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:

• 

  If You Can Afford to Run It - 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By antbloom - June 17 - 2:46 pm

  In Australia the Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold as a premium vehicle with a price to match. Even 1996 models sell at dealers for over $18,000. My experience has not been a happy one; luckily the dealer gave me a 3 year unlimited warranty. All sorts of rattles, whines and leaks plague this car which the dealer seems unable to fix. My advice is admire someone elses Jeep and buy a Toyota.

• 

  Hoped it wouldnt be me! - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cook_415 - June 11 - 9:11 am

  I read these reviews..but with most reviews, there good and bad. I bought my Jeep in May 11,in 3 weeks I started having check engine lights,it wouldnt shift or accelerate.Had it looked at a 3 different places & finally took it to the Jeep Dealership,they replaced a transmission sensor,$1600-not covered by my warranty.3 weeks after I got it back,driving down the interstate, in a.m. rush hour 65mph, when I sped up to get over & exit the interstate,the Jeep jumped so hard I thought I had hit something.It had shifted itself into 2nd while I was going 65mph. I had to pull over to get out of oncoming traffic.Now the service dept says it the 2nd gear ration & valve cover. So dangerous-Not worth it!

• 

  Issues - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By danbreslin - June 7 - 6:35 pm

  Just found out, like others, my ball joints are totally shot at 40k miles, way before they should have failed. Have had other common problems on this Patriot as well such as leaking ventalation system causing interior corrosion and musty smell.

• 

  "Rocky Mountain Edition" - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RGW - June 7 - 8:33 am

  Having had this vehicle for nearly 4 months. I am overall fairly satisfied with the latest design. Jeep has done a commendable job of eliminating the nauseating sea swell motions of the previous version. While I didnt pay anywhere near retail, I still think a vehicle approaching $40k (MSRP) should come with a more refined interior. The dash is far too plasticky and there are many hard surfaces throughout.

• 

  New Rotors every 12,000 miles - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By TalkingDrum - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Dont buy this car. Im on my fourth set of rotors in 4 years. They warp so badly after 10,000 miles that braking over 60mph on the highway is dangerous. My dealership pretends that the problem "happens occasionally" with other 2000 JGCs, but this is crap.

• 

  Peppy performer - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By MPcuse1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Does a variety of things well,off-road lousy weather, haul stuff. Appreciate the get up and go. Have had some repair work done, breaks(constantly), radiator and various sensors. Overall satisfied considering how hard I abuse it sometimes.

• 

  One and out... - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Chi Rob - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Same as everyone else, my brakes warped (15k) and had to get them cut. Some annoying vibrations, drive window goes up slow. The a/c comes on now whenever I turn on the vent so I need to get that checked. Its a decent truck, but for the money the quality should be better.

• 

  jeep review - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By Garrett Lynn - May 26 - 12:36 am

  The jeep wrangler is a fun to drive trail capable vehicle. It is enjoyable yet lacks in creativity and is kind of stone age in its fuel injection system along with its less than arrowdinamic look. With a little more work it has the potencial of excellence in many fields yet the biggest step needs to be in millage and not just a bigger tank either. We also need to go back to lock out hubs and the paint job was weak with many thin spots where the under coat sees through. It also needs LIMITED SLIP

• 

  Reliable: afraid not - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By unhappy in Utah - May 24 - 10:00 am

  At 8000 miles rotors needed turning, at 16000 rotors were replaced, at 36000 rotors needed turning. Window lift drivers side @ 18000; heavy shifting-firmware replacement-still bad; Both seat heaters replaced; starter motor at 36000; hood lifts at 36000; power steering at 38000; radio power intermittant--no fix; excess side slip. Cost of ownership and depreciation is outragous.

• 

  Will my Jeep make it???? - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By trillium3 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  This jeep is my first SUV, and my first "American" car in years. Having an SUV has been so helpful during the winter. Lately I feel as if the car is starting to fall apart. At 26,000 miles the transmission slips when cold; service has not resolved the problem. When I brought it in for the last service they found a number of items wrong with the car and kept the car all day. Ive always driven my Hondas and Toyotas over 100,000 miles; I certainly dont have the confidence in this vehicles reliability since Im already having major mechanical problems. Ill never go without an SUV again, will stick to the imports though.