New for this year is the leather that has been added to the armrests, doors and the top of the instrument panel. The 108.9 cubic feet of passenger space is adequate, especially when compared to the 103.1 cubic feet of the 4Runner. However, the Grand Cherokee continues to lag behind its competitors in the area of cargo space. The 67.4 cubic feet is less than both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer. Standard in all trim options are air conditioning, power locks, windows, and mirrors, as well as an eight-way power driver’s seat. Options include TV, hands-free communication, remote start, voice activated navigation and audio system, and 30GB hard drive.

This year’s model continues the tradition of delivering both luxury and durability. Of course, the performance capabilities will depend on which of the three trim options you choose. The Grand Cherokee has a starting price tag of around $30,000. The Cherokee is available in the Laredo, Limited, and Overland models. The options continue with four different power plants to choose from.

On the outside, the 2009 Cherokee hasn’t changed much. It continues to draw from its classic Jeep roots with its seven slotted grill and sharp edges. The 2009 Grand Cherokee dimensions are 186.7″ long by 72.6″ wide, which is a bit smaller than the other vehicles in its class, such as the Explorer and Trailblazer. The Laredo and Limited come with 17″ chrome wheels while the Overland jumps to 18″.

In addition there were several version created like the railway jeep, and an amphibious jeep. Jeeps were even supplied to the Red Army during World War II.

While largely supplanted by the HumVee for military use, the civilian Jeep lives on as a division of DaimlerChrysler, which now holds trademark status not only on the word “Jeep,” but also the distinctive seven-slot grille. Chrysler acquired the marque when it bought out AMC in 1987, replacing the civilian Jeep CJ with the Jeep Wrangler, the name still in use today. In addition, there are other models under the Jeep brand, models like the Jeep Cherokee that bear little resemblance to the tiny military trucks, except for their grill.

It was the American Bantam vehicle that first met the Army’s criteria, but its engine did not comply to the military’s torque requirements, and the Army also thought Bantam was too small a company. It is rumored that when Willys and Ford were offered second chances, they had access to the schematics from American Bantam.

After field testing all three models, Willys-Overland offered the lowest bid and won the contract, thus designing the vehicle that would become a standard jeep, and building it in their Toledo, Ohio plant. They called it a model MB military vehicle, but since Willys had only one factory, a tactical concern, the Army required Ford to build jeeps also. Ford’s designation for the small truck was GPW (G for governmental vehicle, P for the wheelbase, and W for Willys). Together, the two companies produced over 600,000 jeeps.

The Liberty is powered by a 3.7 liter V6 with 210 horsepower available as a manual transmission with six speeds or an automatic with four speeds. The manual returns an estimated 18 mpg city and 22 highway with the automatic registering 17 and 22 on a fuel capacity of 20.5 gallons.

The vehicle has adequate capacity for five occupants with head room measuring 40.7 inches with 42.1 rear. Leg room is 40.8 and 37.2 respectively. Cargo volume measures 69 cubic feet and the Liberty can tow as much as five thousand pounds.

All Liberty models come standard with a comprehensive array of air bags deploying at multiple stages for the protection of the driver and front passenger. There are systems in place to delivery greater stability during situations requiring extremes of steering as well as those to detect roll overs. (Air bags in the curtain position are an available option.) For its impressive package of safety features the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Liberty a rating of five stars for its ability to withstand impacts from the side.

The 2007 Jeep Liberty includes a standard audio combo playing across six speakers. Upgrade options include a changer in the dash capable of accommodating six discs and a navigation system via GPS (not available on the Sport). Drivers may also select an Infinity Premium Sound System that includes controls positioned on the steering wheel.

Previous models of the Liberty were praised for their off road functionality, yet lacked the refined interior and smooth highway ride provided by other mid size SUVs. Addressing these concerns for the 2008 model year as part of a total redesign, the Liberty has not lost its rugged appearance or any of its utility, but it has gained new sheet metal, a limited lifetime power train warranty, an enhanced independent rear suspension and rack and pinion steering system, more interior room, additional comfort and convenience features and a power operated sliding canvas roof.

The 3.7 liter V6 engine in the Liberty is rated at 210 horsepower and comes standard with either a 6 speed manual transmission or a 4 speed automatic depending on trim level and personal preference. Both rear wheel drive and 4 wheel drive versions are available, with the standard Command Trac part time 4 wheel drive system easily upgraded to the optional full time 4 wheel drive Selec Trac system if desired. With the ability to tow up to 5000 pounds, the Liberty is ranked one of the most capable hauling machines in its class. Fuel economy is not great though, with the EPA estimating 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway for 2 wheel drive versions and 4 wheel drive models coming in at approximately 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

There are 2 trim levels that are both available in either 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive -the Sport and the Limited. The Sport model includes 16 inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, a CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and air-conditioning. The Limited features grander 17 inch alloy wheels, power driver seat, heated side mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control and an Infinity sound system including satellite radio. Many of the Limited editions features are also optional for the Sport model. Other options include 18 inch chrome wheels, the sliding power operated cloth roof or a traditional sunroof, heated leather seats and a MyGIG information/entertainment system including a navigation system, rear parking assist and Bluetooth technology.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty now has better manners on the highway, yet is still a very capable off road utility vehicle. This year’s additions and changes have definitely addressed some prior concerns and now the Liberty is able to provide a smoother ride, better handling and a good deal more comfort and utility inside the cabin.

