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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  Once upon a lemon - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By steve - July 21 - 3:10 am

  Bought this car with 8 miles on odom. Lucky we bought warranty. Replaced transmission module in early 08 after numerous arguments with dealer, cant replicate problem. Very scary feeling not being in control of your vehicle. Jan 10 same transmission issue shuttered and shook at 20 miles an hour pulled into station. Shut off for 5 minutes, hasnt happened sense. The Windows, etc to list other obvious issues with vehicle. Looks are deceptive on this one. Run from this lemon

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  2005 Jeep Cherokee - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Cristi - July 18 - 9:16 am

  We have had nothing but continuing problems with this vehicle. It has been in the shop 4 times for transmission problems, one time for the security chip going out (leaving me stranded), and 2 times for the tire pressure light which comes on often for no reason. In addition, the MPG average is 13 mpg, which is not what the window sticker said. Also, the canvas type seats stain terribly, even from water. Kinda funny for a Jeep.

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  Junker - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By BigT - June 22 - 10:20 am

  I just traded this dog in! Every time I took it in for an oil change something else needed fixed as well. More rattles than a maternity ward. Had the same problems that everyone else seems to have had, window motors, wiper motor, rattle in hatch that they told me was from a piece of welding that fell off...this was the wifes car and she liked it because it was cute. I used to own a 1996 Jeep Wrangler and it was well built, bit this thing. I will never buy another Chrysler product again. Traded it in on a Ford Escape. If this turns out as bad as the Jeep Ill never buy another car from the big three again.

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  What a mess - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By lordmetalz28 - June 13 - 11:49 pm

  Worst vehicle ive ever owned. bought it with 72k for 10k in 2005 110k now. no kidding i have never had this truck 100 percent since the day i drove it off the lot. its always been something. hood cable 5X window regulators 10x valve cover gasket, oil adapter gasket. evap coil 2x. wheel bearing 3x. leaks water from every gasket. oil from every gasket. electrical system is falling apart. Not to mention its terrible on gas. have to be in 4x4 to make it thru a 1/4 inch of snow. 4wd indicator switch 8x and the new one just broke. this jeep is so piss poor i bought a 2006 mazda because i didnt trust the jeep and the mazda is no good!! yet another bad dicision the jeep forced me to make.

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  Will Never buy another - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Paul - June 12 - 11:00 am

  I will never own another Jeep Compass, and would seriously have to think hard before buying anything made by Chrysler again. a standard shift transmission usually doesnt go bad, yet only Chrysler can design one that needs replacing at 400 miles, and again at 22, and again at 35k. also needing replacement within 10,000 miles: steering system components, tires, shift boot (made of plastic and cracked) shift linkage and other warrantied parts. Nothing but trouble.

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  Mechanics special??? - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By MustangChris - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. Off road it is superior to trucks twice its size and cost. However, my Jeep has been highly unrelaible, with constant repair being needed to the point where as much as I like being a Jeeper, if it cant get me to class or home reliably shell have to go. Much of my problems have to do with its frequent off road adventures, but its a jeep... isnt it supposed to be designed to do that?

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  Pathetic build quality. - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By d120 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle had 8 separate mechanical problems (all under warranty, but each requiring a dealer workshop visit). Latest problem was clutch failure (pedal just flopped onto the floor, totally inoperable) just 2 weeks after its 10k service, which specifically included an inspection of the clutch system. This incident happened without any warning, and could have been fatal. This is by far the most unreliable and poorly built vehicle i have ever owned. Build quality and reliablity are truly pathetic, and I have requested a full refund from the dealer.

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  NEVER - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By yz250r - June 8 - 2:14 pm

  I AM NOT SATISFIDE! This jeep was good for about 4 months mialige 118,000 to curently 123,000 miles. Resently I`v had some major scairs. The engine on and off shakes the car. I can tell because normaly it would be a smoother feeling. At about 20 to 40 mph the car will leack forwars vilontly and will not produce power for 10 to 25 seconds. DO NOT GET THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  A true lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jrg11 - June 4 - 9:47 pm

  Picked up my 2002 liberty from a family member that nurtures her vehicles. This problem child does not give up when it comes to costing me dollars for repairs. The list is long, and now a #2 cylinder valve issue. Obviously, Chrysler knows about this, but take sno action in resolving. Once I junk this pig, I will never touch another chrysler vehicle again. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Wont die unless YOU kill it - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By heartwine - May 31 - 12:53 pm

  My Jeep has an engine and transmission that just wont quit. Despite years of being driven by a mechanically-deficient person, it always seems to start and get us down the road. As far as creature comforts go, forget about it! The a/c was the first to go, followed by the control panel (speedometer, gauges etc) which often requires fiddling with the trip reset button to get the gauges to work again. Then, alas the heater has started to fade. Couldnt ask for a better SUV for living in the snowy north, but the lack of amenities in this old mule is a definite relationship-ender.