ORC Review

Jeep Family Photo © DaimlerChrsyler

Introduced in 2002, the small-size 4-door, 5-passenger sport utility vehicle Jeep Liberty represents pure Jeep in appearance with its seven-slot grille, clamshell hood and round headlamps. Aside of a distinct, fun look, the Liberty has a few other edges over the intense compact SUV competition, such as standard traction control, safety, and engine size.

For 2007, the Jeep Liberty offers Sport and Limited models in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with a new color, Green Metallic. Note the Renegade trim has been discontinued for 2007. New on the 3.7-liter engine is an exhaust gas recirculation valve which helps increase fuel economy. The 2.8-liter diesel engine is no longer available.

The Jeep Liberty is one of seven different models put out by Chrysler Group of DaimlerChrysler, including the Compass, Patriot, Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Commander, and finally, the Liberty.

Work Full-Time or Part-Time

Chrome Extras Photo © DaimlerChrsyler

The Liberty hosts a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter, single-overhead (SOHC) V6 engine with 235 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Properly equipped, the Jeep Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The Jeep Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive system, the full-time Selec-Trac® and the part-time Command Trac®. It’s not rocket science how they differ. Basically, each system allows the driver to place the vehicle in a variety of 4WD settings, including 2WD, part-time 4WD high range, and full-time 4WD high range or 4WD low-range. Just omit the full-time high and low range 4WD option for the part-time Command-Trac. The Command-Trac comes standard on all four-wheel drive Jeep Liberty models where the Selec-Trac is optional.

The Jeep Liberty has a coil-spring independent front and rear suspension and a solid rear axle. You can feel the Liberty’s strong acceleration and handling, but the steering does feels weighty and the ride is jittery. The vehicle seems to feel more at home on rougher terrain than on highway asphalt. The powertrain warranty comes up a little short at 36 months/36,000 miles (standard is 67 months/69,530 miles).

Two Sides to Every Liberty

Distinct look of a Jeep Photo © DaimlerChrsyler

The Liberty doesn’t try to confuse the consumer with its configurations, which comes as a relief. There are two trims; the Sport and the Limited, so there are just four different ways (4WD or 2WD) to have your Liberty.

The Sport trim features a body color grille with options for fog lamps. This trim also features a sill cover. Additional details include 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, stability control and a six-speaker stereo with CD player. For the Sport trim, a six-speed manual transmission is standard.

The Limited trim has a body color front and fog lamps are standard. It has a chrome grille, chrome body side molding and chrome roof rack rails. Tow hooks are available as part of the skid plate group. The Limited amenities include 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a six-way power adjustable driver seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The four-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Limited trim.

Available options include a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats and a six-disc CD system. A navigational system, satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity are also available.

Safety Comes First

Color Grille Photo © DaimlerChrsyler

Going by what’s listed on Chrysler Group’s very own www.jeep.ca, starting prices for the Jeep Limited 4x4 is $33,560 and for the Sport 4x2, $29,815. The price point unfortunately does not beat out many other compact SUV competitors, such as the Ford Escape and the Honda Element.

Fuel economy is 18-mpg city and 22-mpg highway driving. You won’t be fooled how much this smaller SUV consumes in gas when you hit the pumps.

The toughest part about being a Jeep Liberty is just finding a way to stand out in a world of stiff competition, where makers from Mazda to Mercury are putting out a compact SUV models. The model therefore gets subject to a lot of comparison that might sound a little more like nit picking. Chrysler Group has an upper hand in the market when it comes to the safety of its vehicles. The Liberty has a standard electronic stability program, which includes a four-wheel-disc, anti-brake system, and traction control. It also has advanced multi-stage driver, a five-star-rated side-impact crash protection, and an optional side-curtain air bag deactivated by a roll-detection system.

The final deal-closer for the Jeep Liberty is if you have a little off-road adventure in mind, then this is the small-size SUV for you. Plus, nothing compares to the aesthetics of a Jeep. However, if you’re an urbanite and highway driver at heart, don’t kid yourself. You might just be better suited for one of its competitors.