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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  Brake issues - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By bf5013 - December 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the second and last Jeep I will ever purchase. I love Jeeps, but Chrysler does not love their customers, they have brake rotor issues. First brake job at 18,000 miles (warranty). Second at 28,000 "good will" warranty; we paid the labor! Third is now at 38,000 miles, they claim they dont have any brake problems. Im here to warn you, they do have brake problems and it is expensive! Nissan Pathfinder here I come.

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  1 year with jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GES - December 12 - 4:30 am

  Put a lot of miles on Liberty and has been very reliable. Transmission, however, is awful. Never seems to know what gear it is in and performance is sluggish. Worst problem, however, is the poor handling on wet roads. I have changed tires but it has not helped. I have owned a lot of SUVs but have never had a problem like this. Anyone have any suggestions?

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  Piece of Junk - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By kangrapes - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I have never been so sorry I purchased a vehicle before. Ive owned dozens of vehicles but this is the worst. I test drove it warmed up and in the summer. When it is cold the CVT transmission jerks, and the engine sounds like my lawn tractor. Interior is cheap and is starting to makes numerous squeaks. Chrysler basically told me,(paraphrasing) that "we know that we cut some corners but we will fix it in future model years". My recommendation get something else.

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  Stay away - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Tyler - November 16 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Trailhawk with 12 miles on it. It is now around 4,000 miles and I am experiencing issues. When I turn the car on, it says that 4WD is unavailable and that power steering needs to be serviced. I took it to the dealer and they "fixed" it. Sure enough, two days after the service was completed (reset PCM), the same warning came on.

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  Sorry I rushed into this purchase - 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By New Jeep Owner Blue - November 14 - 2:00 am

  The V-6 is too sluggish getting on freeways, no pickup. Heater on floor level on either driver/passenger side virtually gives off no heat in very cold conditions. A very loud ticking noise at idle from under hood, dealer says it is normal, live with it! Chrysler advised me yesterday to get a second opinion at another dealer. Huge gas guzzler, costs $34-38 to fill up. Snow gets all over front seats from roof top when I open doors to start car. Uncomfortable radio controls in steering wheel causing aches in hands from repetative use. Driver rear view mirror doesnt heat up as quickly as the passenger mirror. .

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  DO NOT BUY a Grand Cherokee - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeff - November 9 - 4:06 pm

  And this is from somebody who has only owned Jeep products and going back to 1993. Mine is an 06 Hemi Limited with 29,000 miles now. 2nd day I owned it had to be towed away on a flat bed. The electronic throttle control went out. At 17,000 miles both differentials needed to be rebuilt. Drive shafts replaced for vibrations, memory seat work when it wants to. Passenger side window wont go up without a fight sometimes (window regulator) Engine ticks, transmission clunks, cannot be driven at 65 mph since the tranny cant make up its mind. The dealerships are complete scum and constantly try to get out of warranty work. You must fight them on everything. $44,000 msrp and now worth $15K

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  Jeep - 2016 Jeep Cherokee
  By Arlene Gold - November 9 - 2:39 pm

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  Disappointed Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Randy - November 3 - 10:10 pm

  This is my third Jeep Grand Cherokee. I am having substantial problems with the transmission. The Jeep shudders when taking the smallest hill, though I have the 5.7 L engine. Jeep cannot fix the problem, and told the dealer to tell me the shudder is normal. I have been a loyal Jeep owner for 15 years but am now in a Lemon Law proceeding. Other problems include being on my third factory installed CD player, though I use the player less than once a week. Too bad Jeep wont stand behind the product, and in fact has been nasty to work with. I would like to keep driving Jeeps but cannot recommend due to their lack of standing behind the product.

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  Window Regulator - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By John Pullano - November 1 - 10:00 am

  So, I took my 2006 Jeep Liberty to the dealer on 09/09/2010 because the front drivers side window regulator is shot. Cost me $595 to repair a problem that Jeep knows about. In fact, I was told they redesigned the regulator, and they put the newly- designed regulator in my Jeep. Why do I have to pay for something that Jeep knows was improperly designed? Jeep will not recall the vehicles because the regulator is not a "safety issue". Im now waiting to hear from Jeeps customer service as to whether Im going to get reimbursed. This is very poor customer relations at the least. Jeep should be replacing these regulators for free.

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  Very Sad - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By GWE - October 23 - 3:53 am

  Our Jeep started bucking and becoming undriveable at 5000 miles. This is intermittent and has caused several delays on family trips. The manufacturer just says, "bad gas". They did extend our warranty to 70,000 miles, free. Big deal, the car is not reliable. They have yet to find the problem. We are going on three years of this. Tomorrow we go to "Lemon Law" court with the manufacturer. Wish us luck.