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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  Mechanically substandard - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MikeBrock61 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Hello All, This is one of many new cars I have bought and it is the worst one mechanically. The engine makes rattling noises, the front seats have been stained by water, the rear right brake drags, the clutch / drivetrain makes a bad clunking noise, it idles rough, and a myriad of other smaller problems. Some of the problems are intermittent which makes it even more difficult to get fixed. I would not recommend this car to anyone. Save yourself problems and buy something else. I hope I can invoke the NY "lemon law" and get rid of this car.

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  Mixed Feelings on our Bailout Buggy - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
  By JDH - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Got this bailout buggy in 4/09 and have 17,500 miles. The transmission went out at 14,000 miles and its been a downward spiral ever since to the point that we are considering trading this in for something else. Before that, though, we loved the car. While performance is mediocre, nothing beats a topless Jeep in the summer. Keep the tops off, though, as long as possible since they were poorly designed and engineered. The hard top leaks consistently. Fuel economy is lackluster around town at 14 mpg, but shines on the freeway at 20 mpg at 75 mph. No complaints on the interior of the vehicle, so far. The Sahara model specifically has a smooth ride as well. Also, the 4x4 system is beyond great.

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  Highway Robbery - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By kgastenaue - December 27 - 8:52 am

  I bought this car in March and it has been broken from day 1.The lights in the air conditioning panel never lit up but some of the others did. I asked the sales person about it and he said "those lights dont illuminate in this model". I brought the car back for service. They kept my car for the day, ran some updates and they still didnt light up. In addition my trunk wasnt opening 90% of the time. I was told if they couldnt duplicate the problem it couldnt be fixed. I took it to another service center instead. The whole light panel had to be replaced and updates hadnt been done at all to my car from before I bought it. Three trips later my trunk still wont open most of the time.

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  Would not buy this vehicle - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jtrump - December 24 - 9:15 pm

  I bought the vehicle new in 2002. Did not take long to start experiencing problems. From what I was told this was the year they decided to make changes. One in particular they used non adjustable ball joints. This led to my vehicle pulling to the right which in turn cupped my tires. Dealer replaced ball joints but would not replace tires. Poor design in duct work. There is ample airflow from left side but barely non on right (passenger side). Was told this was by design. Had issue with AC not working, had to take to dealership several times before it was corrected. Drivers seat frame broke in two places. This happened just as vehicle was out of warranty. Replaced at my cost.

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  Dies while driving no warning - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By Catherine zeunges - December 24 - 8:00 pm

  Today, may 26 2016,I just pulled out onto the road during rush hour and suddenly with no warning the brake felt funny beneath my foot. The steering wheel seemed like it wasnt on or working. The car then completely dies. The car had no indication lights of a possible issue. The car was not over heated. I ended up blocking two lanes because I was in mid turn of getting into the far left lane. I was shaken by this and had to call the police for help. The key would not allow me to turn it in the off position. I was literally stuck. After waiting five minutes I tried to turn the car on and it came on luckily! I am a new driver, this is my first car and I have never been so scared in my life hat someone was going to hit me from the side or behind. I took the car into the dealership to get looked at. I am without a car while they look at it. I since saw many reviews saying their heels in various models and years have done this too. I hope the issue is fixed by the end of the weekend but it was scary. Overall I love my car but wow that was horrible.

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  Be aware of your gas tank - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tetrafri - December 16 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I were rear ended and our 1998 Grand Cherokee exploded on impact. The gas tank ruptured and the car was engulfed in flames within seconds. We both jumped out and were lucky enough not to have our children with us. The damage to the back of the vehicle was minimal. Please be careful if you drive this vehicle. The gas tank is right under the rear fender. We were lucky to escape and have the most frightening pictures to prove this. Daimler Chrysler "respectfully declined" to participate in the costs we incurred and claimed no product liability.If you get hit from behind, get out of the car till you know its safe. Lynn Friedman

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  Defective Drive Train - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By doodlebugger - December 10 - 11:18 pm

  Have driven this vehicle for 3000 miles to date and have found the vehicle to have a defective drive train. Only on the 4X4, there is a power surge in the cruising range of 60 mph. Have been to 3 dealer service departments...none have offered a solution other than dont drive in the 60 MPH range. Two of the service department refused to acknowledge there is a problem. Typical manufacturer denial. The problem appears to be in the computer/torque converter and is much more pronounced on concrete roads than on asphalt roads. One service manager suggested it was caused by the road surface, not the Liberty.

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  Goodbye Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By zoneta - December 10 - 10:14 am

  Ive had 6 new JGC & have watched them improve in style & quality every year. I traded in my 2011 for a 2014 & found the quality of the 2011 superior to the 2014. The price now same as Audi/Lexi/BMW. The electronic transmission shift isnt user friendly, it clunks into gear & is difficult to move into position, the letters in the drs dash window showing NSE&W sometimes match the gear letters & it can be too much computer info when youre driving. The 2011 hatch door had 2-opening choices, full hatch or top half window. The 2014 cheapened their costs eliminating the top window. I just want to say goodby Jeep Grand Cherokee Ill drive it for a year and go elsewhere next year.

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  I got a lemon. - 2013 Jeep Wrangler
  By Gayle Weathers - December 10 - 1:46 am

  50K on 4th set of tires. Airbag light on all the time.Check engine light stays on. 11 mpg. Rides terrible.Ask Dealer for help said no.Ask Jeep for another Jeep no response.Also the A.C.quits.2013 with only 50K these problems started when it was new.CD player eats CDS.

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  No problems yet - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By alexander0048 - December 5 - 2:01 am

  second owner of my 1999 jeep grand cherokee laredo straight six motor has been replaced and runs great 257,000 miles and only minor issues so far love my jeep.