Motor News Media Corporation, December 27th, 2007
RoadWorthy!
By Ken Chester, Jr.
Motor News Media Corporation
All new from the ground up:
2008 Jeep Liberty SUV
Since its introduction in 2002, the Liberty has been a favorite with consumers looking for that special combination of personal freedom and capability delivered by this mid-size Jeep SUV. This year the Jeep Liberty gets a complete make-over -? all-new from the ground up. The 2008 Jeep Liberty is larger than last year?s model, gaining two inches in its wheelbase, which improves front and rear shoulder room as well as better cargo capacity.
More refined and classically designed, the 2008 Liberty takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look. Familiar Jeep design cues include the signature seven slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and round headlamps, along with an overall appearance that is tough, strong and capable.
Offered in Sport and Limited trim levels and available in rear wheel- or all-wheel drive configurations, the Liberty is equipped with a proven 3.7L V6 engine joined to a NSG370 six-speed manual gearbox. A 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission is an available option.
The all-new Liberty offers motorists two four-wheel drive systems: the all-new Selec-Trac II full-time four-wheel drive system and Command-Trac, a part-time four-wheel drive system.
The all-new Selec-Trac II system is a full-time, active-on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. It is ideal for a wide range of road settings, including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel drive systems. This premium system offers a ?4WD Auto? mode that is perfect for full-time driving. When driving in 4WD Auto mode, the system uses vehicle sensors to adjust and redirect torque between the front and rear axles based on real-time driving conditions, providing the vehicle with responsive tractive performance.
For added capability when traversing steep grades, rough terrain or extremely poor traction surfaces, the transfer case includes a ?4WD Low? mode. This second speed gear multiplies engine torque 2.72 times and locks the clutch pack for maximum traction.
On the road, the next-generation Liberty SUV proves itself to be a worthy companion. Responsive and connected, driving this Jeep SUV inspires driver confidence -? on or off the road. The commanding ?up and over? outward view adds to this feeling. Solid body integrity gives this SUV that ?go anywhere? attitude.
The Liberty SUV features all-new control hardware starting with an independent SLA (short and long arm) coil spring front suspension and a five-link rear suspension, including upper and lower trailing links and a track bar for greater lateral stiffness. A link-type stabilizer bar upfront helps control body lean in cornering and lane-change maneuvers. Ample wheel travel and tuned jounce bumpers help maintain the vehicle?s consistent ride quality. A low-arm design mounts the upper control arm on the longitudinal rail of the front body structure for optimum stiffness to minimize noise, vibration and harshness.
Inside the cabin, the new Sky Slider full-open canvas roof makes its world debut. In addition to the increased interior space, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, radio and mirrors, and express-up/down features were added to the Liberty?s list of available features. An available fold-flat front passenger seat works with the standard 60/40 fold-flat reclining rear seats for impressive combinations when the need arises for hauling people and/or cargo.
In the cargo area, the load floor system has a reversible carpeted surface. Dual latches on either side, release for access to a four-inch-deep waterproof storage bin beneath the lid -? perfect for muddy boots or flats of flowers. The load capacity of the cargo load floor system is 400 pounds.
Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 106.1; overall length: 176.9; width: 72.4; height: 70.6 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 210 hp at 5,200 rpm and 235 lbs-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, four-speed automatic.
EPA fuel economy: 16 city/22 hwy., (2WD); 15 city/21 hwy., (4WD).
Cargo capacity: 64.2 cu. ft.
Payload capacity: 1,150 lbs.
Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.
Parts content -? country of origin
Final assembly point: Toledo, Ohio.
US/Canada: 60 percent.
Engine and transmission: USA.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic stability program, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic power door locks, engine immobilizer, hill start assist, remote keyless entry and traction control. Limited adds fog lights, garage door opener and full size spare tire. Limited 4WD adds hill descent control.
Optional safety features include remote engine start, automatic headlamp control, rear parking sensors and navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.
Powertrain: unlimited/unlimited.
Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.
Roadside assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile, 24-hour.
Pricing
The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts from $20,330 for the 2WD Sport up to $26,125 for the Limited 4WD. Destination charges add $660.
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