The first generation of Jeep's popular Liberty compact utility enters the last year of its production for 2007, with a complete redesign scheduled for 2008. The 2007 model retains its unmistakable styling, which is a good thing, and the model lineup has been simplified.
For 2007, two- and four-wheel drive versions of the Liberty Sport and Limited are on offer, and all styles come with a 3.7L V6 engine. The Sports have a six-speed manual transmission standard with the option to swap in a four-speed automatic for $825. The Limiteds come standard with the four-speed automatic.
Starting at $21,600, the Liberty Sport comes with plenty of standard equipment, including traction control, an electronic stability program, 16-inch steel wheels, anti-lock brakes, air conditioning, a CD player, power mirrors, power locks, and power windows. The Limited trim adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a variety of exterior enhancements, and lots of popular equipment such as fog lamps, a power driver's seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, a security alarm, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a year of Sirius satellite radio.
A Latitude Edition is a $1,835 option on the Sport trims. It adds much of the same equipment found on the Limited trim, as well as a six-disc CD changer, Infinity speakers, and Latitude badges and embroidery.
Skid plates, side air bags, chrome enhancements, a sunroof, and heated front seats are some of the many optional items available on the Liberty.
During our tests, we were amazed at how much more competent the Liberty was than more expensive vehicles. It didn't bottom out over any of the ruts and potholes, and its Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD system was a security blanket in bad conditions. A full-time Selec-Trac system is a $395 option.
There is much more room inside the Liberty than is apparent from the outside with plenty of legroom for both front and rear passengers. The optional leather front seats on the Limited are very comfortable. The seating position also provides a good view of the road.
The Liberty also has a surprisingly good ride, as it proved to be enjoyable for around town driving, back-road hustle, and even highway trips. The 210-horsepower 3.7L V6 makes a reasonable 235 ft-lbs of torque, which allows it to tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the optional Trailer Tow Group.
Bodystyle:Sport Utility Vehicle
Odometer:125,551
Fuel:Gas
Engine: 3.7L
Drivetrain:4 WD
Standard Features:
MECHANICAL
3.7L DOHC V6 engine
6-speed manual transmission
3.55 axle ratio
All speed traction control
Electronic stability program
Command-Trac HD part-time 4WD system
600-CCA maintenance free battery
136-amp alternator
Dana 30/186MM front axle
Independent front suspension w/coil springs
Rear live axle suspension
Corporate 8.25 solid rear axle
Front/rear stabilizer bar
P225/75R16 all-season OWL tires
Full size spare tire w/matching wheel, outside carrier
(5) 16" x 7.0" styled steel wheels
Pwr rack & pinion steering
Pwr 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes w/brake assist
EXTERIOR
Monotone paint
Molded in-color fascias
Accent-color body-side molding
3.7L badge
4x4 badge, Trail Rated badge
Fender flares
Roof side rails
Body color grille
Halogen headlamps w/time off delay
Front door tinted glass
Tinted windshield glass
Tinted rear doors/quarter/swing gate glass
Fold away pwr mirrors
Variable intermittent windshield wipers
Rear window wiper/washer
Rear swing gate w/flipper glass
INTERIOR
Cloth high-back reclining front bucket seats
65/35 split fold down rear seat
Full length floor console
Full carpeted floor covering
Front/rear floor mats
Tilt steering wheel
Sentry key theft-deterrent system
Tachometer
Pwr windows w/driver & front passenger 1-touch control