2007 Jeep Liberty Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Liberty is a 4-dr, five-seat wagon. Its swing-open tailgate has opening glass and carries the spare tire. Sport and uplevel Limited models are offered, both with a 210-hp V6. Unavailable for 2007 is the 160-hp diesel 4-cyl offered for 2006. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on Liberty Sport. A 4-speed automatic is optional on Sport, standard on Limited. Libertys offer rear-wheel drive or a choice of two 4WD systems. Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD should not be left engaged on dry pavement. The extra-cost Selec-Trac 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement; it's available only with automatic transmission. Both 4WD systems have low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors are standard. Curtain side airbags with rollover deployment are optional. Other available features include navigation system, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and wireless cell phone link.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.

Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

News

Liberty is redesigned for 2008. Spy photos confirm a new squared-up look blending elements of the related Dodge Nitro and Jeep's large Commander SUV. Wheelbase, length and width all appear increased, likely to near Nitro dimensions. Most other specifics can't be confirmed yet, but look for Liberty to share Nitro's powertrains and Load-'n-Go cargo system. Keep checking back with us for late-breaking news.

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2007 Jeep Liberty Road Test

Pros	Cons

Cargo room	Fuel economy

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.6

Good off the line with automatic transmission, but labors in highway merging or passing; takes deep stab at throttle to coax a downshift. No opportunity to test with manual transmission. Liberty's 5000-lb towing capacity among highest in class.

Fuel Economy

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
4	4	5

Test 4WD with automatic transmission averaged 16.7 mpg. Liberty uses regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5

Not overly firm on bumps, though big ruts and ripples mean a jiggly but not uncomfortable ride. Some noticeable rocking-horse motions and annoying side-to-side swaying.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.8

Not as responsive as Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, or Toyota RAV4. In turns, grip and balance are good, body lean moderate. Steering firm and accurate, but transmits too much kickback off-road. Brakes feel strong. Little nosedive in quick stops.

Quietness

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.5

Exhaust note intrusive under full throttle. Fine isolation from unpleasant body resonance, but noticeable high-speed wind rush. Tires sing on coarse surfaces. One test model's Selec-Trac emitted gear whine.

Controls

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Large, legible gauges. Low-set audio and climate controls a little far from driver, but generously sized, clearly labeled. Interior has sturdy-feeling materials, numerous padded surfaces.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6.1

Fine head, leg room. Seats set unusually high for commanding view of road. Narrow passenger footwell.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
3	3	4.8

Lots of head clearance. Leg room OK. Footwell shape uneven, but good toe space under front seat. Step-in higher than Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, but not excessive. Door openings narrow.

Cargo Room

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7.2

With rear seat up, bay is wide and tall, but not long. Seat sections easily fold in one motion to form nearly flat load floor, but headrests need to be removed if front seats are set more than halfway back. Folded seatbacks expose brackets on cargo-bay walls that intrude into load space. Swing-open tailgate takes getting used to. Its window pops fully open via remote keyfob or pull of tailgate handle, but awkward reach into cargo hold undercuts that convenience.

Value within Class

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.5

Liberty's on-road behavior is less carlike than that of its top competitors, and rear-seat accommodations leave something to be desired. But Liberty has better off-road ability than most in the compact-SUV class, and it's solid and competitively priced.

Total Score

4WD Sport, auto.	4WD Limited, auto.	Class Average
49	49	53.1

Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		36
Average Score		53
High Score		60

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2007 Jeep Liberty Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/23/2007

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Sport 4-door wagon	$21,600	$20,236	$660

4WD Sport 4-door wagon	$23,110	$21,630	$660

2WD Limited Edition 4-door wagon	$25,235	$23,544	$660

4WD Limited Edition 4-door wagon	$26,745	$24,938	$660

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Sport

Powertrain

3.7-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, floormats, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 225/75R16 white-letter tires, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Limited Edition adds to Sport:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, satellite radio, cargo cover.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights, rear privacy glass.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/65VR17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
29C Quick Order Pkg.
Sport	$845	$761
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, fog lights, rear privacy glass, alloy wheels. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.

