Jeep Liberty

The Jeep Liberty is a compact SUV from DaimlerChrysler's Jeep brand. The Liberty was introduced in 2002 with styling inspired by the Dakar and Jeepster show cars. It competes with the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Xterra. The Liberty was the first Jeep to use two new PowerTech engines: A 150 hp 2.4 L I4 and a 210 hp 3.7 L V6. Despite popular belief, the Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent suspension; the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1960s.

The Liberty has been very successful for Jeep, outselling the Ford Escape in 2005 to become the best-selling compact SUV in the United States. 70 percent of Liberty buyers are new to the Jeep marque, and the Toledo North Assembly factory in Toledo, Ohio is running overtime to produce the model.

See Jeep Wikis' comprehensive Jeep Liberty Review.

Recent Changes

 * The 2010 LA Auto Show played host to the unveiling of the Liberty Jet Edition. Available in a choice of Bright Silver, Dark Charcoal, Brilliant Black and Blackberry exterior colors, other extra features include 20-inch polished aluminum wheels fitted with P245/50R20 all-season tires; chrome lower fascia opening, body side moldings, license plate brow, roof rails and mirror caps; blacked-out headlamps; and unique 'Jet' badging. Inside, the Jet edition of the Liberty gains an array of standard features such as a 9-speaker premium audio system; a security system with supplemental side-curtain air bags and Park Sense rear park assist; available Dark Slate Gray leather seating with accent stitching; heated front seats, available with six-way power function for the driver and two-way for the passenger; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; and one-touch up/down power windows. The Liberty Jet is offered as an optional package with an MSRP of $1,495 on the Liberty Sport models and $995 on Liberty Limited versions.

Styles and Major Options
The 2008 Liberty comes available in two trims: the Sport and the Limited. Both operate on the same 3.7L 210hp V6 engine, and while the Sport is available in a 6-speed manual transmission as well as a 4-speed auto, the Limited is only availble in auto. Though the Limited does include some options and cosmetic touches not found on the Sport, most of the standard features remain the same. Some of these include:

Liberty Sport
 * 16" silver styled steel wheels
 * 4-way cloth bucket seats
 * 6-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system
 * Power windows, locks, mirrors

Liberty Limited
 * 17" Silver alloy wheels
 * 8-way (6-way power) driver's seat
 * Roll-up cargo cover
 * 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD/Sirius satellite audio system
 * Cruise control
 * Body-colored fender flares
 * Chrome bodyside and grille moldings
 * Front Passenger Side Fold Flat Seat
 * Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

For a full list, see the Official Jeep Webiste List

Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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If using information gathered from Road Test articles from a reputable automotive source, then please make sure to cite the quote.

Reliability

 * RECALL ALERT: Jeep recalling more than 47,000 2002-2003 Liberty because of loss of lubrication in their front ball joints due to salt and 2009 Commanders, Grand Cherokees, and Wrangler models due to a possible reversed wiring on the driver's airbag controller which may inhibit the airbag's deployment.

Safety
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has yet to be tested by the NHTSA but here are the results for the 2007 model. It is assumed that the 2008 results will be similar, if not better.

According to the NHTSA, the 2007 Liberty performed well overall in safety tests. For driver front-impact and all side-impact crash tests, the Liberty received a 5-Star rating, while passenger front-impact tests earned it a 4-Star rating. However, rollover tests performed on the 2WD and 4WD versions both yielded only 3-Star ratings.

Some of the standard safety equipment that can be found on all versions of the Jeep Liberty include:
 * ABS and driveline traction control
 * Electronic stability control
 * Front and rear anti-roll bars
 * Four wheel anti-lock brakes
 * Driver/passenger front-impact airbags
 * Side impact bars

Colors
A full list of colors for the 2007 Jeep Liberty is viewable at CarsDirect.com. Some of the available combinations include:

Exterior
 * Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl
 * Bright Silver Metallic
 * Jeep® Green Metallic
 * Inferno Red Crystal Pearl
 * Light Graystone Pearl
 * Modern Blue Pearl
 * Stone White
 * Red Rock Crystal Pearl
 * Bronze Star
 * Blackberry Pearl
 * Bright White Clear
 * Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl

Interior
 * Pastel Pebble Beige
 * Pastel Slate Gray
 * Leather Trimmed Pastel Pebble Beige
 * Leather Trimmed Pastel Slate Gray

Main Competitors

 * Honda Element
 * Toyota RAV4
 * Ford Escape
 * Mazda Tribute
 * Honda CR-V
 * Subaru Forester
 * Chevrolet Equinox

Hybrid Models
There are currently no hybrid models of the Liberty.

Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
According to Kelley Blue Book, "the Liberty is projected to retain an average residual value over 24-, 36-, 48- and 60-month periods. The Liberty Limited holds its value better than the Nissan Xterra, Kia Sorento and Suzuki XL-7, but falls behind the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V."

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Criticisms

 * "You really feel the weight [4,115 pounds with V6 engine] under braking..." - AutoWeek
 * "You'll feel the mass at the gas pump, too, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in the city, 20 highway." - AutoWeek
 * For some the Liberty might be a bit too "cute" to carry off the image they want from a Jeep, even though the model is very capable off-road. The small rear cargo area may also persuade some to look for a bigger vehicle." - Kelley Blue Book (Both these issues have been resolved in the 2008 model)

Generations
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Current Generation (2008-Present)
The Jeep Liberty received a complete redesign for the 2008 model year with a more boxy and off-road look, like that of the 2007 Dodge Nitro. The 2008 Liberty debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.

With the smaller Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs now available to cater to MPG-conscious buyers, the four-cylinder engine was dropped from the Liberty's offerings. The iron-block, aluminum-head V6 was the only engine available for 2008. Towing capacity was 5000 lb. Jeep discontinued the Liberty CRD for the American market because it couldn't meet tougher 2007 emissions standards for diesel engines. Transmission choices were both carry-overs: a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Standard equipment included electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. New Features included standard side airbags. Optional features are rain-sensing wipers, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and the MyGig entertainment system, complete with a 30GB hard drive.



Two models were offered at rollout: Sport and Limited. Wheel choices were 16-, 17- and 18 in. Among the more distinctive features was the Sky Slider, a power roof made from “reinforced acrylic cloth” that opens over the front and rear seats. The Sky Slider opens up to 60 in by 30 in, which was the largest opening in its class. Jeep claimed that the idea behind the Sky Slider was to give consumers the open-air feeling from previous Jeep models while maintaining the rigidity and safety of a sturdy frame.

The 2009 Liberty was relatively unchanged from the 2008 models with the exception of stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, steering gear valve, low rollback brake calipers and a revised brake pedal ratio. The six-speed manual transmission was dropped, and the four-speed automatic was now standard.

First generation KJ (2002–2007)
{{Infobox automobile }}
 * image         = [[Image:2002-2004 Jeep Liberty Sport.jpg|250px|2002–2004 Jeep Liberty Sport]]
 * name          = First generation
 * aka           = Jeep Cherokee (outside of North America)
 * production    = 2001–2007
 * model_years    = 2002–2007
 * wheelbase     = 104.2 in
 * weight        = 4033 lb
 * length        = 2005-07: 174.7 in 2002-04: 174.2 in
 * width         = 2002-04: 71.1 in 2005-07: 71.8 in
 * height        = 2002-04: {73.2 in 2005-07: 69.8 in
 * engine        = 2.4 L PowerTech I4  {{nowrap| &bull;Displacement:144.0 CID (2,360 cc) }}  {{nowrap| &bull;Stroke: 3.82 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Bore: 3.46 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Power: 150 hp}}  3.7 L PowerTech V6  {{nowrap| &bull;Displacement:226.0 CID (3,701 cc) }}  {{nowrap| &bull;Stroke: 3.57 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Bore: 3.66 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Power: 210 hp}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Torque: 235 lb-ft}}  2.5 L VM Motori CRD VGT I4  {{nowrap| &bull;Displacement:152.5 CID (2,499 cc) }}  {{nowrap| &bull;Power: 160 hp}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Torque: 280 lb-ft}}  2.8 L VM Motori CRD VGT I4  {{nowrap| &bull;Displacement:171 CID (2,768 cc) }}  {{nowrap| &bull;Stroke: 3.94 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Bore: 3.70 in}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Power: 160 hp}}  {{nowrap| &bull;Torque: 295 lb-ft}}
 * transmission = 5-speed NVG NV1500 manual 5-speed NVG NV3500 manual 6-speed Mercedes/Chrysler NSG370 manual 4-speed Chrysler 42RLE automatic multi-speed Chrysler 45RFE automatic multi-speed Chrysler 5-45RFE automatic (2.8L CRD only)
 * platform      = Chrysler KJ platform

Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept cars, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD. In 2007, the Renegade trim level was replaced with the Latitude that appeared to focus more on an urban appearance.

The Liberty was the first Jeep to use two new PowerTech engines; the 150 hp 2.4 L straight-4, dropped in 2006, and the 210 hp 3.7 L V6. The VM Motori 2.8 L straight-4 common rail turbodiesel, became available in CRD branded 2005–2006 Sport and Limited models (2004 in the UK). The diesel utilized a variable geometry turbocharger and generated 160 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The heavier diesel powerplant added nearly 200 lb to the CRD's curb weight versus the gasoline model. DaimlerChrysler introduced the CRD to gauge the marketability of diesel engines in North America; diesels are already common in Europe. The Liberty was also the first Jeep vehicle to use rack and pinion steering.



