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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  Not a good choice - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By shrewem - April 1 - 3:03 am

  We bought our 2005 Liberty new. Also purchasing the 5 year warranty which exp Feb 2010. Last week (Dec 2010) it started acting up so we took it into the dealer. Bad head gasket, takes $1500.00 to fix. While tearing it down they found a timing belt guide broken and had to buy the entire kit from Mopar for $534 additional. We dont have it back yet but a 90,000 mile vehicle should not be requiring a $2500.00 repair. It is the last Jeep/Dodge we will buy. We are looking again soon but will probably look towards a Toyota.

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  Repairs - 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By CRem - March 31 - 9:43 pm

  I am 16,000 miles in my SRT8 and while fuel economy (12.7mpg average) stinks, it is a ton of fun to drive. A little stiff if you are in the backseat for anything over 15 minutes. On a down note, I had to have a rattle fixed at 1200 miles, the side door panel is installed slightly tilted and I see it every time I look in the side mirror which bugs me. Worst of all the brakes needed to be replaced at 15,900. Because of the Brembo brakes you cant get normal "lifetime" warranty brakes. You have to get the Brembo pads which have no guarantee. All in, brake pads and to have the rotors cut cost $1100. Ouch, will have to do it again most likely in another 15,000 miles.

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  Go NO where capability - 1999 Jeep Wrangler
  By DEEZ - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for more than 4 years now and am still having problems with it. I bought it with about 10 miles on it and have had nothing but problems with it. Some problems have occurred several times. 3 times the guages on the dash board have malfunctioned-the same amount of times the defroster linkage has disconnected to cause the defroster not to work-the transfer case was leaking fluid-the drivers seat broke-both exterior mirrors started shedding their paint-a stabalizer linkage arm seal burst in the front end. All of these problems occurred before 36,000 miles.

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  Transmission/Rotor problems - 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By mibearbait - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Generally, the vehicle has been great, very few problems. However, approximately every 16,000 miles the rotors need to be turned due to warping. Dealer says that this is normal and should be done annually. My response was BS. I have 39,000 miles on it and Im about due for anouther rotor job. Transmission, when shifting into overdrive, seems to slip. Ive notice for the last few months the engine reving up when it shifts. Started watching the tach and it also indicates that the engine revs up when it shifts into OD.

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  My mistake to by a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By unhappy with my Jeep - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Well, I was all excited to by my first Jeep, and what a mistake that turned out to be. The short test drive did not allow me to realize the things that would later make me hate it. The outside wind noise, the horrible vent system, the problems with the starter (on a new vehicle?), the dripping of fluids, the poor acceleration.... Well, I am now going to see how to get out of it with the least amount of damage to my pocketbook. Hey, anyone interested in a slightly used Jeep???

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  Rough Idle - 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By cdavis993 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Original owner, now 122,000 miles as of Jan 03. Solid car, good gas mileage and no significant mtce problems (yet). However, very rough engine (4.7L) idle (approx 550 rpms)and mechanics can not fix it.

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  2006 Commander is a dangerous vehicle - 2006 Jeep Commander
  By Tjapukai - March 6 - 1:23 pm

  While I love the looks of this SUV, it is an unreliable and dangerous vehicle. We have had an excessive number of transmission issues, and 4wd issues which have been very inconvenient. Last Sat. though, while on the freeway going 75, our Commander downshifted and went into 4wd low, redlined the motor, and scrubbed off about 40 MPH. I was lucky that we were not hit by cars behind us. I am looking for any other experiences like this. I will never put my family back into this coffin on wheels! Protect your family. If you are having any issues with the drivetrain, it will most likely lead to this type of situation. This is just one of the many problems we have had with this hunk on tin. Its junk

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  LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP - 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By stumped - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I love it today... Hate it tomorrow when something else breaks for the 4th time in 2yrs 8 mos.

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  Worst Vehicle I have ever Owned - 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  By Pete - February 26 - 11:26 pm

  We bought the V8, received employee discount, thought we were getting a "good deal". Wrong! Within 3 months needed a manifold gasket replaced. Within a year was in shop no less than 6 times for electrical problems which caused all interior/exterior lights to flash on and off, finally an ignition switch change fixed it. Ball joints replaced due to severe creaking, now at 33,000 it looks like the starter went. This is ridiculous for a vehicle that has this few miles and cost this much. Service at dealership sub par, took complaints to owner, he could care less. (Now sold to another dealer) Now we will take it in the shorts to dump this, not worth what we owe. Will never buy Jeep again!

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  Worst Purchase ever! - 2007 Jeep Commander
  By bbreitenbecker - February 22 - 8:33 pm

  First of all we have had issues with our Commander from the first week. When accelerating it sounds like it is going to blow up. There is a loud humming noise that comes from the dash when you reach 55-60 mph. Also, our Jeep is full of rust! All of the seat hardware components (including the headrest) are rusted. It looks as if this vehicle went through a hurricane.