The 2008 Jeep Liberty
The second generation 2008 Jeep Liberty went into production on July 24, 2007. The Jeep Liberty has two Trail Rated® four-wheel-drive systems – Command-Trac® and the Selec-Trac® II - and on-road ride and handling have been improved with the new independent front suspension, five-link rear suspension, and rack-and-pinion steering. The interior returns to the squarish Cherokee look, enhanced by the new Sky Slider™ full-open canvas roof, giving the Jeep Liberty an open-air experience. See our Auto Show coverage for introduction photos and information.
Inside, cargo and storage space increased and seat comfort improved; remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, and express up/down windows were added.
The six speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions continue. The standard 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy (with the standard - and only - V6) was improved by about 2 mpg with either stick or automatic; it is now an estimated 16 city (18 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), and 22 mpg on the highway (23 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards). Wind drag remains high but is now lower than the Dodge Shadow; the improvement in aerodynamics may have counteracted the increase in weight. The Renegade is no longer available, at least not at launch. Starting price at launch is $20,990 for rear wheel drive and $22,600 for four wheel drive, including destination, over $1,000 less than the 2007 base model despite extra features. The Limited starts at $25,175 (RWD) and $26,785 (4x4).
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has safety systems including standard electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, all-speed traction control, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, rain sensing wipers, tire pressure monitoring, and side-curtain air bags.
Exclusive Allpar Jeep Liberty interviews (April 2007)
Rick Reuter is a personable engineer at Chrysler who answered our questions easily, with an air of conviction that may come from having two Jeep Libertys in the family, belonging to his wife and daughter. He said that:
- The diesel in the prior generation Liberty exceeded their sales expectations, but standards changed for 2007, and they decided to move to a bigger engine and put it into the Grand Cherokee.
- The 2.4 engine was never well received, and the power to weight ratio was too low; most buyers get four cylinders for better gas mileage, but real-world fuel economy wasn't much better with the 2.4. The V6 provides a better combination of performance and mileage; and dropping the 2.4 simplified their build processes.
- The 3.7 was used instead of the 3.8 largely due to production capacity.
- The four speed automatic was kept partly because keeping the powertrain unchanged helped them to focus on the key elements that needed work. Most people were happy with the 3.7/four-speed combination, which has been reliable; the focus was on what needed to be changed most. This included ride quality, moving the window switches back to the doors, and adding cargo space without much extra length. People like the Liberty partly because it's small on the outside; by moving the spare underneath, they could add to the length of the enclosed portion of the car, and lengthening it by two inches provided extra space for the rear seat as well. In addition, the mechanical transfer case worked well but many women did not like it due to the effort required, so they moved to an electronic shift, which is much easier.
We also asked how, with greater weight and the same powertrain, and a similar though improved drag coefficient, the Liberty could increase its gas mileage fairly substantially. According to Rick, this was largely a matter of reducing rolling resistance, increasing aerodynamic efficiency, and cutting parasitic losses. In particular, brake-specific fuel consumption was reduced through a different usage of EGR; and the electronic throttle helped to tighten engine control for a little more efficiency. Overall, Rick felt that real world gas mileage increased even more than EPA estimates.
Our next question had to do with styling, so Rick called over Ralph Gilles, who remains friendly and approachable despite his auto-world fame. We wondered about the risk Jeep was taking in so dramatically restyling a vehicle which has been an unquestionable hit, going from a more curvy style to the more rugged, blocky style; in particular, since most Liberty buyers have been women, we wondered if that would be an issue. Ralph responded that historically, women will buy a man’s car; what they liked about the Liberty was mainly the manageable size, which made it easy to park, fun to live with, and easy to own. It now looks more capable and rugged, which should appeal more to men, while still keeping the form factor liked by its current buyers. One styling cue he pointed out was the round headlights behind squarish lenses; they made the lamps oversized to scale the vehicle and keep it looking small and playful; the roundness gives it personality, the squareness ruggedness.
2008 Jeep Liberty gadgetry
The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System™ an audio, navigation, entertainment, and pphone system which allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music, photos, and voice memos can be stored. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through satellite radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions. All of these functions can be controlled through voice commands and by utilizing a touch screen. SIRIUS Satellite Radio provides U.S. customers with 130 channels, including commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. UConnect® uses Bluetooth® technology to provide wireless communication between the customer’s compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s on-board receiver.
