The redesigned
2008 Jeep Liberty has styling that is more rugged in the classic Jeep tradition with such things as square headlights, flattened hood and a less rounded body.
The new Liberty also has an improved, refined ride and handling -- thanks to a new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
Many "active-lifestyle" Jeep owners are outdoor-oriented, so the 2008 Liberty has an industry-exclusive push-button Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof for a convertible-style open-air experience.
Added to this Jeep's growing list of features and options are remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls -- and express up/down windows.
Jeep spokeswoman Wendy Orthman says the new Liberty should especially appeal to those "looking for Jeep four-wheel-drive capability, besides comfort and convenience." It's targeted to young couples and new families, besides professional young single men and women 30-40 years old, with a high percentage of women buyers.
The entry-level Sport lists at $20,330 with rear-drive or at $21,940 with four-wheel drive. The Limited costs $24,515 with rear-drive and $26,125 with four-wheel drive.
Carried over from 2007 is a 3.7-liter V-6 with 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. It provides lively in-town and highway acceleration, at least with just a driver aboard this 4,100-pound Jeep. The single-overhead-camshaft engine works with a six-speed manual gearbox or a responsive but rather dated four-speed automatic transmission.
The slightly larger and roomier Liberty comes in two trim levels: Sport and upscale Limited.
Both are offered with rear drive or two four-wheel-drive systems. Jeep calls the systems "Trail Rated," which means they're pretty tough.
Jeep is a whiz with four-wheel-drive systems, and the new Liberty has an advanced, all-new Selec-Track II system that can be left in four-wheel-drive mode on dry pavement. The less-expensive Command Trac should be put in low range only on surfaces that cause tire slippage. Both have low-range gearing for rugged off-road use.
The rear-drive Liberty with the manual transmission or automatic transmission delivers an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways -- or 18 and 23 using the less-tough 2007 EPA rating system. Figures with the manual and four-wheel drive also are 16 and 22 but dip to 15 and 21 with the automatic and that drive system.
I tested the Limited four-wheel-drive model with an automatic transmission. Although some of its rivals have a five-speed automatic, the Jeep's four-speed unit shifts crisply.
Steering is precise, and the supple suspension provides a compliant ride. Most Jeeps especially shine during off-road driving.
However, on-road ride and handling are improved. And this is a more comfortable long-distance vehicle, besides being handy while doing chores in town. The brake pedal has a good feel, and normal stopping distances were short.
Anti-lock brakes with a brake-assist feature for panic stops are standard. Other standard safety features include electronic stability control and roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, a tire-pressure monitoring system and supplemental side-curtain air bags.
My test Limited's standard items included air conditioning, power driver's seat, AM/FM stereo with an in-dash CD/MP3/WMA player, front passenger fold-flat seat and speed-sensitive power locks.
Hill start assist and hill descent features were there to assist off-road driving.
Getting into the Liberty involves a moderate step-up and pushing rather small push-button door openers, although the large, conventional inside door handles are easy to use.
The quiet interior is generally roomy, but the driver's seat should move back more for long-legged motorists. And legroom is tight for a tall passenger behind the driver. Rather narrow rear door openings impede entry and exit.
White-on-black gauges can be quickly read, and climate and sound system controls are commendably large and easy to use. The angled front cupholders are designed to prevent accidental beverage spills. And there is a grab bar near the glove box that's handy for a passenger during off-road use.
The glove compartment is small, as is the covered console storage bin, but front doors have large storage pockets. There's also a convenient small front storage bin that can be used for tollway coin storage.
Rear cupholders are rather inconveniently located at floor level behind the back of the front console, but rear windows lower all the way to ease food delivery in fast-food drive-through lanes.
One nifty interior feature is the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, which Jeep calls a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. It lets Liberty occupants use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where up to 1,500 songs and photos can be stored. It also includes a voice-memo recorder feature and supports real-time traffic information via Sirius satellite radio.
A new rear hatch has a flip-up glass window that can be opened by a button or key fob, but the cargo floor is rather high. Cargo room is decent, with a longer cargo area. Rear seatbacks flip forward and sit flat to increase the cargo area. The hatch has an interior grip that lets you close it without getting hands dirty on outside sheet metal.
Many Jeep buyers love Jeep tradition -- the look, off-road prowess, history, all that. The new Liberty is more of a traditional Jeep than its predecessor, while being more modern with desirable new features.
2008 JEEP LIBERTY PRICE: $20,330-$26,125.
LIKES: Redesigned with more aggressive look and new features. Fairly roomy. Decent acceleration. Improved ride and handling. Rugged.
DISLIKES: Outside button door openers. Rather narrow rear door openings. Only a four-speed automatic transmission.