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Jeep Liberty

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Jeep Liberty
2002-2004 Jeep Liberty
Overview
ManufacturerJeep
Production2002-present
AssemblyToledo, Ohio
Body and chassis
ClassCompact SUV
Body style4-door SUV
LayoutFront-engine, Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
RelatedDodge Nitro
Chronology
PredecessorJeep Cherokee
First generation
2005-2007 Jeep Liberty
Overview
Production2002-2007
Body and chassis
PlatformChrysler KJ platform
Powertrain
Engine2.4 L PowerTech I4
3.7 L PowerTech V6
2.8 L VM Motori CRD turbo I4
Transmission5-speed NVG NV1500 manual
5-speed NVG NV3500 manual
6-speed NVG NSG370 manual
4-speed Chrysler 45RFE automatic
4-speed Chrysler 42RLE auto
5-speed Chrysler 545RFE automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase104.2 in (2647 mm)
Length2005-07: 174.7 in (4437 mm)
2002-04: 174.2 in (4425 mm)
Width2002-04: 71.1 in (1806 mm)
2005-07: 71.8 in (1824 mm)
Height2002-04: 73.2 in (1860 mm)
2005-07: 69.8 in (1824 mm)
Curb weight4033 lb (1829 kg)
Second generation
Overview
Production2008-present
Body and chassis
PlatformChrysler KK platform
Powertrain
Engine3.7 L PowerTech V6
Transmission4-speed automatic
6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase106.1 in (2695 mm)
Length176.9 in (4493 mm)
Width72.4 in (1840 mm)
Height70.1 in (1780 mm)

The Jeep Liberty (KJ/KK), or Jeep Cherokee (KJ/KK) outside North America, is a compact SUV produced by the Jeep marque of DaimlerChrysler. It was introduced for 2002 with styling inspired by the Dakar[1] and Jeepster [2] concept cars. The Liberty, nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002, was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee (XJ). The Liberty sits in size between the Patriot and Grand Cherokee in Jeep's SUV lineup, but priced between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. It was the smallest of the 4-door Jeep SUVs up until the 4-door Compass and Patriot arrived for 2007.

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.

First generation KJ (2002-2007)

Three trim levels were offered for the Jeep Liberty: the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade, or the base Sport. All are available with either 2WD or 4WD. In 2007, the Renegade trim level was replaced with the Latitude that appears to focus on a more urban appearance.

The Liberty was the first Jeep to use two new PowerTech engines, the 150 hp 2.4 L I4, dropped in 2006, and the 210 hp 3.7 L V6. A VM Motori 2.8 L I4 common rail turbodiesel became available in CRD branded 2005-2006 Sport and Limited models. The diesel utilized a variable geometry turbocharger and generated 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The overbuilt nature of the diesel powerplant added nearly 200 pounds to the CRD's curb weight versus the gasoline model. DaimlerChrysler introduced the CRD to gauge the marketability of diesel engines in North America; diesels are already quite common in Europe. Jeep exceeded their expectations by selling 10,000 Liberty CRD models in the first calendar year of sales.

Only available in 2005 and 2006 for the Sport and Limited models, the 2.8L CRD has since been discontinued due to stricter 2007 United States diesel emission standards. Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New York and California had already banned sale of the vehicle due to their rigid state emissions regulations.

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: 2-HI, 4-HI, Neutral, and 4-LO. The lever is placed 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; the included torque multiplier allows for 2.72 times the amount of torque, but the speed is limited to around 25 MPH max. 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 five positions: 2-HI, 4-HI Full-Time, 4-HI Part-Time, Neutral, and 4-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 adds the same traction benefits that the part-time 4WD setting offers, but features an open differential between the front and rear axles to allow the two axles to spin at independent speeds and eliminate drive line binding and wheel-hop. This position gives the rear wheels 60% of the engine's power and the front wheels 40% of the engine's power. The division of power and open center differntial allows the Selec-Trac transfer case to be theoretically operated at all times in an "All Wheel Drive" mode with no adverse effects.

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 KK (2008-present)

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 for the American market 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 20GB 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.

References

  • "Jeep's target: Everybody". Detroit News. Retrieved January 9. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)

See also