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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  2011 Grand Cherokee - Owners Review - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By XTalath - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Any new vehicle is a mixed bag of hope and disappointment. My 2011 JEEP Grand Cherokee is no different. If Chrysler was looking for this vehicle to reinvigorate the JEEP line, they should have ditched the penny pinching and built a better vehicle. I was most perturbed at the crippleware electronics. Buttons exist for features that are not enabled. Im not keen on paying another $1,200 for three dip-switches to be flipped on electronics that are already in my vehicle. Having the chance to really bring forward a WOW vehicle. Chrysler is still "business as usual". Fail

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  42,000 & shot! Poor sub standard quality - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By BarbinCT - August 4 - 9:40 am

  Within the first week of owning, failed computer module cause unsafe driving conditions and faulty triggering of my tcs/abs on the highway.? car would slow down, not accelerate.. Dangerous! Dealer said this issue was not part of the recall related to abs? had to go to shop 3 times before this was properly diagnosed and corrected. At 30, ooo miles the clutch needed supposed replacing, out of pocket expense ($1300), not warrantied. Never had a clutch wear out or need replacing in 20 years of driving 5 speed manual! Very next day, broke down again, had another clutch issue.. Cable broke, this was covered? towed in and repaired clutch 2 days in a row?

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  I like the Liberty BUT have 2nd thoughts - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By rettaman - July 30 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my 2006 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 in December of 2006 when my 2001 "Lemony Olds" Alero GLS (thats another review for another time) decided to die on me...and this particular Jeep Liberty with an awesome rebate caught my attention! Time for an SUV, huh? Anyway, within a couple of weeks of owning the Liberty, the left rear windows regulator went out and I had to get it replaced. The "new" regulator on the same door went out while on a road trip to Florida in January 2008. The gas mileage is not something to be thrilled about. Im almost wanting to purchase another vehicle, but cant due to poor trade-in value of the Liberty. I like the Liberty, but there are second thoughts.

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  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...

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  Annoying little issues... - 2013 Jeep Patriot
  By Celso Dela Cruz - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased a 13 Patriot 2.4 sport 4x4 5m/t in February of 2013 it has been a love-hate relationship with the vehicle. This being my third ever car and coming from Toyotas, 91 Mr2 and 04 matrix xrs, I see and feel the lack of quality of this Chrysler Product. I have put 26,000 MI on this. First, alignment has been off since day one. After the first winter, i noticed rust on the door hinges, all of them. It causes the doors to kind of catch, or creak, like 90s and early millenial GMs. At the same time it developed a nice squeak or creek sound in the rear suspension when going over the tiniest bumps. It first wasnt very noticeable but now is quite audible. Just rock the car when its parked. It currently is at the dealer for rhis problem and has been there all weekend. I hope they can fix it. After after winter 2013 I noticed a lot of water pooled behind the driver seat. Took into the dealer. Turns out the windshield cowl got blocked up and water started entering through the flooboard. 1st gear has popped out on me a few times. Reverse has done it too, I understand its not synchronized, but still annoying. What else? The tires wail and scream when turning small radii in parking lots at very low speeds. Cruise control is pointless, as 5th gear has no torque below 2700rpm so if you want to cruise anywhere above 70 you need to be wasting gas in 4th to still be able to use the cruise buttons for acceleration. The painted steelies are rusting and it hasnt been three years. The things I actually like are that its manual and 4x4. It returns decent mpgs, no different from my previous car. Acceleration is adequate in city only. I am happy with the fact that it is very basic, power windows doors, a/c. Single disc basic stereo, creature comforts, thats it. All in all, I have more hate than love for this jeep, and if it werent for the fact that its paid off and I enjoy no car note. Whether I will keep this long term or not depends on how this suspension creak pans out. Otherwise I will just get my moneys worth out of it and move on before it will need new tires...

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  too many problems/bad gas mileage - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Katymaeflower - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this Jeep used. Ive had it for 2 yrs. Its fun to drive but gets terrible gas mileage...15 city/20 hwy if youre lucky! Ive had to replace 2 window regulators so far. It is in the shop now for an electrical problem where it keeps blowing fuses. The bill so far is $800 plus a towing charge! Before the windows and electrical issues, my only complaint was the bad gas mileage. I agree with the one person who said we should start a class action suit against Chrysler but would it do any good since they are going out of business? I owned a 1996 Grand Cherokee before this and loved it...no problems. I sure miss it!

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  2008 Diesel Grand Cherokee - 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By osogrande65 - July 24 - 12:16 pm

  Great hopes for the Daimler Chrysler spawn. The Mercedes diesel 3.0 V6 remains spectacular. The Jeep QuadraTrak is amazing, when it works. Mine is so unreliable that, in the 77 months that I have owned it, I have not had the use of it for 14 of those months. First the tranny at 35k (in the end Jeeps Chief Engineer diagnosed the problem), 6 months in shop; the rear end at 60k, in a month, centre differential at 75k, 2 months in shop, centre diff again, at 80k. Now at 115k the tranny and centre diff apparently have badly leaking seals and both are being pulled and repaired to be safe (3 months so far). No warranty now so $3500 plus GST. I AM NOT HAPPY! I will not buy another Chrysler product

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  My Jeep...My LEMON!! - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DP - July 21 - 2:03 am

  I bought a used Jeep, which seemed like a great buy. To my surprise, this one is a total lemon. Everything has been replaced, and it still doesnt work correctly; radiator, cracked head gasket, oxygen sensors, long block engine, transmission leak, persistant coolant leaks. My engine almost seized several times because the coolant leaks so fast. Do yourself a favor and buy something else.

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  No more Jeeps for me - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jack - June 30 - 1:23 pm

  I had bought the 4 dr automatic Sahara, JK with the hard/soft combo top in 2007. Loved it at first; but when the transmission started slipping driving through town at 45mph; not once, but twice. No dash or computer error, and the dealer couldnt find a cause/problem. Traded it for a 2007 GMC 2500HD. Nuff said. I got 24 mph on the hwy, but I had made some changes to get that mileage.

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  Used to love Jeeps now annoyed - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Sick of the Jeep - June 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Jeep Cherokee. I used to love them now I hate it. I have had many problems in the past 2 months. Such a shame because aside from the numberous recalls on the other jeeps I had no problems. This one I have had the fuel pump replaced twice. I had to have the entire bottom of the car removed because of a loss bolt? Or that is what they tell me the loud noise was. I would think twice before buying a jeep. I am actually looking into getting rid of this and getting a reliable car.