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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  The best Vehicle for your money - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By craigvet - January 29 - 4:15 am

  I was looking for a RAV4 bought couldnt touch one for less than 16,000 and that was with 45,000 miles. I have found that Toyota run for ever, but their bodies dent easly. I have always viewed Chrystler Products as junk. Hell I got a brand new Patriot for 16K, its a base line automatic (becouse I will not buy a front wheel drive stick). It has a lot of room. I hope its reliable. The last new vehicle I bought was 02 Ranger and it was junk. After owning 7 Fords I ditched them and went Toyota. But Damm I dont want to pay 25k for a new RAV4. I have manual windows and door locks but it came with cruise, radio, and AC that is all the accerories I want. Less stuff to break

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  Great car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JON - January 28 - 9:20 pm

  This car has been great since i bought it. I am the second owner of this used car and i love it. it has held up well considering the mileage i have put on it. although the gas mileage isnt great, (i get about 20 mpg) it is decent. this car is definitely worth your money.

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  2007 Wrangler Rubicon - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By Justin - January 28 - 4:50 pm

  Hands down, the 2007 Wrangler Rubicon is the most capable civilian production vehicle in the world. Period. The front and rear locking differentials that come standard do their jobs, as does the electronically disconnecting front swaybar. In terms of on road comfort, you can tell that its designed to be driven offroad, but its still super-fun to drive. The tight steering makes is a joy to park and maneuver in town, while allowing you to dodge trees on the trail (or to create your own trail). The seats are very comfortable, the radio is great for its being waterproof, and who can turn down the ability to drive anywhere you want...with the top and doors off no less.

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  tire & heat problems - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bryansos - January 28 - 4:37 am

  I leased a 2014 grand cherokee overland. I have 5,300 miles on it and has been in the garage over 15 times. It has a vibration in the steering wheel at 70 mph, which 90% of the dealers consider normal. The heat and a/c goes wild, you can have it set on 68 and it will blast you with 150 degree air. I used my electronic thermometer, having set 68 degrees on both sides the passenger temp came out at 152 degrees and the driver side came out at 64 degrees. If you are interested in purchasing a 2014 grand cherokee test drive it first at 70mph and set the heat at a certain temperature. The dealers have no cure cause they all do it.

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  I love this Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By baustin1981 - January 28 - 3:43 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. The only big problem Ive had is the transmission went out at65k of course that was immediately following 2ft of snow, in which I used my Jeep to pull a Mazda 3 up a very large exit ramp in the snow, and pull a Durango 4WD out of the snow. I have lived in 3 different areas since buying my Jeep varying between HOT and Cold Climates and it has never failed to perform. It does ride a bit ruff for everyday use but its well worth it considering how tough this Jeep is. The only thing stopping me from buying another one is the new body style. I hope they change it back by the time I need a new 1 or at least mount the spare on the back again.

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  Unexpectedly Poor Reliability - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By va944s - January 28 - 1:21 am

  I have been extremely disappointed in having four warranty issues within one year. I have had to have the following items replaced: torn weatherstripping, radiator, and media center. They have been unable to diagnose an issue with the keyless entry fob not working intermittantly. I contacted the dealer about all of the problems Ive experienced and they gave me a Chrysler Customer Service number to contact. The service representative was unable to offer any assistance whatsoever, just wrote down what Ive experienced and told me to call back if I had any more issues!

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  So far, So good - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Bill Sandlin - January 27 - 6:20 pm

  This is my first Jeep purchase. Traded an Acura TL & a 1999 Chev Tahoe so I wanted an SUV that performed close to the TL and had the same amenities, ie, bluetooth, leather, comfort, etc. Also needed the towing capacity of the Tahoe. So far it has meet all my expecations. Rides nice, has everything my TL had except for the navigation system. With the HEMI the jeep is quicker than the TL and handles almost as well. Also drove the 4 runner & the Jeep handled better and the interior of the 4 runner actually seemed cheaper than the jeep. So far, so good on the reliablity. Driven over 8,500 miles and 3 long road trips. No problems! Of course the gas mileage stinks, but expected with a V-8.

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  Durability - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TIFFANY - January 26 - 3:33 pm

  We have had our Jeep for almost two years. It already has 106,000 miles on it. My mother bought one a month before I bought mine and her reading is 13,000. As you can tell we drive a lot. We have really enjoyed this vehicle. After it hit 100,000 we were worried. A slight A/C problem and thats about all. Every morning its starts with no problem. We are expecting a new baby and have to look for a vehicle with a 3rd row; it actually makes me said that we cant get this model with a 3rd row.

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  This thing grows on you - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Jon - January 26 - 11:03 am

  I worry about driving my kids around in this.. What happens if we rollover? Would we be cut to shreds by a disintegrating hard-top ? Not my first choice. But my kids LOVE it. I like the utilitarian interior. 6- speed transmission is OK and fun to operate. Reasonable acceleration off the line in 1st and 2nd. After that, there is not much get up and go, but I think in this vehicle, too much acceleration would lead to trouble due to the high center of gravity. Riding around town in this is FUN ... Highway driving is a little wobbly. Steering is vague, which IS NOT GOOD. This is the only vehicle that does NOT look like something else, which makes it unique.

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  2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Overaland - 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Derek J. Richards - January 26 - 12:04 am

  I live in Montana. That should tell you a little about my driving style. Everything out here is far apart. I do a lot of driving and wanted a vehicle that can keep up with what Im going to throw at it. Before I bought the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel Overland (JGCDO), I was on the fence. It was either the JGCDO or the 2015 Audi Q5 TDI. I test drove both, a few times. I liked the Audis better mpg and get-up. However the towing capacity and the interior storage capacity of the Audi was a deal breaker for me. Along with not being able to put BF Goodrich All Terrain tires on the rig--they just dont make them to fit the Audi. I dont like having to put winter tires on my rig in the cold and flu season and them take them off to put another set on in the beginning of allergy season. I like to buy one set of tires every 50,000 miles. I did a lot of research on both models. The TDI engine is tried and true--been around for many years, is reliable and bullet proof. The new diesel engine that Fiat came out with in 2014 for the Grand Cherokee is not tried nor true, however they have been building diesel engines successfully for a number of years. After combing over the jeep forums, I found many people dissatisfied with their JGCDO due to warranty issues with the catalytic converter and other minor things. I decided to take the leap into the deep end and buy the 2015 JGCDO last week. I got the extended warranty to satisfy the uneasiness about the reliability and 3 year 36,000 mile factory warranty concerns I had. Even with the extended warranty the overall price of the JGCDO still came in below the cost of the Audi Q5 TDI. It would have been nice to say "I own an Audi," but when I go skiing in a few months and have to drive through a blizzard to get some fresh turns at Big Sky, I will be happy with my decision because I know the JGCDO will be able to mob through 20" of fresh snow with a little help from the adjustable air suspension and the BF Goodrich All terrain tires. I just dont know if the Audi--even with top of the line snow tires and Quattro all-wheel drive would be able to. On a side note, I took a 415 mile trip today over about 10 hours going up and down mountain passes from 5,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. My speed ranged from around 20 to 85 mph with BF Goodrich All Terrain tires. It was mostly highway but some hard miles were up and down steep grades at high elevation doing no more than 20 mph. With two people in the car, lots of food and gear, we averaged 29.1 mpg. Take that Audi! One word of advice: If you live in a cold weather climate and are thinking about getting a JGCDO, then negotiate for the engine block heater cord to be installed before you drive it off the lot. Its fairly inexpensive (~$150 with install) and should be standard on all diesel engines but its not.