Heres a story on the CRD for you all to read.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/ ... &cset=true

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_________________
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L and A8
*SOLD*2005 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 CRD, Bright Silver Metallic, Dk/Lt Slate Gray Leather w/bun warmers, 5 spd auto, 22G pkg, Trailer Tow, 3.73 Rear Axle w/Trac-Lok Differential, P235/70R16 Firestone Destination LE's, Power Sunroof, Selec-Trac 4WD, Infinity 6-Disc In-Dash, Magnaflow #15870 System.

hmm, I tried it in Firefox and no login.
Internet Explorer wants me to login.
Aghhhhhhhhhh

Oh well here it is.

=======================================================
Jim Mateja

Diesel Liberty mileage better but not much

Published February 12, 2006

Jeep has an alternative to having to stop once a week for gas.

The solution is to stop once a week for diesel fuel in your compact Liberty sport-utility that, until the 2005 model year, ran on gasoline only.

We tested the 2006 Liberty Limited in diesel version.

A diesel vehicle, whether truck, SUV or sedan, is an acquired taste. It has a few quirks that the traditional gas powered vehicle doesn't.

There's nothing more satisfying than taking off for a long trip in a diesel because the mileage is superior to gasoline.

The gas version compact Liberty was hardly a fuel-economy champ to begin with. Its base 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower 4-cylinder obtained 20 m.p.g. city and 24 m.p.g. highway, and its 3.7-liter, 210-h.p. V-6 got 17/21.

The 2.8-liter, turbodiesel 4 is rated at 22 m.p.g. city and 26 m.p.g. highway, which, for a compact anything, is nothing very special.

And there is nothing more troubling than having driven a long distance in a diesel vehicle and noticing the fuel is running low.

If you've never experienced a diesel, there are a few sacrifices you have to make. One is finding fuel when not traveling the interstate dotted with truck stops that carry it. Traveling in town means having to search a little and not let the tank get down to one-quarter or less.

We had to stop at a couple stations off the beaten path before finding a diesel pump. Unfortunately, the pump dispensed gas and diesel from the same side and a full-size pickup was filling with gas as we waited.

Another problem is that diesel fuel doesn't smell like cologne. You learn that it stinks when you grab the fuel pump handle typically saturated with it and start to fill the tank. And you remember it stinks when you carry the smell on your hands until you find the nearest bar of soap. On the positive side, unless you fail to wash it off your hands, the smell doesn't permeate the cabin while motoring.

Unlike gas, diesel also tends to foam when filling, which means it can take a little longer to fuel up because the filler nozzle reads the "foam" as a full tank and stops.

Finally, we paid 20 cents a gallon more for diesel than gasoline. Sometimes diesel costs less, sometimes it costs more, and sometimes the spread is more than 20 cents.

Those who buy a diesel simply to save on the weekly fuel budget need to rethink their game plan.

If you are checking into diesels, better you think of its two other advantages --more mileage than gasoline and more torque for better power to tow the boat without gasping for breath.

As for the test, diesel engines used to make so much racket they'd wake the neighborhood. The commotion is far less now than it was a decade ago. But if you are driving a gas/electric that starts in whisper-quiet battery mode, you may run for cover the first time you turn over a diesel engine thinking the vehicle is about to explode.

Diesels take some getting used to. The diesel engine is heavier than its gas counterpart, and you feel it in the wheel. The vehicle always feels a little nose heavy. And you have to keep that in mind when directing the front end in and out of the corner or turn because the extra pounds mean it is slower to respond to steering-wheel input.

And, because of the added weight, you have to learn to apply the brakes a bit sooner to stop even with the sign rather than a little ahead of it. Mastery is a quick study, though.

No gripes with the suspension, which kept the Liberty diesel from feeling as if piloting a pickup.

Seats are well cushioned and supportive, and controls are within easy reach and use. The cabin is a tad snug, common for a compact SUV. Those designated to ride in the second row have ample head room, but tight knee room and a much too narrow door opening for entry or exit.

