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:

• 

  Great Vehicle - 1997 Jeep Wrangler
  By dw - May 24 - 7:26 am

  I think the Sahara is great. Took a few times driving to get used to it and appreciate it. The inline 6 has plenty of power. Hard top is great for the winter, soft top fun in the summer, especially when down. Handles good, but you do have to be cautious in bad conditions, like any vehicle. Great in the snow. No mechanical problems.

• 

  Nothing but problems - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Bob Orsulak - May 24 - 4:53 am

  Problems began when we drove the car off the lot. Knocking noise from the suspension. It has been back to the dealer 4 times in 9 months. Reoccuring problems with the passenger window not closing, sunroof not closing, front and rear windshield washers not working and also a transmission leak. Today I noticed a whistling noise from what I think is the windshield. My major concern is a hesitation on acceleration. The engine cuts out when pulling out. This is very intermittent and the dealer and the Jeep rep are saying they cant find anything wrong with it. They also said that the 3.7 L engine is too small for the vehicle and this is probably what my problem is. Really hate it.

• 

  hate the skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By steve - May 23 - 9:16 pm

  I sold my 2000 Cherokee which I loved. I wanted the new Liberty with skyslider roof. Just got it back from the dealership, they put the kit in it to fix wind noise from roof. At speeds below 45 I love the vehicle. On the highway it is so loud. It doesnt leak water or air, but you cant even talk with the passenger in a normal speaking tone. My advice buy something else.

• 

  Auto transmission problems - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RUSTY - May 23 - 6:20 pm

  In November 2006 I purchased a used Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD. It only had 10,000 miles on it. I immediately began having problems with the automatic transmission with the following problems: (1) Needed a transmission control module; (2) clogged transmission filter; (3) leaking O rings and finally had to have the transmission replaced at 18,000 miles. The car left us stranded twice on the highway. The second time I thought the car would catch on fire. I will never purchase a Chrysler product again. I dont care what their warranty period is. This is the poorest quality on construction I have ever seen in an automobile.

• 

  95 Grand Cherokee Ltd with problems - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By B. Stansell - May 23 - 6:00 am

  I bought the vehicle used in 1996 with 30,000 miles. Loved the way it looked and the way the seats felt. I now have 118,000 miles. Very fun to drive but has reliability problems. It never left me stranded but has been a pain in the neck none the less. Here is the list of problems Ive had over the past 8 years: Transmission rebuilt twice (35k & 95k), A/C problems twice, rear wiper unit failed, left front boot, both fog lamp lens fell off, power antenna broke, radio failed, leak in radiator, power steering pump, mounting bracket for the alternator broke, passenger side mirror mount broke. Had many poor experiences at the dealer repairs centers...too many to list.

• 

  Subpar Product - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By Burned out - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased Jeep Sport Jun 99. 30,000 mile service Dec 00. Apr 01 (37,000) exhaust manifold cracked. Thank goodness I had purchased an extended warranty or it would have cost $1000 to repair. (I believe part defectative but Jeep refused to refund $100 deductable for replacement.) Multiple problems since and will never buy a Jeep again!

• 

  second sahara - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By wth51 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We had a 99 Sahara and loved it but the gas mileage was lousy so we traded for a 2001 Honda CRV. Honda was ok but not as fun as the Wrangler so we traded the CRV for an Accord and bought a 02 Sahara. The Honda works and the Jeep plays. Should have kept the 99 but we saw the error of our ways and purchased another Wrangler. Expensive mistake.

• 

  Excellent Value, Safe, and Reliable - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By Frank - May 22 - 2:00 am

  GREAT buy. Very safe, great MPG (28 Hwy with the stick), good looking, very inexpensive. Have had for 3 years, 35K miles, absolutely no issues. Even the tires are still in great shape!

• 

  Grand Cherokee rocks! - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GladIdid - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Limited in 99, has been great vehicle ever since. Not one major problem to report.

• 

  Great for the price! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By tim - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I recently decided to purchase a new vehicle since my dodge dakota p/u was almost at 100,000 miles and was in need of new tires. I figured that i could just aplly the new tire cost into the new higher monthly payment. So i began looking at all of the suvs that were out there. I did research the jeep liberty via consumer reports but it got very low scores. so i completely nixed it from my list of possibilities. however after looking at all of the other suvs on the many lots i visited, i ended up at a jeep dealership. long story short..after viewing the libertys design and options along with a pleasant test drive, i feel in love. the gas mileage is not the best, but also not bad.