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2008 Jeep Liberty Full Review
Date Published: 7/16/08
Also in the 2008 Jeep Liberty Review:
5.
6.
Jeep Liberty Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Jeep Liberty Review
The 2008 Jeep Liberty is redesigned for the first time since its 2002 model-year introduction. Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro. Available in two models, the Sport and the Limited, the Liberty uses a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lb. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and two 4WD systems are available: The Selec-Trac II can be left engaged on dry pavement, the Command-Trac should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Both include low-range gearing for off-road use. The 2008 Jeep Liberty marks the debut of the Sky Slider, a retractable canvas roof that opens over both seating rows. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, an antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Also available are a navigation system and satellite radio. The 2008 Jeep Liberty is larger than its predecessor in every dimension, with more cargo capacity and passenger space.
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; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
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2008 Jeep Liberty Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Engine noise |
| Off-road ability | Fuel economy |
| Rear-seat room and comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Liberty is no ball of fire but moves along well enough. Acceleration in 4WD versions is okay from a stop, but passing and merging require planning. The automatic transmission works smoothly enough, but it often times requires a deep stab of the throttle in order to coax a downshift for more power. No 2WD models have been made available for us to test.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Liberty is no ball of fire but moves along well enough. Acceleration in 4WD versions is okay from a stop, but passing and merging require planning. The automatic transmission works smoothly enough, but it often times requires a deep stab of the throttle in order to coax a downshift for more power. No 2WD models have been made available for us to test.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD models averaged 15.5-16.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 17.5-18.1 with more highway miles. Liberty uses regular-grade gas.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
In Consumer Guide testing, 4WD models averaged 15.5-16.5 mpg in city/highway driving and 17.5-18.1 with more highway miles. Liberty uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
Sports have 16-inch wheels versus the Limited's 17s, but ride quality differs little between the two. Isolation from bumps and broken surfaces is good given these Jeeps' off-road prowess. Some road surfaces induce mild bucking, and sharp bumps register, though not harshly.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Sports have 16-inch wheels versus the Limited's 17s, but ride quality differs little between the two. Isolation from bumps and broken surfaces is good given these Jeeps' off-road prowess. Some road surfaces induce mild bucking, and sharp bumps register, though not harshly.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Liberty never lets you forget that it's a truck. Body lean is prevalent, and the tires squeal even in modest cornering. Steering feel is nothing special. The brakes on one test model had dull, wooden pedal action, and simulated panic stops caused moderate nosedive.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Liberty never lets you forget that it's a truck. Body lean is prevalent, and the tires squeal even in modest cornering. Steering feel is nothing special. The brakes on one test model had dull, wooden pedal action, and simulated panic stops caused moderate nosedive.
Quietness
Liberty's blocky shape contributes to marked highway wind noise, but road roar is well muted. Liberty's engine sounds coarse and unrefined. The massive available Sky Slider roof effectively seals out noise when it's closed.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Liberty's blocky shape contributes to marked highway wind noise, but road roar is well muted. Liberty's engine sounds coarse and unrefined. The massive available Sky Slider roof effectively seals out noise when it's closed.
Controls
The gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are clearly marked and logically placed. Note that there are buttons to govern the UConnect wireless cell phone link even if the vehicle is not equipped with that feature.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
The gauges are large and easy to read. Most controls are clearly marked and logically placed. Note that there are buttons to govern the UConnect wireless cell phone link even if the vehicle is not equipped with that feature.
Details
Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro, and some cabin materials are a notch upscale of that SUV. Most of the interior, though, is shrouded in hard plastic with no soft-touch surfaces. It's appropriate for a "Trail Rated" Jeep but trails most rivals for overall ambiance.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5.2 |
Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro, and some cabin materials are a notch upscale of that SUV. Most of the interior, though, is shrouded in hard plastic with no soft-touch surfaces. It's appropriate for a "Trail Rated" Jeep but trails most rivals for overall ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Fine legroom, but headroom is limited for tall occupants, despite a high build. The cabin feels narrow and snug overall, though Liberty's high-set seats provide a commanding view of the road. Visibility is hindered somewhat by thick center and rear roof pillars.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Fine legroom, but headroom is limited for tall occupants, despite a high build. The cabin feels narrow and snug overall, though Liberty's high-set seats provide a commanding view of the road. Visibility is hindered somewhat by thick center and rear roof pillars.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Headroom and foot space are good, but legroom and knee clearance are tight. The door openings are very narrow at the bottom, making entry and exit a real chore.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Headroom and foot space are good, but legroom and knee clearance are tight. The door openings are very narrow at the bottom, making entry and exit a real chore.
Cargo Room
A large hatch opening and cubic shape make the most of the available cargo space. Liberty shares the Nitro's available flat-folding front passenger seat, which is a boon to stowing longer items, but the Jeep does not offer Nitro's Load 'n Go roll-out cargo floor. The rear seatbacks fold flat as well, but their headrests must be removed if the front seats are set far back. Cabin storage is limited to a narrow center console, smallish glovebox.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
A large hatch opening and cubic shape make the most of the available cargo space. Liberty shares the Nitro's available flat-folding front passenger seat, which is a boon to stowing longer items, but the Jeep does not offer Nitro's Load 'n Go roll-out cargo floor. The rear seatbacks fold flat as well, but their headrests must be removed if the front seats are set far back. Cabin storage is limited to a narrow center console, smallish glovebox.
