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:

• 

  Poor quality falling apart not a family vehicle - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By rayb52 - May 31 - 12:02 am

  The side molding on the doors is falling off and is not covered under warranty. Have only had the vehicle for 45 days. I am told that the simple brushing on the side of the seal may make it come off. This vehicle has PLASTIC side runners on the doors measuring 3-4” wide, it is nearly impossible for an adult much less a child to step in & out of the vehicle without stepping on them. These too are coming off and are also not covered by the warranty. My son is 5 y/o 45 lb, I cant imagine if an adult will step on it, it will come right off!!!

• 

  Bouncy Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By chamb - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Seem very bouncy and build like an older Wranger or CJ series with a non- removable hardtop...wouldnt recommend for comfort.

• 

  Do Not Buy The Jeep Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bryan - May 27 - 8:50 am

  The vehicle with less than 500 mile had the command module fail 2 weeks to repair. With less than 20k mile front subframe failed. 2 weeks to repair. less than 30k miles all the brake rotors warped Jeep will not repair under warranty. Chrysler will only say not covered under warranty. Failure not do to wear.

• 

  Problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tinybook - May 25 - 5:41 am

  Brand New 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been in the shop for 18 days in the 38, I have owned the car. Transmission phantom shifts and revs unprovoked. There is a knocking in the front end when braking that the dealer said was an issue then came back to say that knocking is "normal" for all 2014 JGC. Also the same climate issues that other reviews state. I am a lifelong Jeep customer. Owned 6 in 20 years. This will be our last one.

• 

  2012 Jeep wrangle - 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  By jeepornot - May 18 - 7:13 pm

  I had purchased a new 2012 wrangler and less then a month I was on the side of the road of a major highway. My stearing and car just died when I was going 65 mph in the fast lane at two major highway intersections. They towed the Jeep Wrangler to the dealer and they said it was a defective fuel pump. Rediculous. I talked to the tow company and they said oh yea he tows a jeep wrangler at least 3-4 times a week. I had a 2009 I traded in for the new arctic model and now wich I had kept it as I did not seam to have any issues with 2009 version

• 

  This vehicle stinks! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kim2008 - May 18 - 2:54 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have had nothing but issues with it. My husband and I have had it towed twice (should have towed it a third time but we limped it into the service department). This vehicle gave out on a busy highway in the passing lane late one night on my way home from work. On another trip the car would not shift out of 1st gear (this was one week after it was supposedly fixed). While driving, the car will suddenly drop into first or second gear. Sometimes when shifting from reverse to drive, the car just seizes up and wont do anything. Today, the car wont even start. I cant wait to trade it in and purchase a Ford. Much more reliable and many less headaches.

• 

  another lemon - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kenny - April 22 - 12:16 pm

  Bought this used, in 15 months been in the dealers 5 times. Still under the 7- 70 coverage, but doesnt ever get fixed. Shift and noise issues. Dealer replaced trans valve body, trans went out all together days later. They serviced the front diff, same thing,diff went out days later. Every time gets worse after they touch it. At the dealer now, "no problem found", sounds like a Mack truck going down the road. Just waiting to see what else theyve screwed up. Have the v-8, power lacking, gas mileage stinks. My wife loves it for some reason. My Tahoe at 130k is twice the car this ever was, less noise, better mpg, very few repairs, nothing major like this thing.

• 

  Hate it. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By JeepHater - April 18 - 3:10 pm

  I have had my Jeep Liberty a little over two years and have had it at the shop five times because the motors on the windows are failing. Now the back hatch is rattling and the dealership cannot find anything wrong. I only have about 20,000 miles on the Jeep and the windows get very little use. Whats the deal? I will not buy another Chrysler product. I should have learned my lesson with the Dodge Durango!

• 

  Dont Buy a Jeep Liberty!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By harryr4 - April 14 - 7:47 am

  We have had numerous major mechanical breakdowns on our Jeep Liberty resulting in thousands of dollars in repairs. Just had to have the transmission fixed for almost $3000. Check it out, it happens all the time on these vehicles. Dont buy one!!

• 

  Loyall Jeep owner since 1987 until now - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mark d - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I always loved Jeeps so when I needed a new vehicle I decided to stay with the good old American Jeep.What a mistake. First I have had nothing but issues with my electrical wiring used for my towing hitch which started at around 15,000 miles and first use.When I brought my Liberty back to have this repaired, I had to fight with the dealer to have it fixed (lets just say I spoke with every manager in the dealership and actually had to contact Jeep headquarters directly)- headache #1 still not solved, still not working. Now I am having transmission problems at 34,000 miles.It feels as though my transmission is stuck in third or fourth gear.