2008 Liberty - DC still doesn't get it quite right . . .

railguy · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:16 pm

Well, as a 2005 Libby CRD owner, I looked with interest to see if the '08 Liberty would be a big improvement over my '05. Doesn't look like it. First, NO CRD! How long is it going to take the EPA/automaker "brains" to figure out that a 15 mpg SUV ain't gonna sell when fuel is $5.00+ a gallon? A diesel shouldn't just be an option in trucks/SUV's--it ought to be the standard. Second, the Liberty's other big drawback is its lack of ground clearance--thanks in large part to its IFS suspension. It looks like the '08 doesn't offer much improvement over the '02-'07in that arena, either. Here again, the manufacturers assume that the average SUV buyer never takes his or her SUV off-road. That may be true now, but when fuel costs force the "Main Street" four-wheelers out of the market, the people left buying 4WD SUV's and trucks might just expect them to be able to handle real 4WD trails. Oh, and I think Jeep's "Trail-Rated" badge is BS. My 2005 CRD (it's "Trail-Rated," according to Jeep) is a great vehicle--as long as it doesn't see a real nasty trail. One of these days, I'll go for the CRD Frankenlift II so that it actually will have adequate ground clearance. Until then, I'll just continue to use my old '98 Cherokee--that actually will go over the rough trails the Libby can't make.

As for the '08 Libby, put the CRD in it and give it some decent ground clearance, or I won't be trading for one.

duckhunter71 · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:46 pm

You've made some good points.. but you have to realize that Jeep is not in business to keep off-roaders happy. They are in business to sell vehicles. Plain and simple. If all of their vehicles rode like Wranglers, people wouldn't want them. These are the times we live in.. everything's a little watered down for the sake of comfort and popular opinion. I guess that's what the aftermarket is for.. making what is already a good starting point a good trail vehicle.

Neatus · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2007 10:58 pm

railguy wrote:

Second, the Liberty's other big drawback is its lack of ground clearance--thanks in large part to its IFS suspension. .

Hmmm, I don't think the ground clearance suffers because it has IFS....it suffers because this particular IFS system is not built for clearance. I drive these and they are independant front and rear and have loads of clearance.

Reflex · **Joined:** Mon Jan 29, 2007 8:48 pm **Posts:** 567

Um, is it just me or does it sound like you want a Wrangler? The Liberty is not supposed to be the end-all/be-all off road machine, its a compromise between on-road and off-road capability. It is for the market that wants to be able to handle off-road if necessary(or for the occasional recreation), but who also uses it as a daily driver. People like me, basically.

I don't honestly give a darn if it has the best clearance possible if that would mess up its comfort on the long road trips I take mine on. People who need that can buy a Wrangler.

Cowcatcher · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2007 12:35 am

Seems a little more "Trail Rated" than a RAV or CRV.

wendell · **Posted:** Mon Sep 10, 2007 10:07 am

There is no DC, there's just Chrysler, the germans are 80% out at last "thank God"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rob92xj · **Posted:** Sun Sep 23, 2007 6:34 pm

Cowcatcher wrote:

Seems a little more "Trail Rated" than a RAV or CRV.

Look on the right side of the tailgate CRD, we need them here in the States, but I like the KK more then the KJ and I have only PDIed 2 of them at work.

crimsonfox · **Posted:** Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:03 am

Didn't that move from DC to just Chrysler only happen a couple of months ago? I'm sure DC was more involved in the research and design portion of the KK. I'm sure it will be a couple of years before we start to see the results of the change in ownership.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:07 am

Just remember there really is no "Perfect Vehicle" made that can meet all the needs/wants of a driver. If you get the large size for cargo, it is harder to park. If you get the high mileage we all would like, you can lose performance. If the window controls are on the drivers door, you could lose your left hand (joking of course). The point is we find what meets most of our needs and put up with the quirks or modify our rides...

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:08 pm

I checked one out at a local dealer and didnt like it much at all. I must say the new bells and whisltes get me going but it looks like they are even lower to the ground then a stock kj and the looks just are not much either.

I dont know how good the rear suspension is at flexing. Even if it does flex as much as a stock kj, will it flex more with just new shocks? Or is more needed.

They did fix the front balljoints(turned them the correct way) but who is to say they wont fail also? Can the front suspension flex as much if you remove the sway bar? That upper A-arm didnt look as long.

Gas tank in the middle? Bad offroad?

Does it weigh more? Going to be slower than the Kj?

15mpg city and 19mpg hw? :shock:

That should help sales. :roll:

Get the Kj's while you can!

2008 Liberty - DC still doesn't get it quite right . . .

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