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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  New Transmission at 2K miles! - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By reliablenc - May 31 - 1:31 pm

  Well, I had such high hopes. After an exhaustive search, I finally thought I had found the perfect vehicle for me in the new Jeep Cherokee. But just after I crossed 2,000 miles the transmission died. Yes, you read that right -- 2,000 miles. Ive now been without my Cherokee for a week and there is still no timeframe for when I will get it back (or even if they are going to fix it correctly). Apparently, they "lost" the new transmission somewhere between the factory and the dealership. Its really too bad, because there is a lot to like about the Cherokee. But I guess I will be use the NC Lemon Law refund and buy something else thats more reliable. Frustrating...

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  The Best of the Worst - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By dfranzen - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the shop more than 30 times in the 3+ years that I have owned it (not one accident). I had a Toyota 4-Runner for more than 10 years that was in the shop only 3 times! I have written Chrysler, but after the first phone call conversation, I guess they felt they had done enough, no further contact. Some of the problem areas: A/C - completely replaced, Brakes, Drive Tran, Electrical - enough? It is too bad that a vehicle that cost more than $35,000 cant make it through a year without going into the shop more than a 1/2 dozen times! I would expect that from oh maybe Isuzu...

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  Fun but Maybe Unsafe - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By KAP 10 - May 19 - 6:16 pm

  I had my liberty for a year and a half and absolutely loved it, minus a few problems with the windows. However, I recently ran off the road, hit a culvert, took a nose dive, and then flipped. My airbags did not go off, even thought I took a nose dive. Also, my seat belt never locked. The car did holdup well and all 4 doors still opened easily, even though I ended up up side down. But the seat belt should have at least locked, this was very dangerous.

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  Loved it, but now Im over it . . . - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By dl_in_ks - May 18 - 6:04 am

  I bought it new because of the looks and the "lifetime" warrenty. It does get pretty decent gas mileage but thats about it. I had replaced only the battery and tires by the time it hit 98,000 miles - 90% of which were highway miles and 0% off road. Then the problems started happening, the whole front end had to be replaced and its still making noises. The alternator went out, the sun roof is leaking, the CVT transmission scares me enough that at times Im scared to pull out into traffic. It now has 109,000 miles on it. I just returned from a week long/2,600 mile trip - I was concerned about being able to make it back home! This is my first Jeep, this is my last Jeep!

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  Disappointed - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By a dude - May 14 - 5:26 am

  Still bought the car as it was my first serious buy ever. SO far, replaced front axle seals($800), transmission at 75k($2600), rear axle seals($800), front and rear wheel bearings($600), all around rotors and pads at 90k($500), valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket.

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  Jeep 06 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Evelyn - May 12 - 5:13 pm

  My 2nd Jeep liberty, this one has problems onset, drive belt snapped within 6 months. Rainwater gets in the passenger side window even with Windows shut. Dealer will not fix window. Just reached 30k miles called dealer for the 30k service, they say its $575+ taxes. My local mechanic charged me half of that. If you can oversee the above problems and the 17 mpg fuel. Otherwise its a fun little suv to drive, but my next car will not be a Jeep liberty, unless Chrysler will make it more fuel efficient.

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  Long Term Report on 94 YJ - 1994 Jeep Wrangler
  By Fred - May 4 - 7:33 pm

  I bought this in Mar 1999 after realizing the price of a comparatively aged full size pickup was too high. Found out on the test drive about Jeep waves. Fun to drive, more ways to modify than can you can possibly afford; a great Jeep is built, not bought, and never finished. Auto transmission mount bolts fell out once, holes stripped. Once I identified the issue, I popped in 2 bolts and wrapped 2 giant zip ties around the transmission; problem solved. These Jeeps have amazing offroad capabilities. It only gets better by adding a modest suspension lift, rear-locker, and better tires. I highly suggest having an aftermarket amplified stereo. Deep water dunking cost me one transmission rebuild.

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  my crap jeep - 1998 Jeep Wrangler
  By Andrew - May 3 - 1:56 pm

  For off-roading and driving in the snow, This car is a lot of fun to have. However, if you have to drive it everyday, this is not a great car. Also, if you are looking for a car that is very reliable and does not require a lot of maintenance, this is NOT your car. it takes a lot of "upkeep". But its damn fun off-road!

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  Pure Junk - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Eric - April 29 - 2:03 pm

  This was my second Jeep. Our original was a 95 Grand Cherokee Limited. Ran great and saved my wifes life in a car accident. I figured Id buy another jeep since we liked that one so much. BAD MOVE!! About a month after we bought the car we took it back to Chrysler due to stained seats from minimal rain water. We were told it wasnt covered under warrant. At about 6 months and 7,000 miles our car began shutting off for now reason. Turned off going 60 mph on the highway, took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with it. Since then weve had it in the shop 4 times for the same problem and they always say theres no problem. Also, car seats dont fit well. Not recommended

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  ugggh!! - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mvm - April 25 - 4:13 pm

  I bought my Jeep with 70k on it and and have driven it 5k and my fuel pump needed replaced, a shock was leaking, and my tranny just went out. Each one I had to pay $200 deductible with Chrysler. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty or id already be out like $4k! If you purchase this vehicle buy the warranty! If I were you though, look elsewhere!