2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel

[palebluedot]

I have been following some of the auto sites on the new 05 diesel Jeep Liberty. The wife's 99 Cherokee is paid off now, but still has a lot more life left. Just looking around at options for her next vehicle when the time comes. We love the Dodge/Cummins combo and wonder if the new Liberty would be feasible (30 MPG sounds good). Wonder if anyone else is considering this vehicle and what your thoughts might be.

[Montana_1683]

You might want to try one of the new hybrids that are soon to come off the assembly line, such as the Ford Escape Hybrid. Not really a Ford fan, haven't had much luck with them, but sounds interesting as oppose to a diesel. Also GM are comming out with a hybrid in their light duty Silverado & Sierras. Haven't heard about any of their SUV's

Gary

[Northstar]

I would suggest a diesel for several reasons. Half of the vehicles in Europe run on diesel. What does that tell you. The price of regular fuel is going to continue to rise. Diesel normally is much cheaper to purchase. That's my two cents worth. Happy rving...

[Montana_657]

I've been waiting for the Liberty diesel to arrive... have you seen it yet??? None have been available up here.

I suspect a 4 cylinder Daimler/Mercedes diesel will be in it... is that correct????

[Montana_621]

I like the look of the Liberty but am quite leary of the length of the wheel base and the fact that it's so tippy. I was reading an article in Consumer Reports about it and it was one of the top vehicles that will tip over. Since we live in MN and have very snowy and icy winters, tipping over is a reality for us so it's not one I will consider. Now if we lived in the South where you don't get snow I would consider it.

[Chester]

I too am waiting for the specs on the new Liberty Diesel to come out. I'm suspecting it may be the 2.7l that has arrived in the new Dodge van but am not sure. I would like to see what it's towing capacity is. Hopefully something respectful like 5000lbs but will have to wait and see. I also would also hope that the mileage would be better than 30mpg. I have a Ram 3500 with the Cummins and a VW TDI. I love diesels and hope the Liberty meets my expectations.

[palebluedot]

Here are some of the specs found on various web sites. I can't vouch for accuracy.
Manufacturer: VM Motori of Italy (owned by Detroit Diesel)
Engine: 2.8L turbo diesel inline 4; direct injection; common rail; intercooled; 160HP @3800RPM; 295 ft. lb. torque @ 1800RPM.
Transmission: 545RFE 5 speed automatic (same as in Dodge Ram 1500)
Axle Ratio: 3.73
GAWR (front/rear):2,750/3,150 lbs.
GVWR: 5,600 lbs.
GCWR: 10,150 lbs.
Curb Wt.: 4,296 lbs.
Max. tounge wt.: 750 lbs.
Max. trailer wt.: 5,000 lbs.
Max. payload: 1,150 lbs.
Max. cargo: 400 lbs.

The BIG item is the torque. At 295 is is the same as the 4.7L V8 in my Dodge Dakota.

[Chester]

Thanks for the info Palebluedot. I was really hoping that the engine would be the MB but we'll wait and see. The torque is good at 295 but that would happen at a lot lower RPM than the 4.7L gasser. That should mean it will have great towing manners. Glad to see it can pull the 5000lbs I had hoped for. I wonder how the short wheelbase will handle that weight????