With two-wheel or four-wheel drive versions available of the Liberty, the model can be adapted for more demanding driving conditions. A wealth of safety features and interior amenities put this 2009 Jeep at the top of its class. The intro MSRP is affordable for most any buyer, and the exterior’s classic Jeep styling will give the SUV widespread appeal. Though several of the other models in Jeep’s lineup have been criticized for their lack of reliability, critics have found that the Liberty stays true to the Jeep brand and is a dependable, smooth ride.

Under the hood, buyers can expect a 210 horsepower 3.7L V6. Unfortunately, several of the Liberty’s competitors top this subpar drivetrain. The Limited trim gets a four-speed automatic transmission, while the Sport trim receives a six-speed manual. Those that purchase the Sport trim can opt for the automatic transmission if desired. When equipped with the towing package, the Liberty has up to 5,000-lbs of towing capacity. With 16 city MPG and 22 highway MPG, the Liberty’s fuel economy is moderate, but cannot compete with flex-fuel capable models. Independent front suspension provides a smooth ride, and the power-assisted rack and pinion steering is highly responsive.

Inside, buyers can opt for the expansive Sky Slider Roof. Rather than a diminutive sunroof, this slider is 255 percent larger than the comparables on the market. An in-dash CD player with MP3 capabilities is included, as well as sunscreen glass to protect passengers from the sun’s harmful rays. The audio system allows drivers to sync their music player to the Liberty. Remote keyless entry is standard, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls is included as well. Power windows and locks are featured too. The Liberty has a five-star frontal and side-impact crash test rating, and an Electronic Stability Program keeps the SUV on its intended course.

Overall, the 2009 Jeep Liberty is a solidly built crossover, and like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, it has a great number of standard features. The model’s fuel economy could be to its detriment, but the intro price at $22,215 is hard to beat. Families will be pleased with the generous interior space and safety features, but individuals might find that the Liberty lacks some advanced technological amenities. The permanent four-wheel drive option makes the Liberty a great pick for those that like to take their vehicle off-roading as well.

It was a four door vehicle that came in two different models, the Sport and the Limited. A 150 Horsepower engine with four cylinders powered the Sport, while the Limited had a 210 horsepower 3.7-Liter V6 engine. The Liberty was equipped with 16-inch tires, a split rear seat that could be folded and heated front seats. In 2003, a Renegade model of the Liberty was introduced. The Limited model got 17- inch tires, while it and the Renegade had a V6 engine with 210 Horsepower. In 2004, a system to monitor tire pressure and a hands free cell phone were added, while the Sport model got a CD player. In 2005, a diesel-turbocharged engine was added to the lineup. All models were given new looks, and satellite radio and navigation systems were added to the list of options.

In 2007, the second generation Jeep liberty made its debut. The new Liberty came in two models, the Sport and the Limited. A 3.7-Liter V6 engine 210 horsepower powers both of them. While the Sport has a manual transmission with six gears, an automatic transmission with four gears is optional; the automatic transmission comes with the Limited. The Sport version is equipped with 16 inch tires, systems on the vehicle that can be switched on or off with the touch of a button and a stereo system with six speakers and CD player. The Limited model is equipped with 17-inch tires, a cruise control system and adjustable driver seats with six different settings. Optional on both models is a sunroof, leather seats and CD player that can store six CDs. All Liberty models are equipped with anti-lock disc brakes and a stability control system.

The Compass is powered by a 2.4 liter, 16-valve, 172 horsepower engine with a 13.6 gallon fuel tank. (A manual transmission with five speeds is standard and there is an option for an automatic.) Estimated gas mileage falls within the range of 23 city and 30 highway.

The Compass incorporates many of the best features of both a car and a sports utility vehicle. Ground clearance measures between 8.1 and 8.4 inches. Available space for cargo totals 23 cubic feet posterior to the rear seats but climbs to 54 cubic feet when the rear seats are stowed.

Occupants in the Compass are protected by air bags in the front that deploy in multiple stages as well as bags in the curtain position that shield against collisions to the side. (Air bags for rear passengers are also present.) The all-wheel brakes are disc units with technology for anti-locking. Systems to control traction and to maintain the stability of the vehicle are standard safety features.

The 2007 Jeep Compass includes a subscription for SIRIUS Satellite Radio that lasts one year. There is an option for a Boston Acoustics audio unit with 458-watts of power that includes a 368-watt amplifier.

Not a lot has changed on the Compass from the previous model year. It remains a popular small SUV for its good pricing and car-like, sporty handling with mild off-road capabilities. (Competitors would be the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4.) In general, however, reviewers just aren’t impressed with the total package. Leg and headroom are good in the front but frankly there’s not much special about the interior. The materials seem sub-par, storage is stingy at best, and the dashboard is poorly designed and unattractive.

Outside the Compass doesn’t live up to the Jeep image and has yet to find a look as distinctive as its cousins the Liberty and the Grand Cherokee. For exterior appeal there’s little choice but to describe the Compass as that red-headed step child at the family reunion. It just doesn’t seem to fit in the Jeep line-up. (It’s also important to remember that IntelliChoice gave the 2007 version of the Compass a “Worse than Average” rating for the five-year predicted cost of ownership.)

A solid point in favor of the Compass is the fact that it gets high government crash test ratings (4 out of 5 stars for front crashes and 5 for side impacts) and comes with an outstanding set of safety features. Standard features include stability control, traction control at all speeds, brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and comprehensive air bag coverage including bags in the curtain position. (Additionally the vehicle has been designed with crush zones.)

Like most assessments of the Compass this one has to come down somewhere in the middle. It’s a small SUV with as many good features as bad, an acceptable daily drive but perhaps not one with the shelf life you’d like to see for the money.

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