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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  Fun for the short-term - 1993 Jeep Wrangler
  By waytac - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed my 93 Wrangler in the six years Ive owned it, but its cost me a bit: new clutches, emergency brakes, alternator--reasonably above average in the repair cost/budget. Its a better all around vehicle that might appear if you dont have kids, etc. The *big* problem, which is forcing me to sell it for salvage right now, is hideous premature rusting out of the entire undercarriage (I live in New England, in a coastal region, but...). The entire 1/4" metal underbody has rusted to the consistency of paper, and other Wrangler owners have told me of similar experiences. Just 10 years, 70K miles, and the car has been rendered undriveable.

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  Just mine? - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By special k - October 11 - 12:30 am

  Well - Im a die-hard jeep fan....of Wranglers!! Had a Sahara and then a Rubicon...but the mileage was killing me - so I downgraded to a better MPG model. This car is no fun and I had the engine REPLACED at 13,000 miles and as of today - the entire A/C unit is being replaced as I key. As soon as this lease is up - Im going back to the Wrangler!

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  Nothing like the Wrangler - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By jagnag - October 9 - 1:43 pm

  Bought the Patriot because we loved the Wrangler, but have had many problems: Overheats at 65 MPH so we dont take it on many family trips which is why we bought it in the first place. We have taken it to dealers and they cant figure out why...........Currently A/C isnt working well and the back passenger window will not close. Issues with Ball Bearings and just the ways it slurps gas gives this a failing grade.

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  great engineering, terrible execution. - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Abe - October 8 - 8:40 pm

  Brought the vehicle new in 2001.has 94,000 miles today almost from day one weve had issues with it, the brakes have been replaced 5 times,had the hood struts,rear window struts,axle seals replaced transmission at 90,000 and replace radiator plus engine fan relay. the vehicle nows has squeaks when going over bumps and idles rough at stop lights. gets 13 MPG in the city and 17 highway{terrible for a 6} will never get another Jeep again.

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  Nothing But Problems - 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By spunkysmr - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 2001 Cherokee since Dec 2001. I have replaced the rotors 4 times. The ignition also died at 40K miles and had to be replaced. Overall it has been in the shop 13 times for mechanical problems. Engine also has problems starting when it rains. ALthough the dealer cant find the problem. Also the back seats flip up when you stop quickly. Very nice when you have a small child seat belted in the backseat. Also the dealer we bought this from does not stand behind their cars at all.

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  Brake rotors - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By RSCoyner - September 15 - 4:00 am

  This was my first effort to return to a traditional "American" car after 30 years of buying foreign. I had read that the reliability of "American" cars had improved significantly and nearly equaled that of Japanese. My Jeep evidenced good quality and reliability until it reached 10,000 miles. It then developed problems, such as the need to repair the brake rotors. This was a common problem at this mileage level with older Jeeps, but I thought it had been remedied. Chrysler/Jeep previously warranted them for 3 yrs/36,000 mi. Now apparently the warranty expires at 1 yr/12,000 mi, leaving the consumer with some expensive repairs every 10,000-12,000 miles.

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  why does it continually leak water - 2006 Jeep Wrangler
  By steve - September 12 - 8:30 am

  I bought the vehicle in August of 06 and now, in December, it has already been in the shop 4 times for a total of 32 days. Before I had purchased this vehicle I had wanted to own one for years. Now all I want to do is get rid of the headache. Its still not fixed and it does not seem that it ever will be. The dealership wants to keep trying to "fix" the issue, but its never going to be done properly.

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  Windshield noise & engine quits - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By lorenzo - September 10 - 4:33 pm

  Has been at the dealer 5 times for wind noise coming thru the windshield at high speeds. Applying for the Lemon Law to have Jeep replace the vehicle. Motor has cut off several times, taken to the dealer twice.

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  Reliability - 2000 Jeep Wrangler
  By Wm. Charles Smith - September 10 - 10:30 am

  I have had my 2000 Jeep wrangler for two years. With less than 7000 miles I have had to have the heater switch, rear-end, and radiator repaired or replaced. I am not a happy camper with Chrysler.

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  Liberty CRD That NO ONE can fix. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ron Harrell - September 9 - 11:56 pm

  I have owned four Jeeps. This is the biggest "Hunk Of Junk" I have owned EVER!! multiple, multiple problems. To be fair, It is great when it is not in the shop. However, it has been in the shop 14 times in the first year. I have parked in my drive way and have a Lemon Law" Attorney. The dealership does not care and blow off all complaints. JEEP will not help. This Liberty Limited CRD stinks! Worst auto I have EVER owned. If you want to buy one, know your states "Lemon Law" and hire a GOOD Attorney because, youre going to need it! Jeep/Chrysler will do NOTHING & dealer ship blames Chrysler and ANOTHER RUN AROUND!