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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  So So - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Glenn Scott - February 27 - 8:33 pm

  I have always been a Toyota fan. I still am. This vehicle just didnt measure up. By the time I had 100K on it things were literally falling apart. The engine has been no problem to 150K. But the brakes are a Joke. They thump about 2K after having them done. I have had them done about 12 times. The tranny signed off at 105K and the ball joints and front end were all done at 115K. It did get a solid 20 MPG and the seats never wore or tore so I guess not all bad. My last 4 Runner got retired at 280K original tranny and ball joints. Oh yeah, I had the brakes done about 5 times and they never ever thumped!

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  Commander - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By j. byrd - February 27 - 1:10 pm

  We bought our Commander late one afternoon. It had a cool look to it and a third row seat. Which needs to be ditched..you cant see out the back window but through an 11x14 space. The main thing that I hate about the car is the canvas seats that, we were told were stain resistant and water resistant..wrong! My seats are horrible looking and I now have camo seat covers on the back seats because I am embarrassed for the way they look. The windshield whistles when you get past 60 mph. There is no leg room in the front. If I turn the corner hard enough the tires screech. Its been in the shop 2x for power steering failure, in the middle of driving, 6 more months on our lease, PTL.

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  Poor suspension - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By driver109 - February 27 - 12:31 pm

  Purchased a Jeep Overland only to find that the suspension produces a very loud bang noise upon recoil when going over a pothole or bump. This is on all 4 wheels and Chrysler and the Dealership acknowledge the issue in both 2011 and 2012 models and say its a characterisitic of the vehicle. Can you believe that? This is supposed to be a vehicle that can take you anywhere. Chrysler acknowledges the problem but wont fix it. See for yourself...take one for a test drive and go over a speed bump or ride off a curb...its simply shocking!!!!! Dont buy one...

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  150,000 - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cweiland - February 14 - 1:39 am

  Just hit 150,000 miles and it is still running strong. The thing wont die! The interior is falling apart, my A/C dosent work and im leaking a bit of oil and antifreeze but thats an easy fix. Most reliable vehicle ive owned, engine wise. Its no Aston Martin but ill take it I guess.

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  Dont Buy A Jeep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By reasy - February 13 - 8:30 am

  We bought 2000 Jeep with 35,000 miles, and just a few months of owning our Jeep the back window motor broke, then the drive side, then the passenger side. So we have replaced 3 window motors in 3 years costing $350.00 a piece to replace. Then the battery and alternator went. Then we had to replace the front differential bearings. Now 2 days ago we found out we have to replace the whole engine because the rod bearings broke. This Jeep was bought in excellent condition, not a mark on it. We bought it as a family car we do not go mountain climbing in it, we keep it updated with the oil and fluids change. This is very upsetting and every time I think about this it makes me sick in the stomach.

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  Liberty has room for improvements - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By r.manwarren - February 7 - 9:36 am

  Im an aircraft mechanic, I bought a Liberty for my wife to drive, and then everything went wrong one by one. Now Im stuck driving it. The window problem is an engineering problem. Who in their right mind designed a metal spindal rod to work with a plastic cradle. Hello the metal is obviously going to wear out the plastic and then youre stuck in another worthless Liberty with your window falling down at every bump, until the local dealership can get to it 30 days later! As far as the brakes and rotors OEM is junk. go aftermarket and do the work yourself if you are knowledgeable!

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  So disappointed - 2009 Jeep Compass
  By Riggadeaux - February 4 - 10:53 pm

  We tried to buy a Patriot during cash for clunkers but couldnt find one with 4wd anywhere in the country so got the Compass instead. BIG mistake! I have to put a cushion on the seat because it is too narrow for my wide load and the seat belt digs into my right thigh when driving. The rear-view mirror gives a tiny view through the small back window but worst of all, I cant change lanes because the high seat backs in the back row completely block my view of the next lane. Dangerous! Handling is fine, looks are great, and fuel is okay. Im getting about 24 on mostly highway. I just dont think I can stand the discomfort so Im considering selling or trading this in now.

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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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  2011 JGC Key Fob Issues - 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By csummers1 - January 14 - 1:36 pm

  Bought our new 2011 JGC in Oct 2011. The key fob is not recognized so it wont unlock or start. When you press unlock on the key fob, nothing happens. We tried using the hidden key inside the fob to unlock the door, but all that does is set off the alarm. The vehicle goes into security mode and theres nothing we can do until its ready!!! Owners manual says remove the start button and insert the key fob to start the vehicle and take it out of alarm mode, but that doesnt happen. Its locked down! Its been in the shop 3 Xs with no results. We think we have a lemon...still waiting to hear back from Chrysler. In the shop for 3 weeks now while we wait to see what Chrysler is going to do.

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  NV1500 Transmission - 2003 Jeep Wrangler
  By SpitNine - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Its a Jeep thing all right. Mostly OK except for rough shifting, grinding and clanking NV1500 transmission. This gearbox is a crude throwback to the 1950s. The dealer says it is functioning normally. Any fun to drive experience is negated by the crappy transmission.