Jeep Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.17/5 Average
9,359 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 6921 through 6930 of 9,359.00
  • Unfounded Fears? - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Heard lots of negatives beforehand, but with the exception of the front rotors (repaired once, then replaced 2nd time), I havent had any problems whatsoever. And, my local Jeep guy made sure that the rotor work was covered by my warranty, even though it was past the 12k-mile brake warranty. Other than that, its been a pleasure to own!

  • Pilot Review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    This is a great little SUV! The only downside to this vehicle is the gas mileage. The gas mileage is not any better than a large SUV. But it is a comfortable vehicle with good quality workmanship.

  • Driving Excitement - 2004 Jeep Liberty
    By -

    The Liberty is fun to drive and easy to maneuver in and out of traffic. Very sharp, responsive steering and brakes! A great buy. This car made driving fun again.

  • LEMON? - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    Bought car used in Oct 2001 at 45000 mis. SInce that time, have had left rear wheel spindle and rotor replaced, rear diff pinion gears replaced, trans valve body replaced, and is in shop now with leak in transfer case, trans band adj, and more brake rotor problems. All this within 5000 miles of driving. I love the style, but cant wait to unload it. Dealer has been great in working with me, but I need a reliable vehicle. Highly recommend ext warranty if you are considering purchase.

  • Faults IGNORED by company - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    Overall I love driving my Jeep. The idea of it is exactly what I want, the execution is lacking.

  • Manual shift and display problems - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    After reading some of the reviews here I realized that Daimler-Chrysler had a design flaw in transmission/electrical systems in 2007 Jeep Grand. At 24,000 miles our dealership replaced a transmission module to correct the slow acceleration problem. At 60,000 miles the manual shift option no longer functions at all . The dash warning light systems light up like a Christmas tree for no reason while driving and the check engine light goes on and off for no apparent reason. I saw several reviews describing the same problems and wonder what can be done if the dealerships cant find the cause.No doubt Daimler bailed out because they suspected big problems on the Horizon. A major recall is needed

  • I wouldnt buy one if I were you - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    These cars are lemons. Every complaint here will eventually happen to you. Just replaced starter, now coolant leak, AC switches broken. I mean come on this car has 42,000 miles on it. Id stay away from Jeep products, they are clearly not designing or building anything but a heap of junk.

  • Best Jeep Wrangler EVER - 2009 Jeep Wrangler
    By -

    fun to drive and people look at your jeep as they wish they had one.

  • A nice go anywhere Jeep Patriot - 2009 Jeep Patriot
    By -

    My 2.4 L 5-speed manual 4x4 Jeep Patriot is the most fun that I have had with any vehicle. Mine has 25,000 miles on it now, and they have been very fun miles. I had it up to its floorboards in both mud and sand, and it pulled itself out every time. I haul a 16.5 foot Lowe bass boat with it, and the four wheel drive does such a nice job on boat ramps. It is funny to see larger vehicles having trouble pulling up the ramps when my little jeep does it right now! This is a best buy vehicle, you cannot get a 4x4 with the capabilty of the Patriot unless you pay many thousands of dollars more. The Patriot is easy on the environment with its impressive gasoline mileage, I get 25 to 30 mpg.

  • Going strong - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
    By -

    This is our 5th Chrysler product, my 2nd GC and 3rd jeep. Purchased it with 122,000 miles on it. The interior is quite luxurious, the paint is in excellent condition, engine compartment is clean. This GC is the Rocky Mountain edition. We looked at Suburus, Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas and Fords. In the end this used GC fit the bill for us. Everything else was way overpriced for the year and features. The 4.0L is a reliable engine, everything seems to function well. For the money we couldnt find a better value. When its time for repairs we know we wont pay an arm and a leg for parts since most of this jeep comes from the USA. We just finished an 800 mile road trip no issues.

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