One concern with diesels is federal emissions standards for 2007 that strictly limit oxides of nitrogen emissions and will be tough for diesels to manage.That, and needing fuel with lower sulfur content. Once the petroleum companies stop counting their profits from $3 a gallon gas, they'll have time to focus on the same lower sulfur diesel for the U.S. that's now offered in Europe, don't you think?

John Plecha, director of marketing and product planning for Jeep, said the diesel Liberty can be sold in 45 states, based on even stricter emissions regulations in the others.

So you can visit New York, California, Maine, Massachusetts or Vermont in your diesel Liberty, you just can't buy diesel fuel when it's time to go home.

"We have no plans to drop the Liberty diesel," Plecha said. "We will market it this model year and evaluate our options after that, but I can't share its future with you.

"Our diesel team is looking at future [emission] requirements. We are committed to meeting 2007 [emission] requirements and are looking at what it will take to do that," he said.

Plecha said Liberty diesel buyers are predominantly males (75 percent) looking for greater driving range and towing capability. And they are older, averaging 51, while the average age of the gas Liberty buyer is 47.

And nearly all have owned a diesel in the past and aren't deterred by the price of fuel.

"For a while late last year, diesel was running $1 a gallon more than gas in some places and we still had good sales months," Plecha said. And, "we haven't had any complaints about diesel smell, either."

Jeep sold 8,580 diesel Libertys in 2005, about 2,000 more than it had planned. Plecha won't reveal the goals for 2006. Many automakers have gotten gun shy about estimating sales because if they fall short by even one vehicle they get hammered by the media, analysts and Wall Street.

Base price of the Liberty Limited is $25,920. The turbodiesel and 5-speed automatic add $985.

Standard equipment includes electronic stability control, part-time four-wheel-drive with a transfer case, all-speed traction control, rear-window wiper/washer/defroster, air conditioning, power windows, power locks and mirrors and a couple power outlets.

The vehicle tested was loaded with options and one of the most appreciated was the cheapest, the rear cargo organizer for $175. It's a thick sheet of plastic that lifts and converts into a tabletop when you slip it into the holders in back.

You then can carry suitcases under it and lift the plastic dividers along the top of the table to store more items in the compartments they create above.

Another neat feature is the series of plastic grocery bag holders built into the second row seat backs, an amenity that's standard.

As for gripes, some may be upset over the two-step process to load cargo. The tailgate swings out rather than lifting, but the window first has to be raised out of the way.

- - -

2006 Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4

Price as tested: $30,960

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches

Length: 174.4 inches

Engine: 2.8-liter, 160-h.p., turbocharged 4-cylinder

Transmission: 5-speed automatic

CITY: 22 m.p.g.

HWY: 26 m.p.g.

THE STICKER

Base: $25,920

$1,570 Preferred equipment package with leather seats, power front seats, AM/FM radio with six-disc player and six speakers, power heated foldaway mirrors, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, self-dimming mirror and universal garage door opener

$150 Off-road skid plate package with skid plates for transmission, suspension, fuel tank and transfer case

$985 Turbodiesel with 5-speed automatic

$490 Side air bags

$760 Power sunroof

$365 Trailer towing group

$275 U-Connect hands free phone

$195 Sirius satellite radio

$175 Rear cargo organizer

$75 Tire-pressure monitoring system

* Add $660 for freight.

PLUSES

- Turbodiesel improves mileage versus gas engine model.

- Diesel extends driving range over gas version model.

- Neat cargo organizer that converts to a table.

MINUSES

- Diesel clatter.

- Diesel fuel smell on your hands.

- Mileage still not great for a compact SUV.

- Diesel running more per gallon than gas.

- Lots of options to boost the price.

People who "test" or "borrow" or "rent" diesel vehicles almost always say this. Because they only fill up once.

But if you "own" a diesel vehicle, after a month or so you should know your area better. Unless you forget the station each time you fill up. ")

So the only problem is travelling and being away from the interstate or in suburbs. Sure - when in a strange unknown suburb you might want to keep a close eye on the guage and start looking for a station before you actually need it.



Yeah, cause gasoline smells like roses.

Solution? Move to New Jersey, or Oregon where you can't pump your own gas - or use biodiesel which smells like fryer oil.

Or don't get it on your hands...



