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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  Nothing but endless problems... - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By sevans434 - June 25 - 8:16 pm

  My husband had a 1999 Jeep and gave it to his mother - still running at 250K miles. Thought we could go for the 5.7 HEMI new in 06 (it was leftover 05 inventory) but I am willing to take any loss to get rid of it now. My battery has died constantly since Feb 2007, 10 months into ownership with less than 12,000 miles. Had the battery replaced twice (at $220 ea - not covered under warranty and no option to get anywhere but the dealer!!), replaced the alternator, replaced defective sunroof motor that was drawing power, repaired an AC leak, replaced the starter and now having the powertrain control module replaced while I am 300 miles away from home and stuck having to get it towed! NO MORE!

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  Poor Quality - 2000 Jeep Cherokee
  By thegroup - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been very dissapointed with the 2000 Jeep I bought. It has had a lot of problems while under warranty and seems to be having problems since. As soon as I can break even on a trade in Im getting rid of it.

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  Multiple Problems - Will never buy another - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By j smith - June 11 - 1:40 am

  What a huge let down. We have had issues with ours nonstop. The check engine light comes on indicating a problem. The dealer charges a diagnostic fee of about $95.00 to tell you why the light comes on. The first time was because the gas cap wasnt tight, the second (about 6 months later) because the gas cap had a crack. Each time at a cost of $95.00. The engine light is now on again (3 months since the last $95.00). My air conditioner wont get cold and the heat wont get hot. This began after 1.5 years. We also had to replace a fan relay at 18 months ($325.00). I was just over my 36,000 mile warranty. I spend less to maintain my 10 year old Toyota! I should have purchased from them again instead.

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  Unhappy - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Luisa - June 2 - 6:13 pm

  This Jeep has had the following problems: 3 transfer case replacements. Transmission replaced. U-joints failed. rides rough. Gas mileage is the worst of any car Ive ever owned. This thing sucks gas big time!

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  Patriot - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. Will never buy another Jeep or Chrysler product. Trans went out at 60k. Ball joints and control arms are shot at 65k. ESP module went out along with the cruise at 50k. Back window leaks slightly. Dont know what is next?

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  Ill never buy a Jeep again - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By R Anderson - May 29 - 1:53 am

  I bought this vehicle for my wife and son. It was the right size (not too big not too small). The problem is quality, Ive had the computer replaced, spark plug replaced and the body molding around the wheel well is loose. The vehicle just cut off for no reason (replaced computer), then a ignition failure light came on and we took to the dealership (replaced the spark plug) but said we needed to get the fuel injectors cleaned (16,000 miles) to fix the problem, $300. I had a Mercedes SUV with 58,000 miles and never had to have the injectors cleaned. When I complained about the moldings being so loose the service department said "we have new Commanders that are worse" that doesnt make it right.

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  Dont Buy It !!!!!! - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep Grand Garbage - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2000 JGC Laredo with all the options. MSRP $32,500. I have resurfaced the rotors twice and then replaced them, replaced fuel pump, 2 new batteries, I have a constant wind noise comming through the front passenger window. I also have an annoying popping noise that comes from the steering column everytime I put pressure on it. I wish I could get rid of this thing ASAP, only I am carrying $10,000 in negative equity due to the poor resale value!!!! Get a HONDA, ACURA, TOYOTA, or NISSAN!

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  Inferior Vehicle to Others in Same Class - 2016 Jeep Compass
  By Bill R. - May 17 - 5:41 pm

  While our Honda CRV was in the shop a couple of weeks after a collision we had the opportunity to drive a 2016 Compass. This comparison is being made to the CRV and the RAV4 that we previously owned. Overall the three vehicles cant really be compared because although they are in the same price range they seem to be in totally different classes of quality. The materials, technology, drive and overall feel of the Jeep Compass is far inferior to either the CRV or RAV4. What bothered me most about the Compass was the seemingly lack of logic when it comes to the design of the vehicle, such as extremely poor layout of gauge instruments, poor lighting and control buttons for audio that just dont flow well. The acceleration of the 4 cylinder lacks a lot as it seemed to really strain to gain speed getting on the interstate. In addition the air noise coming through the windows seemed to indicate that there was some problem with the seals around the windows. The vehicle we drove had 12,500 miles on it so it was fairly new but it seemed to drive like a very old vehicle.

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  Not a good all around vehicle - 1995 Jeep Wrangler
  By Ryan - May 17 - 4:30 am

  The gas mileage is terrible for a 4 cylinder especially if you plan on any form of oversized tires. I had better gas mileage in my 8 cylinder Firebird. This car has absolutely no power, it is terrible on the highway. The suspension is so loose that you feel every single little bump. Do not consider a Jeep unless you are buying it strictly for off-road use.

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  Not for off road - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob Denver - May 16 - 4:53 pm

  Interior is built from surprisingly cheap plastics, ergonomics are almost adequate, 4X4 system is “cloned” from previous Jeep models-it’s not doing good job in the snow since system can get easily confused by its anticipated traction, rear viper can be much better, engine is surprisingly good and very much agile, etc. In conclusion, do not take this vehicle serious as far as off road driving-do not believe to advertisements.