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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  Deep Money Pit - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By chezeppelin - June 14 - 4:05 am

  i had my 08 wrangler x for four years. in those four years my emergency break broke ( right after the warranty expired of course), i had a leaky rear differential, there was a recall on the fuel tank because sometimes while filling up the gas would over flow and spill, and last but not least, my steering gear box went out. the steering gear box was a 700 dollar fix, too much if you ask me from a 4 year old vehicle. the steering gear box started going out relatively quickly, but the dealer refused to fix it because it technically still worked, when it finally went out around the 80k mile mark, i was in for a costly repair. the jk was loud on the highway, no room, rough, and a guzzler.

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  2008 Jeep Patriot - Fail! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By disappointed71 - June 8 - 3:38 pm

  Bought new in 2008. Within the first year, dome light would fill with water during a hard rain and would dump all over dash and me! Three years in, the lower ball joints/control arm had to be replaced with under 60,000 mi. Brakes and tires also had to be replace around the same time due to extra strain from the bad control arm. One year later, the ball joints are going bad again! Transmission is also acting up - anytime I travel on the highway for 2 hours or so, the transmission temperature light goes on and the car compensates by slowing me down to 45 mph, forcing me to pull over. Dealership says nothing is wrong with the tranny. I beg to differ!! Hate this car and will trade ASAP!!!

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  not impressed - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By terri potts - June 5 - 10:00 am

  My fuel pump had to be replaced. Brake system is terrible, car rolled into my garage door after being put in park and emergency brake in place. 800 had no reponse. i am currently having transmission problems. wheel bearing have been replaced and i currently need another replacement. i have a very noisy ride. spend your money elsewhere

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  Not Again - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By nojeep - June 5 - 7:44 am

  Sorry to say I wouldnt buy again, imput shaft broke off transmission at 36K. cover by warranty. Had to replace electronic shifter module 4 times which they covered under 7\70000 now it needs a 5th. one and they wont cover it for some reason and it only has 61k and will cost almost $1000.00 and this is a safety problem try pulling into traffic and your jeep stops. p0700 code replaced water pump at 56K. Mopar just lost a 40 year fan because of this. To bad because believe or not I really liked my jeep. If you want to spend $1000.00 ever 12k-14k for a shifter module go ahead and buy one.

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  Squeaks, Rattles, Creaks at 4 000 Miles! - 2009 Jeep Patriot
  By jeepinoakland - June 5 - 3:30 am

  I was so excited with my new car, but at 4000 miles the front seat squeaks terribly, the clutch pedal creaks and it has a terrible shudder/rattle by the front wheel. I really wish Id never bought it.

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  Keeps you up at night worrying - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill - June 2 - 6:26 am

  Bought it new and put 37k miles on it, did all scheduled maintenance. Engine has sounded rough from the first day - should have been a sign to me. First problems were windows; drivers side window has fell into door twice and back passenger window fell once. Then a strange rattling noise began (it comes and goes). Every time it rains I find my seats with white stains on them, can not figure out how the water gets in and surprised how bad the stains are. Then at 35k the CHECK ENGINE light came on. All the VALVE SPRINGS needed to be replaced. After that was done car makes hissing noises. At 36k needed new tires. Getting rid of car at getting a more reliable brand so that I can sleep at night.

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  DO NOT TRUST JEEPS - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Poor Quality - May 30 - 3:03 am

  I bought the CRD Diesel, which is great, good gas mileage (20+ in city, 25+ freeway) excellent low end torque, very good OHV and very fun! But it doesnt overcome the horrible Jeep quality, I will not buy another one. Chrysler knows that the window regulators are a deficient design, but will not acknowledge it. A simple plastic piece that will fail every 5k miles! I have replaced 7 regulators in 2 years. Dealer charges $400+, admits that it is a design flaw. I fix them myself, but it is still 1+ hr + $150. One of the biggest disappointments I have ever owned. Check all the internet sites under Jeep Liberty and you will see the massive dissatisfaction with quality (EGRs and regulators).

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  (Jeep TJ, Auto, under 100,000km on engine). Mixed Thoughts - 2002 Jeep Wrangler
  By cam_ - May 25 - 2:32 pm

  I have this Jeep for almost 3 years. Here is what I have to say about these certain topics: Fuel Economy: It has the same fuel economy of a Honda Civic that has several holes in the fuel line. I average around 16 mpg during the winter and 19 mpg in the summer (All Stock Setup, Automatic Transmission). Do not buy this car if your concision about fuel. Do not drive over 110km/h..you wont make it to your destination. Driving: Interior is stone age compared to 2007+ models. Sound system sucks, speakers are made out of paper..literally. Off road is very fun, you wont get stuck. Getting into 4wL is tricky (high chance of grinding your gears) Reliability: Great, gas cap problem is common.

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  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.

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  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.