Grand Cherokee is window on Chrysler turnaround

To see how Chrysler's new Italian management plans to bring the company back from its near-death experience, keep an eye on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

To see how Chrysler's new Italian management plans to bring the company back from its near-death experience, keep an eye on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Auburn Hill, Mich.-based company, which is now majority owned by Italy's Fiat SpA, said it earned $183 million last year after a loss of $652 million in 2010. Better sales, especially those of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, turned things around.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

The hills beckon this off-road-equipped SUV, which features a pampering, leather-trimmed cabin with enough technology to appeal to Silicon Valley CEOs and 38% more horsepower than the 2010 model. A thought crossed my mind as I rolled the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee over what appeared to be the edge of a cliff: "Why am I doing this?"

Jeep introduced the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT at the Detroit auto show on Monday.