When the Jeep Liberty debuted six years ago, it replaced the beloved and boxy-looking Cherokee. I never warmed up to the tallish, contemporary styling of the Liberty and the rugged, "Trail-Rated" suspension felt better off the pavement rather than on it.
With SUV buyers looking for more carlike handling characteristics from a mid-size SUV, Liberty was in need of a redo.
Jeep started with a clean-slate and the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty is remarkably better than its predecessor. The exterior styling is more to our liking. The interior is slightly larger and features more available amenities.
Most remarkably, though, the on-pavement ride is more agreeable. And, yes, another note of approval, Jeep moved the power window switches from the center console to the door - where they belong.
I find it interesting that the '08 Liberty's new sheet metal looks more like the adored, boxy Cherokee, or should I say the newer and larger Jeep Commander.
At any rate, I like that the new Liberty looks more hunkered-down than its predecessor. Liberty is built from the same platform as the Dodge Nitro, yet Liberty won't be mistaken for anything but a Jeep.
And while the suspension has been retuned to deliver a more pleasurable ride, the Liberty remains a capable off-roader.
As I reach to open the driver's door of my Liberty tester, I realize I don't care for the outside door handles as much as I do the rest of the vehicle.
The handles are not a simple pull-to-open style. Instead, they have a button that has to be pressed in with your thumb before you can pull outward.
Slip inside the new Liberty and you'll be greeted by a totally new interior. The layout looks more appealing and the available list of amenities has improved.
Two trim levels are offered; Sport and Limited. Much of what's available in the Sport comes standard in the Limited. Both trim levels are available with either 2WD or 4WD.
My 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD tester came with the exclusive Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof. This option ($1,060) is much nicer than a sunroof and offers a Wrangler-like open air feel.
Surprisingly, with the top in the closed position, the noise level in the cabin while driving remains fairly quiet as the top makes a nice seal. The canvas top can be slid either all the way forwards to please rear seat passengers, or all the way rearward to please front seat passengers.
Regardless of which position you choose, the enjoyable open air experience is matched by no other mid-size SUV.
Some of Liberty's other available amenities include MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls and express up/down windows.
The cabin feel is much better, but the new Liberty still has a narrow floor for the driver and I would have preferred a slightly lower seating position.
While Liberty's suspension is all-new, its engine is a carryover. The 3.7-liter V-6 produces an acceptable 210 horsepower. The V-6 is a bit thirsty, but when properly equipped, the Liberty can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
Sport models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is available in the Sport and comes standard in the Limited.
Two different four-wheel drive systems are offered. Jeep's Command-Trac comes standard and provides a two-speed part-time transfer case. Selec-Trac II is optional and features a two-speed full-time transfer case.
On the road, the new Jeep Liberty feels much smoother and the cabin lets in little road noise. This should please those who appreciate what Jeep has to offer and the car-like ride will win them over.
2008 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD
Engine: 3.7-liter (210 hp) V-6
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Drive type: 4WD
Fuel economy: 15 city/21 highway
Base price: $21,940
As tested: $26,525 (including $660 for destination)
Web site: www.jeep.com 