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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  Still going strong - 1998 Jeep Cherokee
  By Connick - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Going on 4 years old my 99 white ltd is still very reliable. The only issue I had was the replacement of the front wheel bearings. Other than that Its been pretty good. Never had any problems engine-wise.

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  Jeep troubles - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep problems - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I havent even had my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a year and Ive had it back to the dealer multiple times because of issues with the transmission. Its hard shifting when it slow to a certain speed. No one seems to be able to figure it out.

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  so many design flaws - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By B - October 27 - 10:03 pm

  I owned and loved a 2000 Grand Cherokee, purchased a 2007 after my warranty had run out...big mistake! 1.doors spring back 2.cannot remove cups holder for cleaning 3.even when heat should only be on feet, is blowing strongly from defrost 4.difficult to adjust mirrors because knob too close to door 5.low head clearance when entering vehicle 6.hard to vacuum 7.not enough spring in back door 8.must lean to middle onto console to feel A.C. in face, vents do not adjust toward driver These are all very small issues but annoying everyday items that may prevent me from purchasing another Grand Cherokee.

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  Window Regulator Problems Liberty 2007 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By JM - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Window regulator, window regulator, window regulator, at about $500 a piece, w/ the possibility of replacing all 4, not good, not good at all. What can I say, I expected more from Chrysler on a problem that seems to be very very common. Acknowledgment and reimbursement is probably a good idea, if not, Chrysler will probably lose many future customers.

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  Jeep electricity. - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeepeers - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Had problem with starting. Still having problems with electric windows and locks. Dealer implys this is common. Rides a bit rough.

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  Where transmissions go to die - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Brdavis - October 14 - 6:46 am

  First trans went at about 90,000, second at 135,000. Also, it is no longer a 4wd until i put another 1,000 into it bringing the grand total of mechanical repairs i needed to make on this vehicle close to 7,000 or slightly half of what i paid for the car in the first place. Wouldnt recommend another jeep, looking at other cars now none of which are a jeep because Im afraid Ill get burned again.

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  Jeep Realities - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jed - October 11 - 6:06 pm

  We bought this Jeep fully intending to keep it for a long long time. Its a 2WD Cherokee LTD. By 6000 miles we began to experience problems with brake rotor warping and peddle pulsation. It got so bad I was concerned about losing control during braking. The bottom line -- dealer told us to pound salt. Gas mileage horrible for a 6 cylinder (16.9 mpg city). Would NEVER buy a jeep again (or any Chrysler product).

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  wish i was as lucky as you folks... - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zswindle - October 2 - 2:38 pm

  Ive had my 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo v6 for about three years. so far ive had to put in a new motor new transmission two new batteries and now my driver door wont open from the outside. Here lately i havent been too happy with the car seeing how it only has 164000. still trying to figure out how to fix the door issue. if anyone has any advice id appreciate it.

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  Nice but buyer beware. - 2017 Jeep Renegade
  By Deb - October 1 - 2:14 pm

  I have exactly what I want minus a/c didnt know I had to ask for it. It doesnt come with a spare tire. I have weird things happening with start up that Dealership would prefer to ignore and or do nothing about. It drives great. I like the 6 speed manual transmission. I havent had a chance to use 4x4 yet but will appreciate it this winter. The seats are comfortable and the room in back is good for cargo.

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  Jeep? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MJW - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Driven and owned Jeeps for twelve years, and bought this for the wife last year. To be honest, its a fine vehicle for what it is but doesnt have the utility of its Jeep ancestors. Shouldnt be used for anything beyond a gravel road. I wish the engine had a bit more useable torque lower on the RPM gradient (making it more suitable for towing and thus more utilitarian) and had more true cargo room. If you ignore the expectations that the Jeep logo engenders, this is the perfect vehicle for a lot of people, but the off-road enthusiasts and those looking to load it with plywood for the weekend project will be disappointed.