| Jeep Liberty |
|
| Manufacturer: |
DaimlerChrysler |
| Production: |
2002-present |
| Predecessor: |
Jeep Cherokee |
| Class: |
Compact SUV |
| Body style: |
4-door SUV |
| Platform: |
FR/AWD/4WD KJ |
| Engine: |
2.4 L PowerTech I4
3.7 L PowerTech V6
2.8 L VM Motori CRD |
| Transmission: |
4-speed 45RFE auto |
| Wheelbase: |
104.2 in (2647 mm) |
| Length: |
174.7 in (4437 mm) |
| Width: |
71.8 in (1824 mm) |
| Height: |
71.8 in (1824 mm) |
| Curb weight: |
4033 lb (1829 kg) |
| Related: |
Dodge Nitro |
| Similar: |
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Toyota FJ Cruiser |
The Jeep Liberty (known as 'Cherokee' in most countries outside the US) is a compact SUV from DaimlerChrysler. The Liberty was introduced in 2002 with styling inspired by the Dakar and Jeepster show cars. It competes with the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox and Nissan Xterra. The Liberty was the first Jeep to use two new PowerTech engines: A 150 hp 2.4 L I4 and a 210 hp 3.7 L V6. Despite popular belief, the Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent suspension, the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1960s.
4-wheel disc brakes were added for 2003. For 2005, a 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel engine became available in the CRD model. Although diesel engines are not familiar in the American market, Jeep reported that they sold 10,000 Liberty CRD models in the first calendar year of sales. Only available is 2005 and 2006, the CRD has since been cancelled because its diesel engine couldn't meet upcoming emissions regulations.
The Liberty has been very successful for Jeep, outselling the Ford Escape in 2005 to become the best-selling compact SUV in the United States. 70 percent of Liberty buyers are new to the Jeep marque, and the Toledo North Assembly factory in Toledo, Ohio is running overtime to produce the model.
The Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002.
With the arrival of the new Jeep compact SUVs Compass and Patriot for 2007, a 2008 Liberty is expected to grow considerably and become a mid-size crossover SUV, with competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, Nissan Murano and Honda Pilot.
In August of 2006, the Chrysler Group announced they were recalling 832,000 Liberty SUVs due to problems with the front suspension lower ball joint. The problem, which affected 2002-2006 models, could potentially cause a loss of steering. Chrysler previously recalled 300,000 Liberty models in 2003 because of a similar problem.
Future
The Jeep Liberty will receive a complete redesign for the 2008 model year with a more boxy and off-road look, like that of the 2007 Dodge Nitro, which is built on the same platform. Expect debut in 2007.
References
- Jeep's target: Everybody. Detroit News. Retrieved on January 9, 2006.
External links
- Jeep Liberty Official Site
- Jeep (Liberty) KJ Country Forums
- RUBICONTRAIL.NET
- AutoGuideWiki.com
- L.O.S.T. KJ Forum
- Jeep Liberty on WikiBooks
| A subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler |
Jeep road vehicle timeline, 1945-present edit |
| Type |
1940s |
1950s |
1960s |
1970s |
1980s |
1990s |
2000s |
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6 |
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4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
| Traditional |
CJ-2A |
CJ-3A |
CJ-3B |
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CJ-7/8 |
Wrangler YJ |
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Wrangler TJ |
Wrangler JK |
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CJ-5/6 |
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CJ-10 |
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LJ |
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| Dispatcher |
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DJ-3A |
DJ-5/6 |
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| Crossover |
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FJ-3/3A |
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Compass |
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Patriot |
| Compact SUV |
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VJ |
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C101 |
C104 |
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Cherokee/Wagoneer XJ |
Liberty KJ |
Liberty KK |
| SUV |
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Wagoneer/Cherokee SJ |
G Wagoneer |
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G Cherokee |
G Cherokee |
G Cherokee |
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Willys Jeep Wagon |
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Commander XK |
| Pickup |
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Willys Jeep Truck |
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Comanche |
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Gladiator |
Honcho/J10-20 Series |
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| Truck |
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Forward Control |
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Categories: Jeep vehicles | All wheel drive vehicles | Rear wheel drive vehicles | SUVs | 2000s automobiles
