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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  LEMON? - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Mike M - August 24 - 6:46 am

  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.

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  Faults IGNORED by company - 2005 Jeep Wrangler
  By docjaime - August 23 - 10:00 am

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

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  I wouldnt buy one if I were you - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Unhappy - August 23 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Jeep Commander limited - 2008 Jeep Commander
  By MIchael - August 20 - 3:03 am

  Going from a Toyota to a Jeep makes me realize how far Chrysler still has to go. The Jeep has been reliable and steady through the first 2000 miles but uninpressive.In reality, this vehicle should have seating for five not seven. Its just not big enough and because of this the ergonomics of the interior suffer.Instead of competing directly with the Grand Cherokee, I dont understand why jeep wouldnt ditch the Durango/Aspen and make this their full size vehicle and make it world class.

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  Check Engine again? - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By skiutah1080 - August 17 - 9:56 pm

  I purchased this vehicle as a "certified used vehicle." I also got the extended warranty just in case. What I got was a certified piece of [expletive deleted]. In the little over month and a half that I have had the vehicle, the service engine light has come on for the 4th time (today) and the transmission still hunts for gears while accelerating (basically it cant decide if it wants to shift down or not, or just shifts down too early.) This weekend Im trading it in. I got in over my head with this piece of junk and Im worse for the wear, but Ill take the hit to get rid of it. As much fun as SUVs are I believe Im going back to a car.

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  Great vehicl design, poor assembly - 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By familyguy44 - August 16 - 11:52 am

  Well, I have owned my Jepp Overland for 5 days now and the dealer has had it for 4 of the 5 days. The Jeep was delivered from the factory without a transmission line attached so it blew out the trans. I love the Jeep, I love the design and the look, but reliability is an issue. This all happened in the first 250 miles. Working with Jeep to resolve the issue. It will require a new trans. so I now appear to have a used Cherokee with 250 mile and a replacement trans. Anyone want to buy it for what I just paid?

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  Dont buy a Jeep - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jerirp - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had more problems with my Jeep than with any other vehicle I have owned.

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  Poorer quality compared to 2003 - 2004 Jeep Wrangler
  By BRIANW710 - August 12 - 3:40 am

  After less than 150 miles the rear brakes were making a metal to metal grinding noise. When I took it back to the dealer the service manager said, "It was driven with the parking brake on" (exact words). And the mechanic said, "Well, I prepped it and I didnt have the brake on." WHAT DO THEY THINK I AM? AN IDIOT? They had to order the replacement brake pads. When I returned the new pads were defective! Talk about standing behind your product. Not very good on poor highways. Had the tires knocked out of balanced twice within 1000 miles. Im actually discouraged by my treatment by the service people. And Im looking to get rid of it.

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  Vinyl seat failure - 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By 4th jeep - August 7 - 7:20 am

  Beware of 1960s quality vinyl used on the seats. I have leather with vinyl trim on the sides of the seat and back. At 45,000 miles the cheap vinyl started to crack and is slowly deteriorating. Not cool for this day where some vinyls look and wear better than leather.

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  High maintenance - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Tom Halvorson - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep turned out to be very high maintenance. My first brake job was at 7500 miles, next at 11,750, next at 24,500 and on and on. The brake job at 51,500 cost over $500. The transmission was replaced at 11,750. At 61,600 I had to replace the transfer case output and input seals. Also another brake job at that time. Now at 66,000 miles the transfer case shifter shaft seal is leaking and to fix will cost $450. Also the rear differential bearings are making noise and must be replaced ($950) and if you let it go too long you will damage the rear axles ($$$). It is beginning to feel like the brakes need work again.