Are Jeeps Reliable Cars? See Reliability Scores of Jeep Models

Reliability is important in a car to make sure you always have a safe and smooth ride, or you won’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere too often. People, who want to drive their cars off-road and on-road usually ask, “Are Jeeps reliable?” They also want to know the difference between an SUV and a Jeep. Most of the time, this question comes from the ratings that some independent groups and magazines put out. So, can you count on a Jeep?

Jeep is a brand with a long history, and the fact that people have loved their Jeep cars for so long shows how reliable they are. Since 1940, when it became the “G.I. ‘s best friend” during World War II, Jeep has been a well-known American car brand.

In that year, the U.S. Army asked for bids on a 1/4-ton light reconnaissance vehicle with four-wheel drive. Willys-design, Overland’s which was finished in 75 days, beat out bids from two other companies, and the first Jeep was made. After the war, people often used the first Jeeps on farms, to make deliveries, and for other work. Jeep still makes iconic cars that we can use for work or play, like the Jeep Wrangler, which is a champion off-road. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most popular SUVs in the country. It has strong towing off-road capabilities, and a nice, comfortable cabin for the driver and passengers.

Experts and car owners have different ideas, which makes sense because there are many things to think about when it comes to how reliable a car is. Let’s find out what goes into these ratings or scores so we can get a better idea of how reliable Jeeps really are. We’ll also talk about why, despite different opinions, Jeep models are still some of the most popular cars.

Jeep History

In1941, the firm that would become Jeep was actually producing military vehicles at the time. The company created the SUV by providing the first four-door mass-produced car. Throughout the conflict, the U.S. Army received a lot of Jeeps. The cars were first known as GP (Government Purpose), but as individuals mangled the letters, the name Jeep eventually emerged.

Jeep was expected to become quite popular in America after the war. The business wanted to create recreational cars that could also be used for transportation. The CJ-5 was created in the 1950s and had the longest Jeep production run up to its discontinuation in 1984. Henry J. Kaiser spent $60 million creating a Jeep in 1953. 4WD was created under his direction, and the Jeep brand reached more than 150 nations. The current Wagoneer and Cherokee models have helped the company expand into a new consumer market since the 1960s.

In1970, American Motor Corporation bought Jeep. The CJ-7, which would eventually become the Wrangler, was released in 1976 to commemorate the company’s 35th birthday. It wasn’t until 1987 that the car was given that moniker formally. And then American Motors Corporation sold the brand to Chrysler Corporation in the same year. The Cherokee and Wrangler rocketed to enormous fame under this direction. Both the Wrangler and Cherokee received top accolades from reputable automotive journals by 1997. Today, the company offers a wide range of dependable models to complete the roster.

Learn more about Jeep history here >>

How do you judge reliability?

When rating a car’s reliability, there are usually a number of things that specialists take into account. These things are:

• Industry standing: How well-known the brand is in the car business.
• Coverage: This depends on the different types of extended warranty plans that are available, as well as the terms of coverage and other benefits like roadside assistance.
• Cost: Most of the time, companies with cheaper coverage get a better score here.
• Reactions from professional car critics are also taken into account.
• Customer service is based on how helpful and responsive customers say the company is.

In the Consumer Reports surveys, they give car ratings and rankings based on the reliability information it gets from their members through large-scale surveys. There are detailed explanations for these top scores, which break down problems into 17 key trouble spots. Some of these trouble spots are small and big problems with the engine and transmission, the electrical system, the climate control system, the suspension, the exhaust, the brakes, the paint and trim, and the electronics inside the car.

How Jeep’s Reliability Score Works

Jeep moved up a few spots on Consumer Reports’ list for the 2021 model year because newer and redesigned models are now more reliable. In its first year, the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck was thought to be very reliable, and the Jeep Wrangler also got more reliable.

RepairPal gives car owners peace of mind by giving them free, custom estimates for repairs, overviews of their cars, and suggestions for fair, local auto repair shops. RepairPal gives Jeep a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5, which makes it the 15th most reliable car brand out of 32.

This rating is an average of the scores of 345 different models. The average cost to fix a Jeep every year is $634, which is more than the average cost to own a car.

Which Jeeps are the most reliable?

Let’s take a look at some trustworthy Jeeps.

Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler may have a rough ride on the road and a rough interior, but it is the best choice if you want a great off-road vehicle.

This outdoorsy car has big, comfortable seats and more room inside than it did a few years ago. The Wrangler is more fun to drive because it has an infotainment system that is easy to use. There are powerful turbocharged engines and a Wrangler trim level for almost any outdoor activity.

See how much gas a Jeep Wrangler can use per mile here >>

Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator takes the fun of a 4×4 Wrangler and adds a truck bed to make it more useful. The doors and top can be taken off to make it even more flexible.