Only available in 2005 and 2006 for the Sport and Limited models, the 2.8L VM Motori CRD has since been discontinued due to stricter 2007 United States diesel emission standards. Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York, and California had already banned sale of the vehicle due to their rigid state emissions regulations. The 50-state legal 3.0L Mercedes-Benz OM642 engine was used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee from 2005-2008.

The Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent front suspension, as the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1963 model. However, that independent front suspension was limited to four wheel drive versions and, even then, was a short lived option. Jeep exceeded their expectations by selling 10,000 Liberty CRD models in its first calendar year of production. In addition, the Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002.

Four Wheel Drive Systems
The Liberty is available with either a part time Command-Trac or full time Selec-Trac transfer case.

The Command-Trac transfer case has four positions: 2-HI, 4-HI, Neutral, and 4-LO. The lever is placed in 2WD HI for regular driving. This allows the two rear tires to receive power. The second position, 4WD HI, is used for driving on slippery or loose surfaces. This position locks both the front and rear drive shafts together splitting engine power equally between all four tires. The third position, Neutral, disengages both drive shafts from the transfer case allowing the car to roll freely; this is used for towing behind another vehicle, for example. The last position, 4WD LO is used for situations when higher torque is needed. A common misconception is that 4WD LO provides more traction. It only changes the gear ratio and does not add any more friction between the tires and the driving surface. This position, like 4WD HI locks both the front and rear drive shafts together, and by using a lower gear ratio, allows for 2.72 times more torque (however, the speed is limited to around 25 MPH max). It should be noted that using 4WD HI or LO on dry pavement is hazardous to vehicle components, through driveline binding and wheel-hop.

The Selec-Trac transfer case has five positions: 2-HI, 4-HI Part-Time, 4-HI Full-Time, Neutral, and 4-LO. The transfer case is different from the Command-Trac transfer only in the extra 4WD HI Full-Time position. The 4WD HI Full-Time position adds the same traction benefits that the part-time 4WD setting offers, but features an open differential between the front and rear axles to allow the two axles to spin at independent speeds and eliminate drive line binding and wheel-hop. The down side of 4WD Hi Full-Time is that, due to the open differential between front and rear drive lines, at times the drive train will only deliver power to the front or the rear e.g. when the front of the vehicle has reached a high traction surface such as dry pavement and the rear is in sand, the rear tires will spin with 100% of engine power, the front receiving no traction. Under equal traction conditions (front-rear) this position gives the rear wheels 52% of the engine's power and the front wheels 48% of the engine's power. The division of power and open center differential allows the Selec-Trac transfer case to be operated at all times in an "All Wheel Drive" mode with no adverse effects.

Worldwide
In European markets, the Liberty is sold as the Cherokee, and is available in Sport and Limited models. For the 2007 model year, the Renegade was dropped, itself a development of the Extreme Sport which was a limited-run model in 2004. For the 2008 model year, the V6 petrol engine was dropped from the European range - only the 2.8 CRD remaining, either in manual or automatic transmission guises. The range itself apes the USA range, with the same colour options available, and the same options lists. The Cherokee was updated alongside the Liberty in 2005.

The Cherokee is Jeep's most popular European model, but is something of a forgotten entity - the car has a cult following in off-roading circles, and is the darling of those who wish to buck the trend. The Cherokee is not to all European tastes - it is incredibly thirsty, and certainly not as refined as key rivals. Also, the Cherokee has the shortest service intervals of any vehicle in its class.

Prices of the car vary across Europe, but in the UK the prices are as follows:


 * Sport Manual - £20,095, which equates to $40,037.
 * Sport Automatic - £21,095, which equates to $42,067.
 * Limited Manual - £22,635, which equates to $45,138.
 * Limited Automatic - £23,635, which equates to $47,132.

The EuroNCAP have crash tested the Cherokee, and the results are four out of five stars. This rating breaks down into:


 * Front Impact - 9 points, 56%.
 * Side Impact - 15 points, 83%.
 * Pedestran Protection - 3 points, 8%.

The addition of a belt reminder for the 2003 MY gained the Cherokee enough points to warrant a four-star rating, but the poor pedestrian protection resulted in one out of four stars for the category. Since the car was tested in 2002, child protection was not tested, but each Cherokee sold comes with chassis anchorage points on the rear seats.

Design quirks and oddities
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the vehicle in this section.

Awards

 * The Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002.