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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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Louise - February 21 - 12:40 am

  All I can say is what a piece of junk. Bought new, but back rear spring broke at 3k miles, repalce egk valve at 10k miles, loud rattle in back end that dealership never could figure out, replaced rear brakes at 14k miles, one rotor replaced at 18k miles, heater smells like burnt wiring, blower fan replaced, front passenger window regulator replaced 4 times, both back Windows each replaced 2 times.updated regulator that was suppose to fix the problem didnt. Both back Windows replaced again. Dealership lied. Never could get any help from Chrysler. Traded it before warranty expired and bought a Toyota RAV which I have put over 18k miles without problem.

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  Jeep Grand Cherokee - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By N/A 1 - February 10 - 2:13 am

  Best car ever,thats if u owned a Yogo in the past.

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  Jeep Wrangler - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By thok06 - February 8 - 9:26 pm

  If you want a fun weekend car, this is it. Taking the top down and driving around is loads of entertainment. Its one of the cheapest convertibles available. However, if you plan on using this for an everyday car, be prepared. The gas mileage is poor, especially for a small SUV. Reliability is no better, I had to have my exhaust manifold replaced at the dealership for $900. It cracked at just 45K miles. The interior is cheaply made. A/C knobs barely function. The ride is terrible and unstable. All this and I am at 55K. Security is nil: if it werent for my hard top my car would be a playground for thieves. The hood doesnt lock, and I know a Wrangler owner who had her battery stolen

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  Jeep grand repairs - 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By D Easley - February 7 - 10:06 am

  Bought mine from one owner used. Had just over 100000. Since January 2015-Oct 2015 have replaced the clock speed sensor, the starter, wheel bearing, now the transmission is starting to slip. Chrysler jacked up the jeep name. Used to be a dependable vehicle. Stay far away from this vehicle.

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  very poor design - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By richardp71 - February 3 - 12:38 am

  The door handles are built into the whole inside panel, and they are brittle. so we have a 05 limited with the HEMI 5.8L 2 door handle have broken, 3rd on way out. and looking at 700+ per door. 99% of cars have the handle seperate, why the heck they choice this design i dont know, but its poorly done. there was talk they were going to recall this online, but to thi date they havent and refuse to help with this. DO NOT BUY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Worse Jeep Made - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By dclay72 - January 15 - 4:13 am

  I purchased my 2006 Liberty new. The seats stain easily and do not come clean. I have 26,000 miles on mine and the steering is starting to get some play, and it isnt driven off-road. Had to have window regulators replaced 10 times, every window has fallen down twice and now I am on 3 times for a couple. In fact I have one down now. I have always been a Jeep guy, but they lost my business. As soon as it is out of warranty I am getting rid of it. Also, my rear interior light comes on every now and then for no reason. Chrysler should be ashamed of their vehicles.

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  Heap of Jeep! - 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By DPB - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Our 96 Grand - aint so! Differential (went out!), A/C (went out), computer under hood (fried!), transmission fluid (leaking as we speak), wheel shimmy (makes an exciting ride!) all THIS within a year and 1/2 of owning this Heap of Jeep! Its the proverbial MONEY PIT! Looks GREAT - but, I dont even trust it to run to the grocery store!! If it werent for a husband thats mechanically inclined AND an extended warranty - it would be GONE... Whats worse?? still paying on the loan! Run - Run as fast as you can - STEP AWAY FROM A JEEP!!!!!!

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  Horrible Gas Mileage, Very Poor Interior - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Joel Kirzner - January 11 - 11:26 pm

  Ive driven this jeep now for around 24 months and am about to turn it back it to the dealer after my flease is up...thank god! I must say, for a quickly depreciating $30,000+ Chrysler vehicle, should I be surprised? I have the 65th Anniversary Edition that came out around Jan-Feb, 2006. The interior leaves much to be desired--hard plastic everywhere, questionable fit and finish and seat fabric that easily stains with the slightest bit of a rain drop. The gas mileage is atrocious. I average 14.2 mpg, granted, I live in Atlanta and drive mostly in city type traffic. Also, Im sure the 4x4 version I have and never use on the newly paved suburban roads isnt helping out much either.

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  I am done with Jeep - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By suzib1 - January 7 - 2:51 pm

  I have replaced too many things on this vehicle to keep track. Ball joints (and I think they are bad again), transmission, tie rods, calipers, and assortment of belts, etc. I was hoping to have this vehicle for many years but it is becoming such an expense to upkeep that I may end up trading it in and dealing with a car payment again. I was looking for better gas mileage with 4-wheel drive than my Jeep Liberty, but the Patriot feels very cheap and apparently is made to break bit by bit. Even the dealership is stumped by the myriad of warning lights that turn on and wont turn off or simply stop working all together. Piece of garbage and dont waste your money and patience.

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  Most awarded vehicle??? - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By will1112 - December 17 - 3:13 am

  This is touted as the most awarded vehicle but I doubt anyone who awarded these is an actual owner of the eco diesel. First off I loved this vehicle(for 10000 miles). Everything about it was great. The gas mileage is great but after 10k miles it began!! Fiat Chrysler should never have released this vehicle with all the recalls and emissions problems specifically in the eco-diesel. Read up on this in Jeep blogs. I have been in the dealership(double digits) more with this one vehicle then my last 6 vehicles combined. Its been a year now and this vehicles check engine(MIL) light has not been off more than a week in the last 8 months. Dealership nor Chrysler techs seem to be able to fix these issues. Unbelievable what close to $50k buys you nowadays. Obviously not everyone runs into these issues and it may not happen to you..thats what I originally thought and it happened to me. Just beware. Ill never buy another Chrysler product again due to them not backing their product nor caring about their consumers.