Like the Jeep Wrangler, the interior is comfortable and the entertainment system is easy to use. This 4-wheel drive pickup has a high starting price for a compact truck, so you might want to think about buying a used Jeep Gladiator instead.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Want a midsize SUV that can go off-road, can pull a lot of weight, and has a comfortable interior for the whole family? You might like the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Grand Cherokee is a good way to get to work during the week. You can also use it for off-road adventures on the weekends. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most capable off-road vehicles on the market, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Wanna see Vascara’s Jeep apparel collection? Click here >>

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade is strong off-road and rides and handles well on the road, just like many other cars from this well-known brand.

The car also has a stylish interior and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. It comes with a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and emergency brakes as standard safety features.

Jeep Compass

Want a great off-road vehicle but don’t like the Jeep Wrangler’s price? Choose the Jeep Compass, which is a great off-road vehicle.

The Compass also has a roomy cabin with seats that are comfortable for adults and an easy-to-use entertainment system. This small SUV is the most popular Jeep model at EchoPark. Try it once so you can answer the question “Are Jeeps reliable or not“!

Do you know you can find “some hidden animals on your Jeep? See how to do it >>

Why do so many people want Jeeps?

Even though Jeeps don’t seem like reliable cars, especially when you search for “Are jeeps good cars?,” most people still want to own one, and a large number of these people already have or still have a Jeep. We’ve already talked about the top reasons, or those that experts say are the most important. Here are the other reasons why Jeeps are still popular and one of the most wanted cars:

1. Timeless design

History tells us that Jeep has been around since World War II. Its classic look has stayed the same, even though the company updated it to keep up with the times. Still, some of the original parts are still there, like the round headlights and the seven-slot grille.

2. Great after-sales service 

When you buy a car, aftermarket service is important because your car will always need maintenance as long as you own it. The good thing about the Jeep brand is that it is easy to find and buy replacement parts.

3. Built to last in any weather

Since people make Jeeps for off-road adventures, this might be obvious. You don’t have to worry about driving a Jeep in floods or snow because it has better traction and is higher off the ground. So, if you want to take better care of your Jeep and protect it better, you should get a durable, all-weather cover and/or protective floor liners.

4. Fun and smooth driving experience

Any Jeep model will give you a great view of the scenery, whether you’re driving on or off-road. You don’t have to worry about other cars getting in the way as much, so you can take pictures and videos to remember your trip. Besides, the Jeep’s exterior is easy to see, so you can drive and park with confidence even if your parking sensors aren’t the best.

5. Good Handling

Jeeps are definitely bigger than most other vehicles, and some people worry about how easy it will be to drive one. Even though Jeeps are big, most owners say they are easy to drive because they have short wheelbases and tight turning ratios.

6. A good deal for the money

Jeeps may not be as cheap as some other brands, but they are in the middle of the price range and are a good value. With the right care and maintenance, they can last for decades, and if you want to upgrade, you can even sell them for a good price.

7. Cost of ownership

On average, most Jeeps have an average cost of ownership. To determine this cost, the insurance premiums, loan interest, depreciation, repairs, fuel costs, and maintenance are all taken into account. While there likely won’t be many repairs to the Jeep, your insurance premiums could be a little higher. Expect to pay more if you own a modified Jeep or a model that specialized in off-road.

8. Repair and maintenance costs

Jeep vehicles don’t require any more maintenance than the average vehicle. However, if you are spending time off-road, you might need specialized tires or more frequent repairs. On the bright side, it’s simple to get your hands on Jeep parts. There are dealerships in every city and the aftermarket supply is booming with options.

Don’t know what to wear for a Jeep tour? Check this out >>

Should I buy or lease a Jeep?

Any way you look at it, Jeep is a cultural icon. With roots in the Second World War and a body style that was instantly recognizable in a lineup, Jeep has evolved from a military vehicle created for just functional purposes to a family automobile brand to which many people have an extraordinary amount of loyalty.

The Jeep moniker conjures up ideas of conflict, survival, and labor, so it’s understandable why it’s a best-selling car that, in 2016, sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide.

There is no disputing that a Jeep will make it, and will make it intact if you love the way it looks and have dreams of driving across harsh terrain.

A lease might be the best option for you if you’ve been considering purchasing a Jeep because you appreciate the way they look, think they have historical significance and think their off-road capabilities are ideal for your needs. And even better, if you choose a fully maintained lease, you can drive with confidence knowing that any problems that could arise with your Jeep are covered. So you may experience all the thrill of the legendary 4×4 without avoiding any of the tension.

In conclusion

Are Jeeps good cars in general? Because of changes made to the design to meet user needs and to keep up with progress, Jeep units might not be as reliable as they were when they were first made available during WWII. Still, based on what we know and what experts say, we can say that Jeeps are reliable cars, both on and off the road.

Some parts of older models may have had problems, but it’s clear that Jeep cares about their customers because they fixed these problems on newer models. In the same way, most problems are small and they can be fixed quickly by a professional.

Check out our Jeep apparel collection here >>