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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  Disaster and huge dissapointment - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By tlntan - December 31 - 6:00 am

  Its incomprehensible to me that Jeep continues to ignore the problems on the 14 GC. There are innumerable reports of issues with this vehicle, and frankly, Im very suspect of any positive reviews. My 14 Limited was purchased in July and it has been to the shop at least 7 times. Im in rental cars constantly, and the vehicle is still not right. From the transmission, to the unintentional radio presets clearing, to the issues with the driver seat (now being replaced), etc., etc. And thousands of people are having similar issues. Less than 6k miles, and its been an expensive, time consuming mess.

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  Dead within 2 months. - 2014 Jeep Cherokee
  By jm87 - December 25 - 4:56 am

  I was very excited to purchase my new Jeep. That changed! I havent even had my brand new car 3 months and it is already in the shop. It has been in there over a week. It has died on me five times already. The dealership cannot figure out what is wrong. Ive heard nothing but good things about Jeep, but I am thinking I should have kept my old car that I had NO problems with. Not a happy customer at all.

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  I dont know why I bought a Heep - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Heep OF.. - December 23 - 6:43 am

  Even though I read several reviews like this, I still convinced myself that buying this car was a good investment. My warning to anyone considering buying this is car is that anything can go wrong with it any day. If you do buy one, get the most service coverage you can, and make sure it goes over 100 K miles, or sell it by then.

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  So far so good. - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By icecat0000 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought from Used Dealer at 79k in 1999, New England vehicle, now has 172K- Replaced Alternator, Ball Joints, CatConverter, Radiator, and the typical cracked exhaust manifold(actually, had the old one welded and braced better than original design). Overall this pig has been pretty good to me - It will be replaced by a 1999-2002 shortly....

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  Great first time buyers of a S.U.V - 1999 Jeep Cherokee
  By Anderson - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its a o.k. truck if you are looking for something cheap and fun to drive off-road but for comfort and room, try a Ford or Chevy. Good performing I-6 engine but can suck some gas. O.k. ride on roads but jiggy.

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  What a shame - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MikeO. - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Its too bad. After owning a 1990 Cherokee Pioneer, I was so excited to finally move up to a Grand Cherokee Limited. I loved the looks (except for the droopy rear-view of the gas tank), and the V-8 really moves. I loved this car. The shame of it is that I am now on a first name basis with the entire service staff of my dealer. Even worse, I am also familiar with a private shop because for all the items that were "excluded in the warranty". I dont have room to list all the problems. Im glad I leased this car. I love to drive it, but reliability will make me return it. I couldnt imagine owning this car outside of a warranty.

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  Very Disappointed - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MsBeck - November 18 - 2:36 pm

  I have always wanted a Jeep and was extremely excited when I purchased this one. However, after 2 years the problems just arent worth it anymore. 500 miles after the factory warranty expired my vehicle began leaking from behind the dash. It leaks so bad it pools. Ive tried to have it fixed 5 times and nobody can seem to fix it. The moisture behind the dash is causing all kinds of other problems..including freezing dials and air vents when it is cold. The window mechanism broke on my passenger side and cost a ton to replace. The check engine light is always coming on - emissions leaks, bad battery, bad sensors. Ive replaced the brakes and the rotors. Okay that happens but Im done trying

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  2008 Sahara Problems - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By Sahara - November 14 - 7:53 pm

  I purchased a brand new 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and it is junk. 1,500 miles and so far 4 problems. Massive Freedom top leak that leaks down on the dash into the radio and speakers everytime it rains. Muffler heat shield loose. Drivers side heat shield loose. Factory Sirus radio TSB issued because radio sounds like speakers are blown out. Trading a used car in because I wanted the security of a new jeep and what a dam mistake. Car has been down at the dealer for 3 days now. Didnt want to give rental until i called Jeep directly. Jeep will only give $40 a day. Jeep quality is horrible along with gas mileage. Cant wait to see what goes next. I reccommend to anyone the life bumper to bumper

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  Follower, not a Commander - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Scott - November 12 - 1:33 am

  2006 Commander, Limited, Hemi, DVD and navi. 27 mo/45,000 mi lease. Looks are deceiving, reliability is not. Thankfully it is leased, goes back in Sept 2008. Leaky sunroof, broken starter, broken heater/AC blower (twice), bad windshield seal, 4 warped brake rotors (no trailing), factory paint drips here and there. Dealer service is average at best. Dealer refused to turn/replace the 4 warped brake rotors (wear item beyond 36,000 mi but within extended warranty). Goodyear turned for $150 as opposed to dealers $450 fee! Vehicle looks good (black, chrome wheels, etc), reasonably comfortable,lots of Hemi power, DVD and Navi are good (Honda Navi better). Needs larger fuel tank and luggage capacity.

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  disappointed on my2009 jeep - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By oliva1 - October 30 - 2:50 pm

  I bought a new 2009 Gand Cher. Laredo and have problems with it starting at about 6,000 miles. When I acclerate going into the highway it does nothing and than all of sudden it shoots out. It does not happen all the time, but it is dangerous when you have only a certain amount of time to acclerate before a car comes up on you behind. I have complained to the dealership for over a year and half and all they have told me is they cannt find anything wrong (the computer does not regester it). I have almost had 3 accidents because of this and yesterday I had to go the side of the road in order for a truck not to plow into my rear end as we were getting on the interstate. It is at the dealer