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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  Will never own another Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mandalay_415 - January 9 - 6:44 am

  Ive had this vehicle since February of 2007 and it has been just an averagely okay vehicle. It started having non-stop problems that most mechanics couldnt diagnose. The worst was when it would shudder/shake, lurch like it was shifting from overdrive to 2nd and just shut off while driving. Not safe! It took 4 visits to 2 different mechanics to finally figure out the problem and only after I told them to humor me and check something that I had found after hours of researching the symptoms online. Lights randomly come on and then go off without registering any codes. I have driven this across the country and never got more than 18mpg. I will never own another Jeep/Chrysler ever again!

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  whats going on with my car!? please help - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By mcvallee91 - December 27 - 12:14 pm

  Ive owned my 2007 Jeep Liberty Sport 4dr rwd for six months now, previously was used as lease and rental vehicle. since purchasing the vehicle, I have replaced the brake light housing, front right window, and motor and regulator to front driver side window. Just this evening my vehicle stalled on me. It is an automatic vehicle and I always change the oil just shy of 3,000 miles using mid grade oil. Anyone having similar problems? why is my car stalling?

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  Too many problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By R Anderson - December 24 - 11:16 am

  I bought this vehicle for its nice size (no to big, no to small) for that it is great, interior is great and very functional for a small family. My problems are mechanical. We have had to replace the main "computer" which was covered by the warranty. Next it was misfiring, they replaced a spark plug but said that we needed to get the fuel injectors cleaned with only 15,000 miles ($300). I had a MB ML500 with 59000 miles, never had to get the fuel injectors cleaned!!!! The wheel well plastic is really loose and the dealership said "we have new ones that are worse then that". Excellent family vehicle, poor quality and even worse customer service, I have reported Jeep but no response from dealer.

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  Read this if you want the truth - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By arlo - December 11 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep is a year and a half old and I wish I never bought. I thought I was buying a well made American vehicle but I was wrong. I am now getting my tie rods replaced my front interior light leaks water my driver side window was stuck down and my antifreeze hose was leaking. I am very dissatisfied with my purchase. I will be contacting corporate.

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  i keep hearing "poorly built truck" - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jayjay - December 11 - 10:00 am

  So I was handed down this 2003 jeep grand Cherokee. This is my third car. The climate control stopped working. That means no AC in the summer, no heat in the winter, and no air to defog. I brought it to jeep, they wanted $2000 to replace a damaged part. Other mechanics wanted 1000. On top of that, the axle makes this annoying clunk noise whenever i apply brakes. Another $2000. The blinkers, brake lights, and many other electrical problems emerged that needed a lot more repairs. numerous mechanics have told me that this is just a poorly built truck. with 80,000 miles none of this should be happening. This truck has been a nightmare. I may take whatever resale value is left and run with it

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  "Transmission Over Temp" - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By Chris - December 11 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep has left me stranded 4 times, only to befuddle the mechanics, simply Google the message "Transmission Over Temp" and youll see the many, many people who have experienced this UNFIXABLE KNOWN PROBLEM that Jeep dealerships have no idea how to address. The most recent dealer to attempt to diagnose the problem stated that they will not look at it if it happens again. They actually told me to take it elsewhere. Do class action attorneys read these reviews?

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  Dont Even Waste Your Time! :( - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RLD - December 5 - 2:01 pm

  A ton of electrical problems - this is the 1st year for computer/electronic modules - Never buy a first year product!

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  Brake problem with this Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Paul Hoffman - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This jeep has been in the shop at least 6 times in 2.5 years. Brakes are the big issue. We have had the front rotors surfaced 3 times in 30K miles. We know two other friends who have Grand Cherokees both with brake problems similar to ours. Chrysler will not warranty after 12K miles. They say it is a wear issue and they are not responsible. My wife drove a Ford Tempo for over 100K miles without touching the brakes. We will not buy another jeep/chrysler/MB due to the poor customer service. The customer service reps have actually told us to go buy other brands because they do not want our business. Also had the power windows repaired/replaced twice.

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  Keep Trying Chrysler/ Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jeepjnk - December 5 - 10:00 am

  For a $30k+ vehicle, the Grand Cherokee is more trouble than it is worth. 4 recalls, 2 rear diffs. later and only 10k miles. I should have bought an MDX!

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  Jeep Patriot - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Papillon - December 3 - 11:30 am

  This Jeep handles like a much heavier SUV. Quality is so so and the engine noise when accelerating is maddening. We have owned the Patriot for over a month and have a little over 1,000 miles on it. The gas mileage is dissapointing. 21.3 all around and with a small 13 gallon tank it seem like we are always at the gas station. Will swap it out next year for a foreign model. I guess I should have listened to my gut feeling on this one.