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Jeep Liberty - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Jeep Liberty ranks 19 out of 23 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Jeep Liberty, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Liberty's strong suit is its excellent off-road capabilities. However, even with last year's redesign it can't match the raw power and refined handling of rivals. For more refined off-roading options, consider the Nissan Xterra and Ford Explorer.

The 2009 Jeep Liberty may boast a macho-looking exterior and unique Sky Slider full-length canvas roof (an industry first), but most test drivers say it's not a good choice for daily commuting or a lot of on-pavement driving. "Jeep calls Liberty one of its 'traditional' trucks, as it retains the brand's trademark off-road prowess -- unlike the more car-like Compass and Patriot," says Consumer Guide. "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."

In an effort to improve ride and handling, the Liberty's brakes and suspension have been retuned for 2009. Jeep has also dropped the optional manual transmission. Jeep's parent company, Chrysler, has filed for bankruptcy and is expected to merge with Italian automaker Fiat. The combined company will most likely drop some of Chryser's low-selling models while introducing new Fiat model's to the U.S. While this may discourage you from buying a Chrysler, it shouldn't -- all warranties will continue to be honored and many dealerships will remain open. Plus, check out great Jeep deals that may be available on slow-selling or soon-to-be-disctontinued models.

The Liberty is available in two trim levels -- Sport and Limited -- which both come with a V6 engine and a choice of two four-wheel drive systems.

• "Jeep's Liberty is like a macho version of the Honda CR-V, offering tenacious off-road ability in the small-SUV class. Redesigned for 2008, the latest Liberty has a more chiseled exterior but it drives much like the unrefined original, finishing last in a nine-SUV comparison test." -- Car and Driver
• "The all-new Jeep Liberty is designed to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female." -- 4-Wheel & Off-Road
• "This is exactly the kind of vehicle that will appeal to the target demographic. Plus, now that the cutesy design has been swapped out for a muscular box-on-wheels look, there's a better chance that guys will actually buy the thing." -- Autobytel
• "Since the new one is easier on the eyes, a bit more fuel-efficient and has a few new convenience features, it should continue to appeal to its soft-core demographic." -- New York Times

Liberty Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Liberty continues to shine in its off-road performance, but test drivers say it just isn't engineered for a comfortable on-pavement ride. "Soft springs make this tall SUV feel tippy and nervous," says Car and Driver. "Combined with a soft brake pedal and crude engine, the Liberty isn't very happy on-road." A retuned suspension for this year may improve the ride somewhat, although only time will tell. continue

Liberty Exterior - 7.5 (Good)

Thanks to last year's redesign, the 2009 Liberty has shed its feminine styling for a more rugged, masculine look that reviewers love. "The Liberty features Jeep's traditional seven-slot grille and trapezoidal fender flares that enhance the vehicle's side profile," says Cars.com. "Unlike many panoramic sunroofs offered today, Jeep's Sky Slider roof is made of canvas rather than glass." continue

Liberty Interior - 7.4 (Good)

The 2009 Jeep Liberty's five-seat interior is comfortable enough, but several reviewers are disappointed in the quality of materials. "Liberty shares its basic design with the Dodge Nitro, and some cabin materials are a notch upscale of that SUV," says Consumer Guide. "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." continue

Liberty Safety - 7.5 (Good)

The 2009 Liberty features plenty of standard safety equipment, including stability control and side air bags. It also does very well in federal government crash tests, and reviewers praise its Enhanced Accident Response System. continue

Liberty Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Jeep Liberty reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Liberty is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. continue