2008
Jeep Liberty: All-New and Better than
Before
by Jessica Howell
For
the first time in Jeep history, vehicle
shoppers are able to waltz into any showroom
and have their pick of seven models. The
latest of these ruggedly capable SUVs
is the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty.
Darling
of the mid-size SUV category, the Liberty
was in need of a makeover, and that's
just what it got-from the ground up. Targeted
toward young couples and singles, the
new vehicle leaves the ranks of Jeep's
"mod" segment (which included
the crossover-like Compass and Grand Cherokee),
and joined the classics (Commander, Wrangler)
as one of six all-new Jeeps released within
the last two years.
Like a badge of honor to off-road enthusiasts,
the all-new Liberty proudly displays Jeep's
traditional seven-slot grille, clamshell
hood, trapezoidal wheel arches and rounded
headlamps on a boxier exterior similar
to that of the Dodge Nitro. In return,
the Liberty gains two inches in length
and a 0.5 inches in width, expanding the
cargo area and granting more backseat
leg room for passengers. Most noticeably
absent is the spare tire, which now rests
comfortably underneath the vehicle.
Yet, in the first redesign since its 2002
debut, the SUV ups the ante with features
to intrigue on-road drivers as well as
devoted Jeep owners. New features available
to the two trims - Liberty Sport (base)
and Liberty Limited - include a much-touted
Sky Slider open canvas roof ($1,200),
which spans the length of the SUV allowing
on-road drivers a more Wrangler-esque
drive in open air. Also offered on the
new Liberty is remote start, rain-sensing
windshield wipers and memory seating,
mirrors and radio controls.
Overall,
the new Jeep Liberty looks little like
the Liberty of yesteryear. This Jeep lures
drivers by flaunting the burly appeal
of a 4x4, with a practical, comfy ride
that touts excess cargo room. We hopped
into the all-new 2008 Liberty recently,
sliding open the canvas roof (at speed!)
and hitting the roads of Indianapolis
to test the SUV in all kinds of conditions.
On-road and off, the Liberty earned good
grades. With a smoother ride than the
previous model, the new Liberty boasts
all-new suspensions for a more refined
urban drive. Off-road, the vehicle showcases
its Trail Rated four-wheel-drive systems,
including the all-new, full-time Selec-Trac
II and the part-time Command-Trac.
Nobody expects the Liberty to trek and
tumble like a Wranger, but it does a surprising
job of making its way up and down hills,
slopes and slides with true Jeep skill.
Fueled by a 3.7-liter V6, the 2008 Liberty
produces 210 horsepower and garners 2008
EPA ratings of 16 mpg (city) and 22 mpg
(highway), an improvement from last year.
Two transmissions can be mated to the
Liberty engine, a six-speed manual that
comes standard on the Liberty Sport and
a four-speed automatic transmission that's
standard on the Limited and optional for
the Sport.
Inside,
the Liberty provides a pleasing and comfortable
space that's high on functionality. New
is a reclining rear seat that folds flat,
like the front seats, allowing nearly
65 cubic-feet of cargo area. In the Liberty
Sport, a storage bin hides in the rear
where wet or muddy gear can quickly and
easily be stowed. A subwoofer and amplifier
take up this storage space on the Limited
model. On the seats is standard YES Essentials
fabric that's stain- and odor-resistant
and can be rubbed, scrubbed and take a
beating without altering the look or feel
of the seats. Heated, leather seats are
an option for the Liberty Limited.
Simple, but comfortable, the Liberty's
interior is compatible with most lifestyles,
offering a vehicle that's ideal for growing
families and adventurers alike.
A new two-tone instrument panel with a
four-gauge cluster is the focus of the
driver's pit. Also available to Liberty
owners is the new MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment
System with built-in navigation, audio,
entertainment and communication, Sirius
Satellite Radio and UConnect hands-free
communication that syncs with Bluetooth
technology. All new models are equipped
with an auxiliary jack for easy MP3 plug
'n' play.
To keep riders safe on- and off-road,
the Liberty comes loaded with a whopping
35 safety and security features. New and
standard on 4x4 models is the Hill Descent
Control and Hill Start Assist, which allows
drivers time to move from brake to throttle
with a smooth feel. Also noteworthy is
the Anti-Lock Brake System with Rough
Road Detection, Trailer Sway Control,
tire pressure monitoring, Electronic Stability
Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation and
ParkSense Rear Back-up System.
The verdict? Jeep's all-new Liberty
ranks high in the mid-size SUV segment.
It's a vehicle that typical car buyers
could feasibly consider, and one that
SUV buyers wouldn't turn their heads from.
Most of all, it's a better Liberty. Starts
at $20,990.
2008
Jeep Liberty
Description: |
Mid-Size
SUV |
Model
options: |
Liberty
Sport, Liberty Limited |
Wheelbase: |
106.1
inches |
Overall
length: |
176.9
inches |
Engine
size: |
3.7K SIGC V6 |
Transmissions/speeds: |
Six-speed
manual, Four-speed automatic |
Rear/front
drive: |
2WD,
4WD |
Steering: |
Power
rack and pinion |
Air
bags: |
2
(front), 2 (side), 4 (side curtain) |
EPA
mileage est. city/hwy: |
2WD
Manual - 16/22 mpg, 2WD Auto - 16/22
mpg, AWD Manual - 16/22 mpg, AWD Auto
- 15/21 mpg |
MSRP
Base: |
$20,990 |
|