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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  Diesel Disappointment - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Curtis Smith - October 30 - 6:01 am

  I vowed never to part with my Toyota 4Runner until I saw the Super Bowl commercial for the diesel Grand Cherokee. By March I was test driving an overland model and immediately impressed with the torque and gas mileage. How can you beat 30 mpg on the highway with the ability to yank my boat down the road at 65+ mph with minimal downshifts? Fast forward 15 months and Im desperately trying to negotiate the trade value as I look to replace the recall and service bulletin ridden vehicle. First, the jeep would overheat pulling a small 17.5 ft speed boat that was half the rated towing weight. No kidding had to pull off the road on multiple trips to let the engine back off the red. The dealer kept advising it needed computer updates and then would send me on my way. Which leads me to the next issues - the dealers had no clue how to service or repair this vehicle. The first to oil changes they did not reset the oil life in the computer and when asked just proceeded to mash my accelerator into the floor and push buttons. It took me googling the procedures to show them how to reset. At 18k miles, I began to notice a rough idle. I reported to the dealership and told thats normal. At 19k I began to get check engine lights. Each time, I get the "computer updates" line. Note, the thing is also going in every other month or so for some sort of recall. After taking the vehicle in twice in one week for the check engine light with repeated reports of rough idle and now acceleration, Im told a recent (two months old) service bulletin was out for the issue. After googling the service bulletin I was shocked at the level of "repair" necessary. A week, then a month go by before the dealer can get the parts. They even have me drop the vehicle and then return because they realize they dont have all the parts- like I said, significant repair. Finally they get the parts and I drop the vehicle. A week goes by and they havent even touched the vehicle. Im told the tech had other vehicles ahead of mine. Why the heck did I drop it off then? It takes almost another month before the car is finally repaired. The most significant engine repair I have had on any vehicle. Let alone one with less than 20k miles and just over a year old. All said I traded the jeep. If you are flirting with the idea of the diesel, first Google the service bulletin and take a look at the repair you may need and whether you are comfortable paying that kind of money for something that will likely need a significant overhaul.

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  Dependable - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By gatorelf - October 30 - 5:05 am

  I bought the vehicle in 2004 just off of a lease program with 69,000 miles. I now have 177,000 miles and its running great. The transmission did give out at 148k but thats about normal. I bought it because of the legendary straight six. IMO and my only complaint with the vehicle is there should have been a recall on the window motors. All four window motors have been replaced over the years. All four with the same exact problem, the cable snapped overnight while the window was up. I was told the replacement motors all had a heavier cable. Comfort: about a year ago I thought i was ready for that cool looking Volvo XC90 ! Then I test drove one, couldnt wait to get out of it.

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  grand laredo 4 door 4X4 - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By patricia flynn - October 29 - 12:03 am

  this is the fourth jeep that i have owned. the only thing i dont like about this jeep are the handles that are to close to the windows.i feel it blocks a lot of the view. other than that i love every thing else about it. and i have always gotten a fair resale price on other jeeps ive owned and sold.

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  After Two Year, Im Very Impressed - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By fletchman - October 28 - 4:43 pm

  Ive had my 05 Liberty Limited for two years now, and after 30,000 miles, Im very impressed. Ive not had a bit of trouble with this vehicle. I cant believe the improvement in build quality over the past 20 years for Jeep. All I do is perform regular service, and drive it. I love this vehicle. A lot of times Im on the freeway, and the luxury features of the Ltd. are great. Other times Im using the 4WD to get to trail heads or on snowy or icy roads. Never a lick of stress or strain. Great vehicle. The gas mileage stinks, but this is a truck shaped like a box, not a car shaped like a wedge. Also, I can put my bike in the back upright with the rear seats down, front bike tire off.

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  Love it! - 2011 Jeep Patriot
  By imatthew - October 28 - 9:50 am

  I have logged just over 1,000 miles on my Patriot, and I am in love with it. I am pleased with the fuel economy so far: First 4 fill-ups averaged 25.92, 27, 24.9, and 28.24 MPG (60/40 Hwy/cty). Seats are comfortable, as is the driving position. I think it has fairly good acceleration for an SUV. There is a bad blind spot at the drivers side rear. You cannot see through the rear side window from the drivers seat. Its not a problem though, if you use your mirrors and check over your shoulder before you change lanes.

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  My 1st Wrangler - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Mauthie1 - October 28 - 6:26 am

  This is my 1st Wrangler and I love it. The drive is much smoother than I expected, I love the interior. The MPG could be better, but I bought it knowing this. Great SUV, I love the style and great look of it.

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  Transmission Issues - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Candice - October 28 - 4:03 am

  Since I have bought the Jeep the check engine light kept coming on, took it to a Jeep dealership and replaced Transmission Control Module. Still having same issues and I took it back to dealership and now it is the shifter module. It doesnt want to switch gears and when I put it in drive or reverse it doesnt want to go. Does anyone know anything about this or has had some of the same issues?

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  Needs more room - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Dee - October 28 - 12:23 am

  I think this is good vehicle but It could use some improvements. Mainly the back seat does not have enough leg room. I am a fairly big man and found the vehicle to be cramped for my children if theyre riding in the back seat with me in the car. The drive of the car is outstanding. I had a larger SUV before this one and the Jeep drive just the same if not slightly better.

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  2005 Cherokee Laredo, 4.7 liter - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DSV - October 27 - 8:10 pm

  I have 93,000 miles on this car. I have had only two problems that the dealer should have been able to repair rapidly, but didnt. The alarm system would not open the door with the key and then wouldnt run after opening with the key. The control module was bad and the technician couldnt determine this? The tire pressure monitors also indicate a leak, but are not leaking. I took to a new dealer who checked the car during an oil change and he told me that batteries were bad. This is a very expensive fix at $90 each.

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  Jeep Patriot, Utility at a Great Price - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By RI Patriot Owner - October 27 - 2:03 pm

  The Jeep Patriot has classic Jeep looks. The engine performance is quite fine, the downshift when floored, provides for adequate acceleration onto the highway. The CVT reduces jarring shifting to 0. The Patriot offers 4 wheel-drive in a dependable vehicle. The pricing does not allow for a super quiet cabin. The interior is basic, but also quite functional and roomy. The front head and shoulder room is 2nd to none. The cargo area is rated small, but is quite large when one adjusts the backs of the rear seats all the way forward. The rear cargo area is also great for pets as the rear of the vehicle is square and not sloped like others in its class. No luxury here, but best in price and in snow