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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  Something must be done!!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By anonymous - May 8 - 6:03 am

  I have had my Grand Cherokee for 2 yrs. now and since day one it has had problems. It started with a hard start, or two and since 2000 miles has stalled. The dealership can not do anything because there are no trips to the computer and the vehicle starts back up. I have also had my sunroof drain tubes replaced, window parts replaced, sunroof parts replaced, a faulty step button replaced, and my 4WD light and air bag light came on for some time. I have almost been hit twice in the past two years because the vehicle completely shuts down while driving. SOMETHING MUST BE DONE!!

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  Will someone blow my Jeep up? - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By saj mahal - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Ill highlight some of my favorite repairs. $300 - Front calipers rotors. $900 Rear bearings. $150 fuel pump regulator something or another. Anyone know why the steering wheel moans when you turn it? Is there supposed to be water inside the headlight assembly? Ok, why wont the cruise control engage? I love the fact that the HVAC control doesnt work anymore. Its stuck in the defrost mode! Looks like Im going to buy a 4runner. Oh, the gas shocks that hold the hood up...they dont like the cold, so make sure conditions are ideal the next time you need to check under the hood, or else you will find yourself literally "under the hood".

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  Windows Wont Keep Anyone Out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By WhyDidIBuyAJeep - May 1 - 10:50 pm

  I bought this 06 with 39k miles, in 02/10 and planned to give it to my daughter in the fall when she goes off to college. I put 700 miles on it and WHAM the back window fell inside the door. Research tells me that a lot of people have had the same problem. My old Nissan was 9 years old with 160K miles and the windows never had a problem. Jeep, MAN UP AND RECALL THES VEHICLES. I do not feel that it is secure or safe for my daughter. Anyone could open the widows without a problem. I am going to fix it and unload it on some unsuspecting chump, like me. I know Ill loose 1K to 2K bucks. But its crap, I cant keep it. So much for buy American. 1st (last) American car in over 10 yrs.

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  Keeping for the kids - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Dad - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this jeep for 11 years and it is the most reliable car I have ever purchased. Jeep only has 70K, but has dents and scratches from trees, rocks, bikes. Always starts, never comfortable. Goes through snow, mud, sand with no problems. Powerful engine, you can hear the frame groan whenever you hit the gas. This is the perfect car for my two teenagers. Never in the shop for any reason, other than normal maintenance. I need a more comfortable SUV but I cant afford a new one. I like the Nitro, but heard many bad things about it- maybe a used Trailblazer?

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  Dont buy one! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By esoxgirl - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Liberty new and within the first year had to replace the back window motors twice. Now, since Chrysler seems to think customer service is not a priority, both back windows are held up by coat hangers. I like to take long trips and it is the most uncomfortable car. I am sad because I owned a Jeep Wrangler in 96 and loved it! I will NEVER purchase a Chrysler automobile EVER!

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  High Oil Consumption - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By trixie8 - April 17 - 7:18 am

  Good car, very poor build quality and Chrysler will not stand behind fixing engine issues.

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  Nice to drive, but too many problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Keith Kleissler - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I like the look and feel, great interior and comfort. As great as the creature comforts are the quality is as poor. Does not come close in quality to past foreign vehicles I have owned.

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  Oh well - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Scorpio052 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 99 Laredo 4WD. Since Ive had it, I have taken it for a warrenty fix 24 times. Uncalled for. The starter (4X), passenger window (3X), rear wiper motor (2X), rear Differential, electrical shorts..blah blah blah. Let me tell you, in between fixes, I love the Jeep dearly. If my friends were risk takers, I would say buy it and pray for a good one. Otherwise , stay away, far away and wait for an Audi- type turnaround for Chrysler.

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  jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Celty - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Wrangler soft tops are lighter than most SUVs,handling could be better in 2wheel drive but great in 4. The smaller tires have better traction for city driving.Top replacement is every 4 years,orig colors are not always available.After market products can dress a jeep up nicely.The body and paint started to get rust speckles immediately after purchace.Ive had NO mechanical problems.The top seals nicely(when new) its very warm in the winter,the heater is great.The zipper/sliders windows are hard to use in 1/2 doors.For its size its a gas hog. The top is VERY hard to take up. Highway travel is very noisy.

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  Pauls review - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By Pmonee - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I leased this Jeep in Feb. 2000. I must say for the dollar it is a excellent choice. There are a few issues that I have with this vehicle: 1. Eats brakes and rotors on a reguler basis, has been back to jeep once a year for new rotors and pads. 2.Interior space is not on par with other SUVs out there. 3.Drivetrain noise is very high, but I have been told "It is a Jeep, not a Lexus." For the money, Chrysler did a competent job. But for the same money others are doing it better.