Big block letters spell J-E-E-P on the prow of three vehicles to denote the DaimlerChrysler brand devoted exclusively to four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles. Each of the three Jeeps takes a unique slant to a sport-utility wagon set for off-road forays as well as urban excursions on pavement.

Flagship for the line is the five-door Grand Cherokee, which divides into four trim versions for 2004 including a new Special Edition with monochromatic exterior treatment or the high-powered Overland with plush on-board appointments that make it the most luxurious Jeep. All Grand Cherokees show updated front-end styling for 2004 with fresh fascia and revamped seven-slot Jeep grille plus foglamps added.

The compact-class Liberty wagon rolled out in 2002 as replacement for Jeep's venerable Cherokee with the smooth-ride traits of contemporary car-based wagons but also manners of brutish Jeeps capable of taking a hard tack over rough terrain far away from pavement. Available in four different editions for 2004, Liberty brings a new hands-free cabin communication system as a factory-installed option.

It also adds an optional cargo organizer that folds flat when stowed or opens with compartment dividers to cradle packages in the cargo bay.

Jeep's third vehicle, the Wrangler workhorse wagon, is a direct descendant of the original Willys MB "jeep" vehicle of World War II fame. The modern interpretation traces to a fresh design in 1997 constructed on a strong ladder-frame chassis with superior ground clearance for off-road ventures. In 2004, Wrangler continues with soft-top or hard in five models labeled X, SE, Sport and Sahara, plus Rubicon, a supreme off-road variation outfitted at the factory with hardware required for navigating the most difficult trails.

The five-door flagship wagon trimmed in Overland edition is the most powerful and surefooted vehicle in Jeep's motor pool.

Grand Cherokee represents the original SUV and traces back decades in Jeep history with innovations like the Quadra-Trac automatic full-time 4WD system from 1973 and the first unibody four-door SUV wagon of 1984. It emerged in 1999 from Jeep's Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit riding on a new chassis and wrapped in a sleek shell concealing the luxurious cabin plus high-tech mechanical systems that continue to set the capability curve for SUV performance.

Handy innovations for Grand Cherokee range from rain-sensitive front windshield wipers to a tire pressure monitoring system, available curtain-style air bags and adjustable accelerator and brake pedals. Actually, Grand Cherokee has an expanded lineup of models in 2004 with rear-wheel-drive (RWD) traction or 4WD available for all models.

Base edition Laredo uses as its standard engine a 4.0-liter in-line-six rated for 195 hp and tied to a four-speed automatic transmission for RWD or 4WD with Jeep's Selec-Trac mechanism, which has a full-time transfer case with low-range gearing, or the new Quadra-Trac I single-speed transfer case.

Grand Cherokee Limited can be outfitted with the straight-six plant or a single-cam 4.7-liter V8 good for 235 hp. The V8 teams with an automatic five-speed transmission. Limited is available in RWD or 4WD with Selec-Trac or the permanently-engaged Quadra-Drive 4WD system, which operates in concert with Vari-Lok axles to draw on the Quadra-Trac II hydro-mechanical speed-sensing differentials.

Grand Cherokee Overland edition comes only one way -- with first-class amenities and big muscle from a high-output version of the 4.7-liter Jeep V8 that cranks to 265 hp. It also stocks the Quadra-Drive 4WD system.

Grand Cherokee's new Special Edition borrows exterior design cues from the Limited with a monochromatic treatment, while the 4WD Special Edition gets an Infinity audio system with 10-disc CD changer plus Quadra-Drive. A combination stereo system with 10-disc CD deck and DVD-based navigation system with in-dash color video monitor is a new option for Grand Cherokee. (CONTINUED...)