New for this year is the leather that has been added to the armrests, doors and the top of the instrument panel. The 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space is adequate, especially when compared to the 103.1 cubic feet of the 4Runner. However, the Grand Cherokee continues to lag behind its competitors in the area of cargo space. The 67.4 cubic feet is less than both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer. Standard in all trim options are air conditioning, power locks, windows, and mirrors, as well as an eight-way power driver’s seat. Options include TV, hands-free communication, remote start, voice activated navigation and audio system, and 30GB hard drive.

This year’s model continues the tradition of delivering both luxury and durability. Of course, the performance capabilities will depend on which of the three trim options you choose. The Grand Cherokee has a starting price tag of around $30,000. The Cherokee is available in the Laredo, Limited, and Overland models. The options continue with four different power plants to choose from.

On the outside, the 2009 Cherokee hasn’t changed much. It continues to draw from its classic Jeep roots with its seven slotted grill and sharp edges. The 2009 Grand Cherokee dimensions are 186.7″ long by 72.6″ wide, which is a bit smaller than the other vehicles in its class, such as the Explorer and Trailblazer. The Laredo and Limited come with 17″ chrome wheels while the Overland jumps to 18″.

In addition there were several version created like the railway jeep, and an amphibious jeep. Jeeps were even supplied to the Red Army during World War II.

While largely supplanted by the HumVee for military use, the civilian Jeep lives on as a division of DaimlerChrysler, which now holds trademark status not only on the word “Jeep,” but also the distinctive seven-slot grille. Chrysler acquired the marque when it bought out AMC in 1987, replacing the civilian Jeep CJ with the Jeep Wrangler, the name still in use today. In addition, there are other models under the Jeep brand, models like the Jeep Cherokee that bear little resemblance to the tiny military trucks, except for their grill.

It was the American Bantam vehicle that first met the Army’s criteria, but its engine did not comply to the military’s torque requirements, and the Army also thought Bantam was too small a company. It is rumored that when Willys and Ford were offered second chances, they had access to the schematics from American Bantam.

After field testing all three models, Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the contract, thus designing the vehicle that would become a standard jeep, and building it in their Toledo, Ohio plant. They called it a model MB military vehicle, but since Willys had only one factory, a tactical concern, the Army required Ford to build jeeps also. Ford’s designation for the small truck was GPW (G for governmental vehicle, P for the wheelbase, and W for Willys). Together, the two companies produced over 600,000 jeeps.

Jeep: A four-wheel drive vehicle of one-half- to one-and-one-half-ton capacity for reconnaissance or other army duty. A term applied to the bantam-cars, and occasionally to other motor vehicles (U.S.A.) in the Air Corps, the Link Trainer; in the armored forces, the ½-ton command vehicle. Also referred to as “any small plane, helicopter, or gadget.”

The original vehicle which first appeared as the prototype Bantam BRC became the primary light 4-wheel-drive vehicle of the US Army and allies during the World War II and postwar period. Many vehicles serving similar military and civilian roles have since been created by many nations. Jeeps were also used by the U.S. Postal Service in the 20th century for mail services.

The final production version of Jeep’s J8 military vehicle was revealed at the “Euro Jeep Camp 2008”, a customer event that took place in Northern Germany this week. Jeep had shown a pre-production version of the Wrangler Unlimited based J8 at the DSEi military trade show in the UK last September. Powered by a 2.8-litre four-pot turbo-diesel engine that produces 150Hp and 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) of torque, the J8 is designed to meet the needs of both non-government organisations and government agencies.