Jeep Liberty -

The Liberty was the first Jeep to use two new PowerTech engines, a 150 hp 2.4 L I4 (which was dropped in 2006) and a 210 hp 3.7 L V6. For 2005, a 2.8 L I4 common rail turbodiesel engine utilizing a variable geometry turbocharger became available in the CRD model. Produced by VM Motori, an Italian engine manufacturer owned in part by DaimlerChrysler's Detroit Diesel subsidiary, the 2.8L CRD generates 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Because of the overbuilt nature of diesel powerplants, the engine adds nearly 200 pounds to the vehicle's curb weight versus a gasoline model. DaimlerChrysler introduced this engine to gauge the marketability of diesel engines in North America; diesels are already quite common in Europe. Jeep reported that they sold 10,000 Liberty CRD models in the first calendar year of sales which exceeded their expectations. Only available in 2005 and 2006 for the Sport and Limited models, the 2.8 L CRD has since been discontinued due to stricter United States diesel emission standards for 2007. Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and California already banned sale of the vehicle due to their rigid state emissions regulations. The introduction of ultra low sulphur diesel fuel to the U.S. market in 2006 should aid in reducing emissions as will the increasing availability of biodiesel blends. A new 3.0 L CRD Mercedes-Benz engine will be introduced in 2007 with the Jeep Grand Cherokee models which will include a diesel particulate filter to reduce exhaust emissions.
Despite popular belief, the Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent front suspension, as the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1960s.
Four Wheel Drive Systems
The Liberty is available with either a part time Command-Trac or full time Selec-Trac transfer case. The Command-Trac transfer case has four positions; 2WD HI, 4WD HI, Neutral, and 4WD LO. The lever is place in 2WD HI for regular driving, this allows the two rear tires to receive power. The second position, 4WD HI, is used for driving on slippery or loose pavement. This position locks both the front and rear drive shafts together splitting engine power equally between all four tires. The third position, Neutral, disengages both drive shafts from the transfer case allowing the car to roll freely, this is used for towing behind another vehicle, for example. The last position, 4WD LO is used for situations in which there is very little traction, this position, like 4WD HI locks both the front and rear drive shafts together, but using a lower gear ratio. This lower gear ratio allows for more torque, this position locks the transmission in first gear only, allowing the vehicle to move at no more then 25 MPH (higher speeds could result in engine damage). It should be noted that using 4WD HI or LO on dry pavement is hazardous to vehicle components, through drive line binding and wheel-hop
The Selec-Trac transfer case has 5 positions; 2WD HI, 4WD HI Part-Time, 4WD HI Full-Time, Neutral, and 4WD LO. This transfer case is different from the Command-Trac transfer only in the extra 4WD HI Full-Time position. The 4WD HI Full-Time position locks both the front and rear drive shafts together, except unlike Part-Time 4WD HI, this splits the power between the front and rear wheels unequally. This position give the rear wheels 60% of the engine's power and the front wheels 40% of the engine's power. The unequal division of power allows for full time engagement (hence the name) because it eliminates wheel-hop and drive line binding, which is harmful to vehicle components.
Four-wheel disc brakes were added for 2003, prior to this, the Liberty had front disc breaks and rear drum breaks.
Recalls
In August 2006, the Chrysler Group announced they were recalling 832,000 Libertys due to problems with the front suspension lower ball joint [3]. The problem, which affected 2002 to 2006 models, could potentially cause a loss of steering. Chrysler previously recalled 300,000 Liberty models in 2003 because of a similar problem [4].
The Liberty CRD had two additional recalls, one to comply with EPA regulations and another to replace the torque converter (which was failing on most CRDs) and reprogram the engine to reduce torque.[citation needed]
Second generation (2008-)
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. The 2008 Liberty debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. [5]
The Liberty has dropped its four-cylinder option because of the Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs taking its place as Jeep's four-cylinder vehicles. The iron-block, aluminum-head V6 is the only engine for 2008. Towing capacity is 5000 pounds. For now, there is no diesel model for the U.S. Jeep stopped building the Liberty CRD last May because it could not meet tougher 2007 emissions standards. Transmission choices are both carry-overs: a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Standard equipment includes electronic stability control with roll mitigation, traction control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist. Also standard are side airbags and rain-sensing wipers. Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and the MyGig entertainment system, complete with a 20-gig hard drive, are options.
Two models will be offered at rollout: Sport and Limited. Wheel choices are 16-, 17- and 18-inch. Among the more unique features is the Sky Slider, a power roof made from “reinforced acrylic cloth” that opens over the front and rear seats.