Toledo North, home of the Liberty
The 2008 Jeep Liberty is produced at the Toledo North Assembly Plant (TNAP) in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro. The plant can make both models on one production line with near-zero swap time between two vehicles. The investment of $638 million included multiple plant upgrades, improving quality, productivity and worker ergonomics. More than 160,000 square feet were added to the plant floor to enhance body and assembly processes.
At the core of the new manufacturing process is a body shop comprising 150 new robots instead of the vehicle-specific heavy tooling that was previously used. The door, hood and liftgate assembly system is new, as are the side aperture assembly systems. Only the robots’ end effectors, or “hands,” need to change in order to build the different models. That tool change is done automatically, within the time it takes to cycle from one vehicle to the next. TNAP is flexible enough to vary production mix between two products anywhere from 0 to 100 percent of each model. A third model can also be piloted — or test-built — at the same time, helping reduce the time needed to make new-model changeovers.
New methods of material flow are being implemented to manage the complexity of two models being built on one assembly line. An inbound part sequencing center is housed in the adjoining Stickney complex and manages more than 1,600 different parts that are used in the Dodge Nitro, Jeep Liberty and Toledo Supplier Park's Jeep Wrangler two-door and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited four-door build processes. In addition to sequencing, this center provides parts metering, kitting and container management to both Toledo North and Toledo Supplier Park Assembly Plants. Additionally, a significant portion of the TNAP facility is fork-truck-free, as dollies provide materials to production areas, improving both employee safety and productivity measurements.
A new workplace organizational model, called Smart Manufacturing, is increasing the flexibility of the TNAP workforce, while fostering greater creativity and innovation from plant employees. This model is being implemented throughout the Chrysler Group's Manufacturing organization. In addition to extensive training, the new workplace model lets employees design their own workstations. These changes provide a better work environment for employees and give increased support to assembly line team members.
The 2.1-million-square-foot Toledo North Assembly Plant occupies 200 acres and has more than 2,700 employees working two shifts, with the third shift of approximately 750 employees to begin in the third quarter. Groundbreaking of Toledo North began in fall 1997. A third Chrysler Group plant is located in nearby Perrysburg, Ohio. The Toledo Machining Plant opened in 1967 and produces steering columns and torque converters.
2008 Liberty safety and security
New for Jeep Liberty and standard on 4x4 models is Hill Descent Control (HDC). Operational in the “4WD Low” position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. Liberty’s HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle in forward or reverse.
Standard on all Liberty models, Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver’s release of the brake pedal. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch.
As with all Jeep vehicles, Liberty features an ABS with Rough Road Detection. This system is capable of detecting when the vehicle is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel-speed signals. A rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails, which signals the ABS to hold the brake pressure for longer pulses. With a longer pressure pulse, the deformable surface of the rough road will form a wedge in front of the tire and assist in slowing the vehicle.
The Jeep Liberty also has Trailer Sway Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM) and rain-sensing wipers. Trailer Sway Control reduces trailer sway, providing improved trailer stability and increased towing safety. The TPM system informs occupants if tire pressure is too low by utilizing pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels. Jeep Liberty’s rain-sensing wipers automatically sense moisture on the windshield and activate the wipers.
Safety features include:
- Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags: Offering enhanced protection for a wider range of occupants, this system is designed to also identify the size of an occupant – using the Occupant Classification System – based primarily on weight for the front passenger seat
- Anti-lock Brake System (ABS): Senses and prevents wheel lockup, offering improved steering control under extreme braking and/or slippery conditions – advanced ABS modulates the four brakes individually for optimum control and stopping performance