Special Edition Quick Order Pkg. 29Y
Sport	$1,835	$1,652
Quick Order Pkg. 29C plus AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, unique interior and exterior trim, spare tire cover. Requires 4-speed automatic transmission.

29G Quick Order Pkg.
2WD Limited	$1,250	$1,125
4WD Limited	$1,645	$1,481
Tire-pressure monitor, leather upholstery, 6-way power passenger seat, Infinity AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering wheel radio controls, mini overhead console, universal garage door opener, trip computer, vehicle information center, heated power mirrors, automatic day/night rearview mirror, upgraded interior, Selec-Trac 4-wheel drive (4WD).

Security Group
Sport	$175	$158
Cargo cover, theft-deterrent system w/alarm. Sport requires rear privacy glass or 29C Quick Order Pkg.

Gray Appearance Group
Limited Edition, Sport	$565	$480
Gray tubular side steps, spare tire cover.

Chrome Edition Group
Limited Edition, Sport	$700	$595
Chrome tubular side steps, front and rear door guards.

Protection Group
Limited Edition, Sport	$470	$370
Unique floormats, cargo tray, rear door guards, mud guards.

Off-Road Group
4WD Sport	$495	$446
Heavy-duty engine cooling, tow hooks, skid plates, 235/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires. Requires 29C Quick Order Pkg.

Trailer-Tow Group
Limited	$365	$329
Sport	$325	$293
Heavy-duty engine cooling, 7-wire trailer harness, Class III hitch receiver. Sport requires 29C Quick Order Pkg., 4-speed automatic transmission.

Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission
Sport	$825	$743


Selec-Trac 4-wheel drive
4WD	$395	$356
Sport requires 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety
Curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment
Limited Edition, Sport	$490	$441


Tire-pressure monitor
Limited	$75	$68
Requires mini overhead console.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Limited Edition, Sport	$700	$630


Navigation system
Limited	$1,500	$1,350
Limited w/29G Pkg.	$1,200	$1,080
Replaces in-dash 6-disc CD changer of Limited 29G Quick Order Pkg. w/single-disc CD player. NA w/UConnect.

AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
Limited Edition, Sport	$300	$270


Infinity speakers
Limited Edition, Sport	$475	$428
Includes steering wheel radio controls. Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer or navigation system. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 29C or cruise control.

Satellite radio
Limited Edition, Sport	$195	$176


UConnect
Limited	$275	$245
Wireless cell phone link. Requires 29G Quick Order Pkg.

Cruise control
Sport	$300	$270
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Leather upholstery
Limited	$580	$522


Heated front seats
Limited	$250	$225
Requires 29G Quick Order Pkg.

Mini overhead console
Limited Edition, Sport	$400	$360
Includes universal garage door opener, trip computer, vehicle information center. Sport requires 29C Quick Order Pkg.

Smoker's Group
Limited Edition, Sport	$30	$27
Ash tray, cigarette lighter.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Sport	$120	$108


Rear privacy glass
Sport	$270	$243


Special paint
Limited Edition, Sport	$150	$135


Inferno Red paint
Limited Edition, Sport	$225	$203


Engine-block heater
Limited Edition, Sport	$40	$36


Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
4WD	$195	$176
Limited requires 29G Quick Order Pkg.

Alloy wheels
Sport	$360	$324


Chrome alloy wheels
Limited	$820	$738


235/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
Sport	$245	$221

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2007 Jeep Liberty Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Jeep Liberty 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	104.3

Overall Length, in.	174.4

Overall Width, in.	71.6

Overall Height, in.	70.2

Curb Weight, lbs.	4011

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	69.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	20.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	40.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	40.8

Rear Head Room, in.	42.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.7 /225

Horsepower @ rpm.	210 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	235 @ 4000

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	18/22

4-speed automatic	17/22

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Jeep Liberty 4-door wagon

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	3

Side Impact, Driver	5

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	None/--	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: USA

Drivewheels: 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2007 Jeep Liberty Photos

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Also in the 2007 Jeep Liberty Review:

Jeep Liberty

Jeep Liberty Road Test

Jeep Liberty Prices & Equipment

Jeep Liberty Specs & Safety

Jeep Liberty Photos

Jeep Liberty Full Review