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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  Transmission Problems? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Vicki - April 4 - 9:00 pm

  I really like the design of the Liberty but the seats are not as comfortable as expected and the gas mileage is not very good either. I had some major brake noise for the first few months and now at three years, I am having some serious hard down-shifting going on. I have taken it into the dealer several times and they cannot find the problem and make me feel like I am going nuts but my friends and my boyfriend have driven it when it happens.

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  Think before you buy one! - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By MOTV8D - April 4 - 3:16 pm

  I have had my SRT8 for almost a year and it has been a year filled with visits to the dealership. The Jeep is a fun vehicle, but has proven to be less than reliable. The outright performance is amazing. The limited usefulness should be a consideration when looking at making a purchase. The low towing capacity (3500lbs) and small size make it more of a toy than a true SUV.

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  Be careful of this year model - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By gladejd - March 31 - 1:40 am

  We bought this model brand new in 2005. It was the first year that Jeep released the Commander, using the 4.7 V8 engine. As you know most jeeps use the 3.7L V6 engine, which is dependable. However, this car, we had it overheat once, and it blew the head gasket. On top of that, the engine block cracked. This is after one overheat mind you. The car is too expensive for me to fix, so I will end up selling the car as a parts motherlode. Too bad we paid a lot of money for this car. I cant say about the later models, but I learned a valuable lesson regarding any car. When a car model comes out for the first year, recommend not buying it and wait till the following year or two.

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  If you are thinking of buying one, dont - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Nathan Griffin - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Engine runs poorly, fuel economy is poor, FWD only works some of the time. The dealer has been very cooperative in attempting to repair it, but MoPar wont help them. We have owned a lot of new cars over the years and I have to say this one is the worst.

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  Poor Quality - 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Jeep owner in Dallas - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had two electric window motors burn out. The cruise has gone out. All kinds of electrical problems. Its like a Jaguar without the charm and looks. Except Jaguars are reliable now. Jeep has produced the most defective piece of machinery running with this vehicle.

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  Second Time Around - 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By georgec13 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Had a good 1996 Grand Cherokee i.e. 104,000 miles and second set of tires, just got first brakes, no repairs except cat. conv, why not a new one. Got a 2003. More space in rear compartment. Poorer driver vision on 2003. Lost storage space in front part of cab i.e. console and glove are smaller, also small door compartments. Main problem is that although engine has same displacement as 1996 the 2003 feels underpowered. Never had that problem with 1996. "Any" grade at speed makes the engine strain. Nickel and dime loses from 1996 i.e. no eng comp. light, poor cup holder position etc. In eng comp I found screws just lying around. Wonder where they belong?

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  Bad front drive shaft - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lmatney - March 25 - 5:26 pm

  I am now on my 6th front drive shaft. I am also having my front ball joints replaced for the 3rd time. I have had the rear speed sensor replaced 8 times. It is costing so much to maintain. Also the wrap around back doors makes the doors impossible to open in freezing weather. Mud and snow builds up and freezes.

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  Fix The Window Regulator Problems! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By MicahW - March 18 - 2:56 am

  If you want a Jeep, buy a Jeep, but be prepared for about 14 - 16 mpg, and a company that wont toss you a dime for the window regulators that CONSTANTLY go out. Ive had my Jeep for 6 months, in that time, 2 of the regulators have gone out. Its a $500 repair that Jeep wont cover that happens to every Jeep.

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  LOVE the exterior but unreliable - 2001 Jeep Cherokee
  By Michelle from CT - March 4 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my car new in 2001 (Jeep Cherokee Sport). I still LOVE the look of the exterior and its great in the snow. I thought I would keep it forever for that reason. However, it is 4 years old now and we have had to bring it in 4 times in the past 9 months to get it fixed, totaling over $2500. The AC compressor blew out and had to be replaced. The brakes have already had to be replaced several times and the engine light seems like its always on regardless of how many times weve brought it in. Im really disappointed but I think we have to sell it now because we simply cant afford it anymore. If you take into account our repair bills over the past year, our monthly payment has been >$600/month ...ugh!

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  my 1st.4x4 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee
  By yank - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I like my jeep cherokee for its low maintainence costs and reliability,however, its a very tireing vehicle on long trips.It handles very well in adverse weather conditions.I now have 126000 mi. and still going strong. It has been serviced as specified in the owners manual.This is only my second set of tires.Never had a front end problem or any major repairs. Back seats hard to manage for older people,also not a smooth riding vehicle Never did any off road driving with this car..