- Anti-lock Brake System with Rough Road Detection: Anti-lock brake system capable of detecting if the vehicle is driving on a rough road by the oscillations in the wheel speed signals. Rough road is detected on off-road surfaces or trails and ABS enters a different pressure control, where it will hold the brake pressure for longer pulses. Because trails are usually a deformable surface (dirt or gravel), the surface will form a wedge in front of the tire and assist in slowing down the vehicle
- All-speed Traction Control: Senses drive-wheel slip and applies individual brakes to a slipping wheel(s), and can reduce excess engine power until traction is regained
- Auto-reverse Sun Roof: Advanced sensing system that automatically engages and reverses the sun roof (to the open position)
- Auto-reverse Windows: Automatically engages and reverses the window (to the down position)
- BeltAlert: Periodically activates a chime and illuminates an icon in the instrument cluster to remind the driver to buckle up if a vehicle is driven without the driver being properly belted
- Brake Assist: In a panic brake condition, the system applies maximum braking power, providing the shortest possible stopping distance
- Brake/Park Interlock: Prevents an automatic transmission or transaxle from being shifted out of Park unless the brake pedal is applied
- Child Seat Anchor System: Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) is designed to ease installation of compatible aftermarket child seats
- Child-protection Rear Door Locks: Disables the rear doors’ inside-release handles via a small lever on the door-shut face
- Crumple Zones: Designed to compress during an accident to absorb energy from an impact, decreasing transfer of that energy to the occupants
- Digressive Load-limiting Retractors: A two-stage load-limiting feature to limit the maximum force on the belt webbing to help absorb the energy of the occupant’s upper torso during an impact
- Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM): An extension of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Uses input from the ESP sensors to anticipate if the vehicle is at risk of entering a potential roll situation, then reacts immediately, applying the brakes individually and modulating throttle position as needed to attempt to avoid the roll situation
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP): Enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability under all conditions. Provides the greatest benefit in critical driving situations, such as turns, and is especially valuable when driving on mixed surface conditions, such as snow, ice or gravel. If there’s a discernible difference between what the driver asks through the steering wheel and the vehicle’s path, ESP applies selective braking and throttle input to put the vehicle back onto the driver’s intended path
- Energy-absorbing Steering Column: The manual-adjust steering column utilizes two hydroformed coaxial tubes that can move relative to each other to allow the column to move forward for enhanced energy-absorption during a crash
- Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS): Makes it easier for emergency personnel to see and reach occupants in the event of an accident by turning on the interior lighting and unlocking the doors after air bag deployment. Also shuts off the flow of fuel to the engine
- Height-adjustable Front Seat Belts: Allows the driver and front passenger to raise and lower the shoulder belt. Encourages seat belt usage by offering a more comfortable fit
- Hill Descent Control: Allows smooth and controlled descent on rough or slippery terrain without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. Applies the brakes to each wheel individually when needed to reduce forward motion while negotiating down steep grades
- Hill Start Assist: Assists drivers when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill by maintaining the level of brake pressure applied for a short period after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal. If throttle is not applied within a short period after the driver’s foot is removed from the brake pedal, brake pressure will be released
- HomeLink® Universal Home Security System Transceiver: Stores three separate transmitter radio-frequency codes to operate garage door openers, security gates, security lighting or other radio-controlled devices
- Interior Head-impact Protection: Interior pillars above the beltline and instrument panel including areas around windshield and rear window headers, roof and side-rail structures, and shoulder-belt turning loops specifically designed to limit head-impact force
- Knee Bolsters: The lower instrument panel and the glove box door are designed to properly position the occupant, enabling the air bags to work effectively
