Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2009 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 SUV. The first time I reviewed the Liberty it took me elk hunting. Unfortunately it was the only thing that went well that trip. It all started when I stepped out into thigh deep snow. God I love 4 wheel drive. That was November 2001 for Liberty’s introduction into production for the 2002 model year. It was first introduced as a concept vehicle in 1997 at the Detroit Auto Show, as the Jeep Dakar.
Today Liberty is larger (not much) than I remember. It is assembled well and for an off road SUV it is very passenger car like. My first impression was “Smooth” “Solid” “Comfortable”. And the poem “My Wife” by Robert Lewis Stevenson came to mind. “…Steel-true and blade-straight, the great artificer made my mate…”
I believe Jeep has continued to improve over the years, and not only because of the evolution of time but the intercession of Daimler (Mercedes Benz) for the brief time they owned Chrysler & Jeep. The impact and affect they had on Chrysler products is indisputable. And that influence was positive in every way. I was curious why they sold off the Chrysler brands but recently I concluded they were simply ahead of the curve on downsizing and shedding products that weren’t making money – (enough money). Recently Daimler Truck division (North America) discontinued another of their brands – Sterling Trucks, and the production of their truck flagship Freightliner is moving to Mexico.
General Info:
Parts – US/Canadian 61%
Assembly – Toledo, Ohio, USA
Class: – SUV
Cars: – Commander, compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Patriot & Wrangler.
It has always been my contention that whenever something bad happens, something good comes out of it. Currently we’re experiencing a terrible economic adjustment – bad. What’s the good you say? – well if you are as frustrated with overcrowded highways you too will have noticed the decrease in congestion on the highway. I think of that every day I commute and say a little prayer for our country. Not that I want traffic to increase but it does make the congestion easier to take these days.
Handling & Performance:
Outstanding highway ride. The 210 hp is nice, but the fuel economy is not any better than it was in the 2002 model year.
Styling:
I was impressed with the huge sunroof and really like the way they block the wind.
Fit and Finish:
Outstanding.
Cost:
The price has increased from $17,960 to $27,430 since 2002. When you consider the value of the dollar today that’s ok – recalling that money doubles every 10 years at 7%. But assuming inflation of 3% per year, the price has grown beyond that inflation rate. Conclusion: it’s a bit overpriced – unless you consider the upgrading in size and quality and of course the competition is priced about the same.
Recognized Competition:
Jeep Liberty $23-28,000, Mitsubishi Outlander $20-26,000, Ford Escape $20-28,000, Saturn Vue $23-31,000, Subaru Forester $20-28,000, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18-26,000, Mazda Tribute $20-28,000, Kia Sportage $17-23,000, Hyundai Tucson $18-26,000, Nissan Rogue $20-23,000, Honda Element $20-26,000, Honda CRV $21-29,000, Toyota RAV4 $22-28,000, Chevrolet Equinox $24-31,000, Pontiac Torrent $25-31,000, Dodge Caliber $16-25,000, Dodge Nitro $22-29,000, Mercury Mariner $23-28,000.
Good News:
Great ride, powerful, unusually large sun roof.
Bad News:
Lousy fuel economy.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 210 horsepower V6 engine, 4 speed auto trans with command trac part time 4 wheel-drive, electronic stability program, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake assist, all speed traction control, hill start and decent assist, cruise control, speed sensitive door locks, Sentry key and theft deterrent system and alarm, tire pressure monitoring, rear window wiper washer and defroster, air conditioning, 6-way power driver seat, passenger fold flat seat, rear 60/40 split folding / reclining seat, stereo with in-dash CD/MP3 player, Sirius radio service (1 yr. Incl.), leather trimmed seats with stain resistant fabric, leather wrapped wheel (with audio controls) and armrest and console, vehicle information center.
Gas Stats:
$2.07/ Gal avg. March 21, ‘09
for more information.
15 City and 21 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,430.
