Jeep Liberty

Jeep Liberty

Manufacturer	DaimlerChrysler (2002-07) Chrysler LLC (2007–2009) Chrysler Group LLC (2009–present)
Production	2002–present
Assembly	Toledo, Ohio, United States Cairo, Egypt Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela
Predecessor	Jeep Cherokee
Class	Compact SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Related	Dodge Nitro

The Jeep Liberty (KJ/KK), or Jeep Cherokee (KJ/KK) outside North America, is a compact SUV produced by the Jeep marque of Chrysler. Introduced for the 2002 model year, the Liberty was priced between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. It was the smallest of the 4-door Jeep SUVs up until the car based 4-door Compass and Patriot arrived for 2007. The Liberty featured a unibody-on-ladder-frame construction, which added additional stiffness to its ride and handling, and enhanced its off-road capabilities. It is assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in the United States, as well as in other countries including Egypt and Venezuela. Current estimates by Jeep, are that 70% of Liberty buyers are new to the marque.^[1]

First generation KJ (2002–2007)

First generation

Production	2002–2007
Platform	Chrysler KJ platform
Engine(s)	2.4 L PowerTech I4  •Displacement:144.0 CID (2,360 cc)[2]  •Stroke: 3.82 in (97 mm)[2]  •Bore: 3.46 in (88 mm)[2]  •Power: 172 hp (128 kW) 3.7 L PowerTech V6  •Displacement:226.0 CID (3,701 cc)[3]  •Stroke: 3.57 in (91 mm)[3]  •Bore: 3.66 in (93 mm)[3]  •Power: 210 hp (160 kW)[3]  •Torque: 235 ft·lbf (319 N·m)[3] 2.5 L VM Motori CRD VGT I4  •Displacement:152.5 CID (2,499 cc)[4]  •Power: 160 hp (120 kW)[4]  •Torque: 280 ft·lbf (380 N·m)[4] 2.8 L VM Motori CRD VGT I4  •Displacement:171 CID (2,768 cc)[5]  •Stroke: 3.94 in (100 mm)[5]  •Bore: 3.70 in (94 mm)[5]  •Power: 160 hp (120 kW)[5]  •Torque: 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m)[5]
Transmission(s)	5-speed NVG NV1500 manual 5-speed NVG NV3500 manual 6-speed Mercedes/Chrysler NSG370 manual 4-speed Chrysler 42RLE automatic multi-speed Chrysler 45RFE automatic multi-speed Chrysler 5-45RFE automatic (2.8L CRD only)
Wheelbase	104.2 in (2647 mm)
Length	2005-07: 174.7 in (4437 mm) 2002-04: 174.2 in (4425 mm)
Width	2002-04: 71.1 in (1806 mm) 2005-07: 71.8 in (1824 mm)
Height	2002-04: 73.2 in (1860 mm) 2005-07: 69.8 in (1773 mm)
Curb weight	4033 lb (1829 kg)

Inspired by styling from the Dakar^[6] and Jeepster^[7] concept cars, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD. In 2007, the Renegade trim level was replaced with the Latitude that appeared to focus more on an 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. The VM Motori 2.8 L I4 common rail turbodiesel, became available in CRD branded 2005–2006 Sport and Limited models (2004 in the UK). The diesel utilized a variable geometry turbocharger and generated 160 horsepower (120 kW) 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 common in Europe. The Liberty was also the first Jeep vehicle to use rack and pinion steering.^[8]

2005–2007 Jeep Liberty

Only available in 2005 and 2006 for the Sport and Limited models, the 2.8L VM Motori 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. A 3.0L CRD engine, based on a Mercedes-Benz BlueTec design, is still in production for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent front suspension, as the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1960s. However, the Wagoneer with the independent front suspension was never put into production, due to how fast the bushings would wear out. Jeep exceeded their expectations by selling 10,000 Liberty CRD models in its first calendar year of production. In addition, the Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002.