- Low-risk Deployment Front Passenger Air Bag: Front-passenger air bags that use unique shape, venting, folding patterns, advanced inflators or a combination of these four technologies to position and inflate the restraint properly for a belted passenger while also meeting federal safety requirements for out-of-position, small occupants and rear-facing infant seats. Occupants are advised to always sit properly in their seats with the seat belt fastened. Children 12 and younger should always be seated in a back seat, correctly using an infant- or child-restraint system, or have the seat belt positioned correctly for their age and weight
- ParkSense® Rear Back-up System: Assists at low speeds in Reverse to detect stationary objects. Consists of visible (interior lights seen with rearview mirror) and audible warnings for the driver
- Rain-sensing Wipers: Automatically senses moisture on the windshield and activates the wipers
- Remote Keyless Entry: Locks and unlocks doors, and turns on interior lamps. If the vehicle is equipped with a vehicle-theft security alarm, the remote also arms and disarms that system
- Remote Start: Conveniently starts the engine from outside the vehicle by using the Remote Keyless Entry fob while maintaining security
- Safety Cage Body Structure: Protects occupants by managing and controlling energy in the event of an impact
- Seat Belt Pretensioners (both front seat belts): During a collision, the impact sensors initiate the front seat belt pretensioners to immediately remove slack from the seat belts, thereby reducing the forward movement of the occupants’ heads and torsos
- Sentry Key® Engine Immobilizer: Utilizes an engine key that has an embedded transponder with a preprogrammed security code to discourage vehicle theft. When the key is inserted into the ignition, the controller sends a random number to the transponder and the engine is allowed to start. If an incorrect key is used, the engine will shut off after only a few seconds
- Side Guard Door Beams: In front and rear doors, provides occupant protection during a side impact
- Side Occupant Protection System: Includes side-curtain air bags with roll detection system that deploy in certain rollover situations and side-impact events. Utilizes information from multiple sensors to determine the severity of the impact
- Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags: Extends protection to all outboard front- and rear-seat passengers. Each side air bag has its own impact sensor to autonomously trigger the air bag on the side where the impact occurs
- Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPM): Pressure-sensor modules within the valve stems of all four road wheels send continuous radio-frequency signals to a receiver, and the system informs occupants when the pressure is too low
- Trailer Sway Control System: Reduces trailer sway and improves handling in adverse towing conditions caused by crosswinds and traffic. Software monitors the vehicle’s movement relative to the driver’s intended path, then applies brake pressure to slow the vehicle and then increases the pressure on one front wheel to counteract sway induced by the trailer
- UConnect™ Hands-free Communication: Uses Bluetooth® technology to provide voice-controlled wireless communication between the occupants’ compatible mobile phone and the vehicle’s onboard receiver. The hands-free option promotes safety, freedom, value and flexibility
- Vehicle Theft Security Alarm: Deters vandalism and theft, frequently lowering insurance premiums. It protects the vehicle from theft by monitoring door- and liftgate-ajar switches and the ignition circuit for unauthorized entry
Marketing
The 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. Jeep Liberty owners will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic, and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle. The Jeep Liberty will be available at Jeep dealerships starting in the third quarter of 2007.
2008 Liberty specifications
| Engine (3.7 Liter V6) | |
| Type and Description | 90º V-6, liquid cooled w/balance shaft |
| Displacement | 225.8 in3 (3700cm3) |
| Bore x Stroke | 3.66 x 3.57 (93.0 x 90.8) |
| Valve System | Chain-driven SOHC, 12 valves, and hydraulic end-pivot roller rockers |
| Fuel Injection | Sequential, multi-port, electronic, returnless |
| Construction | Cast iron block and bedplate, aluminum alloy heads, balance shaft |
| Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Power (SAE net, estimated) | 210 bhp (157kW) @ 5200 rpm (56.8hp/L) |
| Torque (SAE net, estimated) | 235 lb.-ft. (319N•m) @ 4000 rpm |
| Max. Engine Speed | 6000 rpm (electronically limited) |
| Fuel Requirement | Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R + M)/2 |
| Oil Capacity | 5.0 qt. (3.7L) SAE 5W-20 |
| Coolant Capacity | 14.0 qt. (13.25L) |
| Emission Controls | Meets ULEV II / 50-state |
| Alternator | 160 A |
| Battery | 600 CCA, maintenance free |
| Transmission: NSG 370 Manual Six-Speed Overdrive | |
| Availability | 3.7L V-6 |