Value within Class
The second generation of this "Trail Rated" compact is roomier and more refined. Jeep calls Liberty one of its "traditional" trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess--unlike the more carlike Compass and Patriot. Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by more refined SUVS like Toyota's RAV4, but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you.
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 5.9 |
The second generation of this "Trail Rated" compact is roomier and more refined. Jeep calls Liberty one of its "traditional" trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess--unlike the more carlike Compass and Patriot. Shoppers who have no plans to venture beyond the pavement will be better served by more refined SUVS like Toyota's RAV4, but for those with real wanderlust, Jeep has a truck for you.
Total Score
| 4WD Sport, Automatic | 4WD Limited, Automatic | Class Average |
| 56 | 55 | 60.2 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 72 |
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2008 Jeep Liberty Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/30/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Sport 4-door wagon | $20,645 | $19,382 | $695 |
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| 4WD Sport 4-door wagon | $22,255 | $20,862 | $695 |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon | $24,685 | $23,058 | $695 |
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| 4WD Limited 4-door wagon | $26,295 | $24,538 | $695 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
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| Liberty | $1500-$2000 cash back or 0%-5.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
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, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, hill ascent control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/75R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control.
Limited adds to Sport:
Powertrain
4-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, 6-way power driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, heated power mirrors, satellite radio, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Popular Equipment Group
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Sport
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$1,075
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$968
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Cruise control, fold-flat passenger seat, compass, outside-temperature indicator, 115-volt power outlet, cargo cover, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails, 225/75R16 white-letter tires.
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Premium Group
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Limited
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$995
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$896
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 2-way power passenger seat, driver-seat lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), remote engine start, automatic headlights.
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Premium Group II
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Limited
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$2,295
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$2,066
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Premium Group plus rear-obstacle-detection system, automatic climate control, interior air filter, 235/60R18 tires, chrome alloy wheels.
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Premium Sound Group
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Limited, Sport
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$395
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$356
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Sport w/Popular Equipment Group
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$345
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$311
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AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (Sport), wireless cell phone link (Limited).
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Activities Pkg.
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Limited, Sport
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$1,420
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$1,248
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Portable navigation system, rubber floormats, grille guard, mud guards.
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Chrome Accents Group
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Limited, Sport
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$795
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$699
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Bright door sills, chrome fuel-filler door, chrome side steps.
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Exterior Appearance Group
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Limited, Sport
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$1,090
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$958
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Grille guard, mud guards, side steps.
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Class III Trailer Tow Group
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Limited
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$395
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$356
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Sport
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$495
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$446
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Trailer sway control, heavy-duty engine cooling, 7-wire trailer harness, Class III hitch receiver, full-size spare tire (Sport).
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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Sport
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$825
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$743
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Selec-Trac II full-time 4-wheel drive
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4WD
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$445
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$401
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Sport requires 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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MyGIG Multimedia
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Limited
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$1,550
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$1,395
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Navigation system w/voice recognition, hard drive, wireless cell phone link, traffic information.
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Power sunroof
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Limited, Sport
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$850
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$765
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Power retractable canvas roof
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Limited, Sport
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$1,200
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$1,080
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Sport w/Popular Equipment Group
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$1,060
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$954
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Smoker's Group
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Limited, Sport
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$30
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$27
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Ash tray, cigarette lighter.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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Limited, Sport
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$150
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$135
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Premium paint
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Limited, Sport
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$225
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$203
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Engine-block heater
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Limited, Sport
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$40
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$36
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Skid plates
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4WD
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$225
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$203
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Full-size spare tire
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Sport
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$150
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$135
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235/70R16 all-terrain white-letter tires
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Sport
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$280
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$252
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Sport w/Class III Trailer Tow Group
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$350
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$315
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Includes full-size spare tire.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Jeep Liberty Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Jeep Liberty 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4222 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 64.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 40.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.8 |
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 |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 16/22 |
| 4-speed automatic | 15/21 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 3 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| 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 | Lifetime/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Clear Coat Exterior Paint Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 15.49 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell The new Liberty offers decent pickup and the promise of Jeep's usual off-road prowess, but I was disappointed by its cramped cabin and truckish road manners. Unless you're planning on spending lots of time off-road, there are better alternatives in this class. Ed Piotrowski Liberty is versatile enough, has OK power, and is quite capable off-road. For the vast majority of buyers who never venture off pavement, though, this SUV comes up well short of car-based crossovers for refinement and fuel economy. The redesign for 2008 is an improvement, but Liberty is still not demonstrably better than its compact-SUV rivals. |
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Jeep Liberty Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Jeep Liberty Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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Vehicle History Report
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