This is true. But the time is not the big issue. For me, here in Oregon, is that most attendants never fill the tank all the way. They fill it till it stops, then shut off and that is it. But if you let the foam settle, or on a VW use the pressure relsase valve - you can get another gallon or two in there. In the other 48 states, this is not as much of a problem...



What?

First:

Liberty != Porsche 911

OK, now that we have that out of the way - I find it hard to believe that 90% of people would even be able to notice any difference because of the "weight" of the CRD motor vs. the 3.7L motor... This is just a stupid statement by someone trying to find reasons to bash the CRD.



What? Since when did CARB outlaw the sale of diesel fuel?

The author is an idiot. You can buy diesel fuel all over California. You just can't buy a NEW car to use it in.



But you can also get things in and out without opening the tailgate. I personally don't like one piece rear hatches....



The cargo organizer is a plus for the diesel? Funny that...

I guess any press is sort of good press, eh?

_________________
http://www.pdxbiodiesel.org

It's too hard, these diesels are just too hard to handle...it's like driving a 50 ton steam locomotive, it's just so darn hard to drive...sob, sob, really hard sob, hiccup, burp, runny nose. All those diesel dials and diesel gauges and diesel seats and diesel pedals. And the smell, oh the smell of diesel, it's brutal, it's obscene, no candypants journalist should have to be subjected to that kind of abuse,,, sniff, wipes nose, tiny shoulders heaving and sobbing with emotion as he climbs back into his civilized electric-gas hybrid, pedals his way home to momma, who not liking his stinky diesel hands, spanks him good and sends him to bed.

And yet, somehow, the diesel Liberty manages to keep selling. To HE-MEN no doubt... after all, civilized people can't handle these iron horses. Mule Skinner! What say you? Does diesel have a future?

Liberty Diesel - a vehicle only a HE-MAN and his diesel engineer can drive No journalists need apply.

_________________
2005 LTD CRD RB1 NAV/Htd Leather seats/Amsoil EA filters
SunCoast Mega Trans & Billet TC/PML pan/Aux cooler
Fuel cooler/Lift Pump/10um Pri/Racor R490 2um Sec Fuel Filters
IronMan Lift/Shocks/Provent/Moog ball joints/ V6 Airbox/Fan/Hayden
Cobalt Boost/EGT/Oil/Trans/Volt gauges/Aeroturbine 2525
Yeti Hot Tune/Odessey 65/Samco's/Michelin Defenders

UGH !!!

Grog think funny and shoot spoiled milk out nose ...

seriously ... who can't appreciate this scientific approach to critiquing a vehicle with numerous supporting facts.

Nope, this guy hates hybrids too. He's been around a while, have seen several of his auto reviews published over the years, and if anything he's gotten more stupid and asinine over the years. This guy will find a reason to trash any vehicle that doesn't fulfill all of his personal peeves and preferences, no matter how good it is, and for one that does, praise it to the high heavens even if it's a piece of crap. The term "objective evaluation" isn't in this guy's vocabulary. He tells people to buy what HE likes. And a good part of his writing style and comments are probably just to antagonize and create controversy, ie, increase his paper's circulation and justify his paycheck. As long as he's getting paid to test drive new vehicles, he probably doesn't give a whit what he actually writes about them.

_________________
Mitchell Oates
'87 MB 300D Diamond Blue Metallic
'87 MB 300D - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Sport CRD Stone White
Provent CCV Filter/AT2525 Muffler
Stanadyne 30 u/Cat 2 u Fuel Filters
Fumoto Drain/Fleetguard LF3487 Oil filter
V6 Airbox/Amsoil EAA Air Filter
Suncoast TC/Shift Kit/Aux Cooler
Kennedy Lift Pump/Return Fuel Cooler

Some people like this guy should just be taken out back and shot for the sake of the sanity of the rest of us. ive never heard as much BS about a car in all my life. I about blew a gasket when he said you cant buy diesel in the northeast. how this kinda of garbage gets published is beyond me. Seems DC would be getting some writers that wnated to say some good things about the CRD, pay off or not. I dont think Ive seen more than one good artical on the CRD. Everything always comes out like this. I for one love the smell of diesel over gas and I like the way it sounds, makes you know there is still somehting under the hood. I guess us He-Men will just have to keep the diesel thing going then... LOL

_________________
'64 Warrior Rail
1600 DP
Duel Webber 34 ICT
Centerline rims 135/15 and 31x12's
"Do it in the Dirt"

Nice post valkraider. I think the article just demonstrates the current state of knowlegde (i.e ignorance) regarding diesels in general. Right now it seems all of the "enlightened ones" are on a hybrid kick. "Anything but diesel", I guess.