| Description | Synchronized in all forward gears and Reverse,multi-rail shift system with top-mounted shift lever |
| Clutch | Hydraulic actuation, dual-mass flywheel system |
| 1st | 4.46 |
| 2nd | 2.61 |
| 3rd | 1.72 |
| 4th | 1.25 |
| 5th | 1 |
| 6th | 0.84 |
| Reverse | 4.06 |
| Axle | 3.21 |
| Overall Top Gear | 2.69 |
| Transmission: 42RLE Automatic Four-Speed Overdrive | |
| Description | Adaptive electronic control with electronically modulated torque converter clutch |
| 1st | 2.84 |
| 2nd | 1.57 |
| 3rd | 1 |
| 4th | 0.69 |
| Reverse | 2.21 |
| Axle | 3.73 |
| Overall Top Gear | 2.57 |
| Transfer Case: MP 1522 Command-Trac® | |
| Availability | Standard on 4WD models |
| Type | Part-time, electronic shift |
| Operating Ranges | 2WD, 4WD Lock, 4WD Low, Neutral |
| Low Range Ratio | 2.72:1 |
| Transfer Case: MP 3022 SELEC-Trac II® | |
| Availability | Optional all 4WD models |
| Type | Full-time active, electronic shift |
| Operating Ranges | 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Low, Neutral |
| Torque Split, F/R | 42/58 |
| Low Range Ratio | 2.72:1 |
| Exterior Dimensions, Towing, Offroad Characteristics | |
| Wheelbase | 106.1 (2694.4) |
| Track, Front | 61.0 (1549.4) |
| Track, Rear | 61.0 (1549.4) |
| Overall Length, NAFTA Vehicles | 176.9 (4492.9) |
| Overall Width | 72.4 (1838.0) |
| Height (w/out roof rack) | 70.1 (1808.3) |
| CdA | 12.21 |
| Cd | 0.403 |
| Gas capacity | 19.5 (73.8) |
| Maximum Payload, lbs. (kg), Includes Occupants and Cargo |
1150 lbs. (590 kg) |
| Towing Capacities, lbs. (kg) U.S. and export markets other than Europe | |
| All Models Equipped With a Class II Trailer Hitch | 2000 (907) |
| 3.7L Engine, Manual Transmission w/Trailer Tow Pkg (Class III) | 3500 (1588) |
| 3.7L Engine, Automatic Transmission w/Trailer Tow Pkg (Class III) | 5000 (2268) |
| Weights | |
| 3.7L Gasoline Engine, 2WD | 4030 (1827) |
| 3.7L Gasoline Engine, 4WD | 4222 (1915) |
| Clearances with 235/65R17 Tires (Domestic 4x4) | |
| Approach Angle, degrees (without/with air dam) | 39.1/29.0 |
| Breakover Angle, degrees (with skid plate) | 20.4 |
| Departure Angle, degrees | 32.1 |
Gas mileage
| 2007-standard MPG (all configs) | 18/23 |
| 2008-standard MPG (Auto/4WD) | 15/21 |
| 2008-standard MPG (all others) | 16/22 |
Interior dimensions
| Front | |
| Head Room w/o Sun Roof | 40.4 (1025.1) |
| Head Room w/Sun Roof | 38.5 (976.8) |
| Leg Room | 40.8 (1036.4) |
| Shoulder Room | 56.8 (1443.0) |
| Hip Room | 52.7 (1338.1) |
| Seat Travel | 9.0 (229.1) |
| Recliner Range | 6.6° to 51.6° |
| Rear | |
| Head Room | 40.3 (1023.0) |
| Leg Room | 38.8 (984.5) |
| Knee Clearance | 1.3 (34.1) |
| Shoulder Room | 56.6 (1436.4) |
| Hip Room | 48.4 (1229.0) |
| Recliner Range | 21.5° to 33.5° |
| Cargo | |
| Liftover Height | 33.3 (844.8) |
| Minimum Cargo Width Liftgate Opening | 47.0 (1194.2) |
| Minimum Cargo Height At Liftgate Opening | 34.4 (873.5) |
| Maximum Cargo Height Liftgate Opening | 35.3 (895.7) |
| Maximum Cargo Width At Liftgate Opening | 44.2 (1122.9) |
| Distance Between Wheelhouse Interior Trim | 41.7 (1059.1) |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. (cu. M) | |
| Behind Rear Seat | 31.5 (0.9) |
| With Rear Seat Folded | 64.2 (1.8) |
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, and Wheels
| Front | Upper and lower “A” arms, coil springs, low-pressure gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar |
| Rear | Live axle, upper and lower trailing arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar, low-pressure gas-charged shock absorbers |
| Type | Power rack and pinion |
| Overall Ratio | 17.36:1 |
| Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) |
35.5 ft. (10.83 m) |
| Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) |
3.42 |
| Front Brakes | 11.9 x 1.1 (302 x 28) vented rotor with 2.6 (66) single-piston floating caliper; swept area, 190.8 sq. in. (1231.0 sq. cm) |
| Rear Size and Type | 12.44 x 0.47 (316 x 12) solid rotor With 1.9 (48) single-piston floating caliper; swept area 55.4 sq. in. (357.6 sq. cm) |
| Power Assist Type | 8 x 9 (204 x 230) Tandem-diaphragm vacuum |
| Standard Features | Four wheel ABS and electronic stability program |
| Parking Brake Type | Rear brake drum-in-hat |
| Sport: wheels | Machined and painted cast aluminum, 16 x 7 |
| Limited: wheels | Machined and painted cast aluminum, 17 x 7 |
| Optional wheels | Chrome-clad cast aluminum, 18 x 7 |
| Tires (Sport) | P225/75R16, all-season, black side wall Wrangler ST, 712 revs/mile |
| Tires (Limited) | P235/65R17, all-season, black side wall Wrangler HP, 721 revs/mile |
| Optional tires (Sport) | P235/70R16, all-season, all-terrain outline white letter Wrangler SRA, 721 revs/mile |
| Optional tires (Limited) | P235/60R18, all season, black side wall Fortera HL, 722 revs/mile |
| Spare tire | Compact (Sport), full size with matching wheel (Limited, optional on Sport) |
