It is interesting to think about the Jedi of the Republic compared to the Jedi of the New Republic, or Luke's Jedi Order.

The Jedi Order that Yoda lead was powerful, dedicated and wise. Many generations of successful Jedi came and went and it was no wonder the Jedi were so well equipped for the Clone Wars. However, as another poster pointed out, they were ill equipped to deal with the Sith.

And for that sole reason, I would give "best" (or in my opinion "greatest") title to Luke. The key thing that separates Luke from Obi-Wan (who certainly could have been the "Greatest" Jedi) was the idea of LOVE. While it is true that Obi-Wan loved Anakin, he was too far indoctrinated in the ways of the Old Republic Jedi, the idea of having no attachments. So in the end, he would have never been able to turn Anakin to the lightside. Perhaps Jedi of the Republic era did turn back fallen Jedi, however, in Anakin's case it would take more than simple pandering or sense talking to get him to return.

Luke lived in a different era, was not brought up in the Jedi Order of the Republic (though taught by two of that Order's greatest Jedi), but was not forged in the ways of the Jedi from a young age. He had already experienced life as a farmboy, yearning for adventure, living a normal life on a backwater planet where Jedi and Sith were only myths and legends. He forges a strong bond with Ben Kenobi, however, he also creates and strong connection with Leia and Han. So he has two sides of the same coin, which prepares him in his confrontation with Vader.

Using his Jedi skills to overpower Vader, it is Luke's love for his father that ultimately defeats the Sith. He defeats Vader and Palpatine not with the Force, but with love, something the Jedi of old never understood or were afraid of using.

So in that respect, Luke and his Order are far more prepared for the threats of the galaxy than the Republic Jedi could have been. If Obi-Wan could have tapped into the feelings of love he had for Anakin, perhaps Darth Vader would have never come into existence. Just my thoughts.

Also, it's this kind of stuff (themes, motifs, mythology, space opera, character's relationships w/each other) that will always make me love Star Wars!

Luke.

Restarted the jedi order.
Defeated Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine (he was there so he got the XP for it :))
Defeated the powerfull Vong
Did all these after not much training and basicly all by himself.

I just love that in a training match against Ben he defeated him without turning on his lightsaber and secondly without moving his feet.

I dont think I could pick a favorite, but i voted for Yoda.

Lucas has said no one is allowed to kill Luke until when he says, and it has to be how he says. That takes alot out of the "OMG how is going to survive this one" to me.

HAHAHAHA wasn't me

Koth is pretty good. Voted for Luke.

(Chanting rythmically for a long time) Go yoda go yoda go!

LOL!!!! HILARIOUS!!!