_________________
2006 Liberty Limited CRD Bright Silver Metallic (NOW SOLD)
All Recalls Performed
100k extended warranty
Fumoto Oil Drain Valves (Oil Pan & Transfer Case)
V6 Airbox Mod
New Driveshaft, New EGR
2003 Wrangler Sport 4.0L, Bright Blue
2007 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited 4 Door, Red Rock Crystal Pearl WOW!!!

And for those of you thinking about writing a reply to set Mr Mateja straight, I wouldn't bother. It's been tried. All he does is belittle the writer for questioning his august opinion with some smarta** remark and doesn't even discuss the writer's counterpoints in his rebuttal, or dismisses them out of hand with above said remark.

He's paid to test drive cars, nothing more. He doesn't know flip about how they actually work, which should be obvious from the above article.

He's like a 6 year old kid that says a 4 letter word to get attention, it strokes his ego when someone writes in to him, lets him know that someone is reading his articles and giving him attention, and he becomes even more arrogant and dismissive. Best way to handle Mr Mateja is to treat him like said 6 year old, ignore him when he says the figurative 4 letter word. When he sees that what he's writing isn't having the desired effect (causing controversy and garnering attention), he'll drop it and move on to something else.

I wouldn't respond to him directly. If anything, I'd write to the owners or staff of the Chicago Tribune, list the facts point by point as to what he got completely wrong, and then give your opinion of a newspaper that would hire someone so clueless about said vehicles to write in their automotive section. And if someone from the general public asks about his article, I'd certainly feel free to give them my unbiased opinion of it, just like Mr Mateja does with the vehicles he drives!

_________________
Mitchell Oates
'87 MB 300D Diamond Blue Metallic
'87 MB 300D - R.I.P. 12/08
'05 Sport CRD Stone White
Provent CCV Filter/AT2525 Muffler
Stanadyne 30 u/Cat 2 u Fuel Filters
Fumoto Drain/Fleetguard LF3487 Oil filter
V6 Airbox/Amsoil EAA Air Filter
Suncoast TC/Shift Kit/Aux Cooler
Kennedy Lift Pump/Return Fuel Cooler

I agree with the other post...I LOVE the diesel sound. I wish mine was louder. There is nothing more thrilling than hearing that clatter when you push on the skinny pedal. Diesel POWER...that's what it's all about.

500 miles on one 20 gallon tank
towing 5,000 lbs.
power even uphill in the rocky mountains where the air is thin
only stopping for oil changes half as often
running the engine for 300,000 miles before overhaul
never feeling the tranny downshift just because you hit a hill
lots more resale value if you decide to sell it

Let's see him enjoy these features in a GAS SUV... The people who don't understand or appreciate diesels need to leave them to us, and keep their mouths shut. That's my opinion. Because most of the people who own CRDs bought them because they know what diesels are and appreciate them.

_________________

2005 Stone White KJ Limited CRD 4x4
Off-Road Pkg
Trac-Lok
Emu 790s/948s
Skyjacker H7088s rear/Bilsteins front
15x7 Black Rock Lobos/31x10.50 Firestones
GDE HOT Tune + TCM Tune
Euro TC
CB radio
Thrush Turbo muffler
AEM DryFlow filter

I think DC needs to do a better job of marketing the CRD so people don't listen to nuts like the Tribune author that spread misinformation. They should have gone after consumer reports for the bogus reports they gave saying we get 11 mpg. Peolpe don't realize that diesels are very well accepted everywhere else. 50 percent of the vehicles in europe are diesel.

I think diesel is a more practical answer than hybrids. We can use bio diesel and cut our oil dependicies. But that concept doesn't get any press.

