 15 with this unit. I am looking forward to doing some off-roading in Moab, if I can afford to leave the city driving this. Additionally, 2 recalls since I purchased 7 weeks ago.

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  Maybe next time - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Jeepbuyer - May 19 - 7:03 am

  Small interior, blind spots, unheated mirrors that fog up, front seats that heat but arent power, sliders for seats stick out way too far and could cause injury. Not much pep in the engine. Oh and did I mention the 13 1/2 gallon fuel tank? Way too small. SUV sits way too low to the ground I thought I was in a sports car not an SUV. I am a tall female who half the time cannot reach the controls of the sun roof. Does it sound like I am happy? Should have walked away from the deal. Next time I will buy another make or spend more money on a real Jeep.

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  Unexpected changes for 2015. No more dual exhausts. - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By newjeepbuyer - May 17 - 3:11 am

  I took delivery of my new 2015 Grand Cherokee Limited this week. Unfortunately, I failed to notice that for 2015, Jeep has eliminated the sporty dual exhausts for the Limited, which is very surprising for their most popular selling model. Aesthetics were part of my decision for the Grand Cherokee and this is a horrible design decision by Jeep. It cheapens the look of the high-end Limited model down to an ordinary Laredo and ruins the symmetry of the car from the back. Having just shelled over $45K for a Limited, I expected better. This is a very cheapskate decision and shame on Jeep.

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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.