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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  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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  Buyer Beware - 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By ichabod98 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very "cool" vehicle as far as looks go. However, not "cool" when it comes to a functioning A/C. I first had a $400 compressor clutch repair then 6 months later a $750 evaporator coil repair. At 86,000 miles the transmission began to slip, there was a strange knocking noise from the rear end and the drivers side window motor began going out.

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  What a Disappointment - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Evlengr - October 23 - 11:50 pm

  This car is a major disappointment. I got the 3.7L thinking to save some on gas. It not only gets an average of 14.7 (average of 30 fill-ups); mpg it is also sluggish to respond when you put your foot down. I have been told by dealer that everything tests well according to their diagnostic. That was after the recall notice on the transmission. This is my third and last Jeep. The power band shifting is horrible and laggy. The vehicle will take almost a full second to respond when you put your foot down on the gas, and does not shift correctly (probably why the gas mileage and response is so bad). After six months of ownership I will be trading it in for a Murano. What a disappointment.

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  Grand Cherokee Limited 1999 - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep1999 - October 23 - 3:23 am

  Overall, its a nice looking SUV. The leather seats are quite comfortable. The stereo system is great. The problem is Ive had it in the shop too many times for different things. Brakes, motor in heated mirror went out, one of the speakers stopped working, etc.

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  Paint Job - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Big Man - October 22 - 2:30 pm

  I am truly disappointed in the paint job, I purchased the 65th anniversary model with the dark military green paint job. All you have to do is breath heavy on the paint, and its permanently marked. Even minor scratches are scarred right down to the metal, its like theres a very thin dusting of paint on the shell of the vehicle.

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  Top still leaking - 2007 Jeep Wrangler
  By dave456 - October 22 - 1:10 am

  I like my jeep, It does everything I would expect a jeep should, My problem is the Freedom top seals. I have had it in the dealer 8 times to get the same thing fixed. Every time they tell me its all fixed. I get back on the road and the whistling starts around 50 mph. I parked in my driveway 4 days ago and didnt notice when it started raining. By the time I went out to get it in the garage (4 hrs) I had a half inch of water on each side of front. Ive had heaters and fans going for 4 days now. I think is dry. I wish I could get rid of that top and get a real hard top (not a freedom top) or at least get the dealer to fix it.Dave Rushmer

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  Brand spanking new Rubicon in shop 3x - 2008 Jeep Wrangler
  By maynard - October 20 - 5:23 am

  Alright so my husband talked me into this vehicle and heck it is fun to drive, when it actually works. I have less than 4000 miles and already the jeep has been to the shop 3 times due to all the indicator lights coming on and the gauges not working (speedometer, rpm) while I was driving. Then once you turn the car off, it wont start. I have called the customer service department and they expect you to keep running it back and forth to the shop to get it fixed while you are paying your car note and insurance.I am hoping that this will be resolved but I have to say be weary to those who are interested in this vehicle. anyone else with this issue?

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  Love it and hate it.... - 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By jreworld - October 19 - 3:27 am

  Although I like the design, ride and comfort, the quality is severely lacking. This is my 2nd Jeep in a few years. I was really hoping they got it right this time. Cons: 1. Uconnect system has impressive specs, but doesnt work as designed. Had my radio replaced once due to system crashes, poor radio receptions am/fm/sat, nav issues, the list goes on. I am a software engineer and it is inconceivable to me that Chrysler would release such a buggy system without comprehensive testing. 2. Transmission is better than my 2011 JGC, but at lower speeds and gears is a real clunker. Its scary some of the sounds it makes. Im really apprehensive about it breaking down one of these days.

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  Zippy - 2007 Jeep Compass
  By Charlie - October 15 - 9:46 am

  Major parts failed at low mileage. Ball joints needed before 100000. Transmission replaced at 140000.