_________________
Sold 05 CRD Patriot Blue, hole in the roof, Trailer tow, factory skids, LSD, Saris load bars, Michelin LTX M/S
Current Bright white 2010 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 V8

Its just sad that such a major league idiot can continue to print such mis-information......and not be held accountable for it.

_________________
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten

Just for $hits and giggles I think DC should team up with BIO WILLIE to get the word across.
Start some campain to introduce the CRD Wrangler and or if the Gladiator comes out.

More info @ www.biowillie.com

_________________
'64 Warrior Rail
1600 DP
Duel Webber 34 ICT
Centerline rims 135/15 and 31x12's
"Do it in the Dirt"

Here is a short review on the CRD from last year. At least isn't biased against diesels...

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/05liberty_crd.htm

_________________
2005 LTD CRD RB1 NAV/Htd Leather seats/Amsoil EA filters
SunCoast Mega Trans & Billet TC/PML pan/Aux cooler
Fuel cooler/Lift Pump/10um Pri/Racor R490 2um Sec Fuel Filters
IronMan Lift/Shocks/Provent/Moog ball joints/ V6 Airbox/Fan/Hayden
Cobalt Boost/EGT/Oil/Trans/Volt gauges/Aeroturbine 2525
Yeti Hot Tune/Odessey 65/Samco's/Michelin Defenders

Good article..... This is the last article I read on the CRD before I decided to go take the test drive and buy it.

_________________
LOST#065178
2005 KJ Sport CRD
2.5" Daystar(F) Skyjacker(R) hybrid lift
245/75/16 MTRs on Moab rims
JKS Supernerf Rockrails/MOPAR skids
Aeroturbine 2525

Another Great Article... http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/roa ... 48051&pg=1

Ha! That ChiTown Tribune article is a gas! Bwaahhaa ha ha ha. I wonder if that loser actually thinks anyone reads his spewings in an effort to actually learn about cars? Mr Mateja is a putz.

Michael (retmil46) are you actually saying he LIKED a car at some time in the past? I've never heard him say anything positive about anything. What was it? An Aston Martin? Or are they too heavy for his little thin wrists?

Although, I have to say, when I read "But if you are driving a gas/electric that starts in whisper-quiet battery mode, you may run for cover the first time you turn over a diesel engine thinking the vehicle is about to explode." just made me go "Mwwwaahh haa haa haa haa!!" Or "Ugh ugh ugh" (if you prefer the Tim Allen method of gutteral message delivery). I LOVE that sound!

And also, my finacee LOVES the CRD KJ!!! She wants the dang thing BAD!! I have to hide the key or she'll take it. And she's going to get it as soon as her Nissan dies. I'll get another diesel when that happens soooOOOOoooo, COME ON GLADIATOR!! And I hope Mr Mateja trashes it too. I don't like worthless wastes of flesh to like the vehicles I drive any more than I like movies that stupid fat-headed morons like.

_________________

_______________________DogDomain_______________________

Hey ... I'm a "she-woman" AND a journalist and I do OK with my beastly, monstrous diesels.

_________________
2005 Liberty CRD Limited, Light Khaki on Slate - 142,000 miles
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300D - 314,000 miles
1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D 4spd manual - 371,000 miles
2018 Chevy Cruze 1.6L turbodiesel, 6spd manual - 58,000 miles
1982 Peugeot 505 diesel, 4spd manual - 132,000 miles
1994 Mercedes-Benz SL500 - 94,000 miles

Better watch out Those other journalists might have to drag you off to a 6 week de-programming boot camp and show you just how bad diesels really are!

_________________
2005 LTD CRD RB1 NAV/Htd Leather seats/Amsoil EA filters
SunCoast Mega Trans & Billet TC/PML pan/Aux cooler
Fuel cooler/Lift Pump/10um Pri/Racor R490 2um Sec Fuel Filters
IronMan Lift/Shocks/Provent/Moog ball joints/ V6 Airbox/Fan/Hayden
Cobalt Boost/EGT/Oil/Trans/Volt gauges/Aeroturbine 2525
Yeti Hot Tune/Odessey 65/Samco's/Michelin Defenders