Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel. The old grey mare ain’t what she used to be, and the Jeep isn’t either. Jeep has followed many European leaders and adopted the Common Rail Diesel engine to power this great little Jeep.
Diesels have changed a lot and one of the more noticeable differences includes the fact they are powerful, quiet and smooth. At idle you will sense the most diesel noise just slightly. You won’t have to turn off your engine when ordering fast food drive through\’s. In my Dodge Ram 3500 that’s exactly what I have to do because they can’t hear my order over the roar of the diesel engine.
Public Service driving observation: If you ever need to know if a road is open here are some suggestions from the LA Department of Public Works. You can call 661 947 7173 or go to the web www.ladpw.org. Click on Road closures or for State Highways go towww.dot.ca.gov for a fascinating array of things to see. You can even look at many roads from live camera locations.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 81%, Engine – Italy, Transmission – US
Assembly – Toledo, Ohio, USA
Class: – Special Purpose
Cars: Commander, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Wrangler.
Handling & Performance:
Common-Rail is a high-pressure injection system for Diesel engines with direct injection. In structure and method of functioning, it differs significantly from conventional systems. The central part of the system is a shared high-pressure storage (Rail). Other than in systems with directly driven block or individual pumps, pressure generation and fuel injection control are decoupled in the Common-Rail fuel injection system. The injection pressure is generated independently of the speed and can be freely selected within a broad range. The injection control by means of quick-action solenoid valves permits multiple injection, which leads to a significant reduction of pollutant emissions and noise development.
Benefits:
· Delivers high torque at low engine speed
· Applicable to a variety of cylinder configurations
· Potential solution to the future emissions challenge
· Flexible design can be easily integrated into diesel engine
· Excellent application flexibility relative to injection pressure, timing, pilot and post-event control
· Proven application and manufacturing experience. Bosch was first to market with Common Rail for passenger car applications
· Delivers quiet, high-torque, low-emission and efficient diesel engine performance to the consumer
Horsepower – Definition: Torque times RPM = Horsepower explains why race cars develop so much HP. Formula one cars are at the high end of rev’s and million dollar engines will turn at upwards of 15,000 RPM’s. Think of your personal driver that is straining at 5-6,000 RPM’s.
Styling:
Well, what can you say… it’s a Jeep and simply has stuck to a tried and true look for the outdoorsman. And if you take a look at the Hummer – pride and joy of the Desert Storm War – it just looks like an oversized Jeep, as well it should.
Fit and Finish:
So much better than even a decade ago. But then the materials and assembly procedures have improved dramatically. All that aside, they are well-assembled – nice job guys.
Cost:
For me, I think this Jeep is properly priced and competitive along side the abundant list of SUVs it is up against.
Conveniences:
Good.
Consumer Recommendation:
This Liberty is a good choice for a couple of reasons. One – they are the perfect size for most driving needs. Second – the diesel is powerful, long lasting and today’s common rail injection makes them more fuel-efficient.
The Competition:
Jeep Liberty $19-25,000, Nissan Xterra $21-27,000, Ford Escape $19-27,000, 2006 Ford Escape Hybrid $27-29,000, Subaru Forester $21-28,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-23,000, Toyota RAV4 $19-20,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $18-25,000, Mazda Tribute $20-25,000, Kia Amanti $25,500, Chrysler Sebring $20-31,000, Honda CR-V $20-25,000, Hyundai Santa Fe $22-26,000, Hyundai Tucson $17-23,000.
Good News:
Innovative diesel with excellent performance, powerful and handles well
Bad News:
None.
Standard Equipment:
Innovative diesel with excellent performance, powerful and handles well
Gas Stats:
21 City and 26 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $25,225.
