Kelley Blue Book is honoring the 2009 Jeep Wrangler in its Best Resale Value Awards as the leader in the sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment.

"Sixty-eight years ago, the Wrangler created the SUV category," said Deborah Meyer -- Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Chrysler LLC. "Today, the Wrangler remains an icon in a now crowded segment, set apart by its unique, purpose-built design and its fundamental capability to go anywhere and do anything."

The two-door Jeep Wrangler remains true to its heritage as the original, extreme fun and freedom machine and is the only 4X4 convertible with multiple open-air options. The popularity of the Jeep Wrangler has never waned and is perennially a best-seller for the brand.

The Wrangler Unlimited is the only four-door convertible SUV on the market with room for five adult passengers and is extremely popular with customers who always wanted a Jeep Wrangler, but also needed extra space and versatility.

"In the hotly competitive world of SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler stands out for its unique combination of functional design, go-anywhere capabilities and its long tradition," said Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "To many, there is simply no substitute for a Jeep vehicle, and that adds up to making Jeep Wrangler the 2009 Best Resale Value Award winner in the SUV category."

The Kelly Blue Book Resale Value Awards were created to recognize automakers' achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. The vehicles honored are expected to retain the greatest proportion of their original retail price after five years of ownership.