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, and by using a lower gear ratio, allows for 2.72 times more torque (however, 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 Part-Time, 4-HI Full-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. The down side of 4WD Hi Full-Time is that, due to the open differential between front and rear drive lines, at times the drive train will only deliever power to the front or the rear e.g. when the front of the vehicle has reached a high traction surface such as dry pavement and the rear is in sand, the rear tires will spin with 100% of engine power, the front receiving no traction. Under equal traction conditions (front-rear) 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 differential allows the Selec-Trac transfer case to be operated at all times in an "All Wheel Drive" mode with no adverse effects.

International versions

Numerous versions are available in markets outside the U.S. and Canada.

Early 02 - Mid 03 CRD's were 2.5lt VM Motori Diesel and had 105Kw and 343Nm (std external wastegated turbo and Manual only)

A commercial Cherokee version with 2.5 CRD engine and five-speed transmission rated at 34.4 miles per imperial gallon (8.21 L/100 km; 28.6 mpg_-US) has a completely flat cargo area (the rear seat area has a carpeted full-length galvanized metal floor) and the rear quarter glass and rear door glass is replaced with fixed body colored aluminium panels (the front doors have power windows). For additional cargo security a removable floor to ceiling metal and mesh bulkhead is optional. In European markets, VAT registered buyers can claim back the tax paid as this qualifies as a Commercial Vehicle.

• Arab American Vehicles Company (a joint venture) assembles the Jeep Cherokee (Liberty) for the Egyptian market.
• Carabobo Assembly Plant (DaimlerChrysler de Venezuela) assembles the Jeep Cherokee (Liberty) in Valencia, Carabobo for the Venezuelan market.

Second generation KK (2008–present)

Second generation

Production	2008–present
Platform	Chrysler KK platform
Engine(s)	3.7 L PowerTech V6  •Displacement:226.0 CID (3,701 cc)[3]  •Stroke: 3.57 in (91 mm)[3]  •Bore: 3.66 in (93 mm)[3]  •Power: 210 hp (160 kW)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	106.1 in (2695 mm)
Length	176.9 in (4493 mm)
Width	72.4 in (1840 mm)
Height	74.9 in (1902 mm)
Related	Dodge Nitro

The Jeep Liberty received 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,^[9] while the Nitro is not offered with low-range gearing. The 2008 Liberty debuted at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.^[10]

The Liberty dropped its four-cylinder option because the Patriot and Compass crossover SUVs took its place as Jeep's four-cylinder vehicles. The iron-block, aluminum-head V6 is the only engine available for 2008. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). For now, there is no diesel model for the U.S. Jeep stopped building the Liberty CRD for the American market because it couldn't 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. New Features include standard side airbags. Optional features are rain-sensing wipers, Sirius Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a navigation system, and the MyGig entertainment system, complete with a 30GB hard drive.

Two models will be offered at rollout: Sport and Limited. Wheel choices are 16-, 17- and 18-inch (460 mm). Among the more distinctive features is the Sky Slider, a power roof made from “reinforced acrylic cloth” that opens over the front and rear seats. The Sky Slider opens up to 60 inches (1,500 mm) by 30 inches (760 mm), which is the largest opening in its class. Jeep claims that the idea behind the Sky Slider was to give consumers the open-air feeling from previous Jeep models while maintaining the rigidity and safety of a sturdy frame.^[11]

The 2009 Liberty is relatively unchanged from the 2008 models with the exception of stiffer rear axle shafts and retuned springs, shocks, anti-roll bars, steering gear valve, low rollback brake calipers and a revised brake pedal ratio. Also the six-speed manual transmission is no longer available. The four speed automatic is now standard.^[12]

Notes

References

• "Jeep's target: Everybody". Detroit News. http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060109/AUTO04/601090382/1148/AUTO01. Retrieved January 9, 2006. 

External links

Wikibooks has a book on the topic of Jeep Liberty

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Jeep Liberty

• Jeep.com
• 2008 Jeep Liberty Information
• 2008 Jeep Liberty Production