As yucky as the ripoff Libertypage is, there are other... vehicles, they plan to unleash on the public like the "Brave Warrior" and the "Luling Pickup." Just goes to show you, for every BYD F3DM we should take seriously, there are at least three Chinese entries to remind us how good we have it.
[The Tycho]

First lesson in Jalopnik readership — always have a camera at the ready. Like star tipster and reader Adam, who was quick to take a picture of a manufacturer-plated Jeep near Rochester Road and Big Beaver in Troy, MI earlier this week as he made his way home from a long day of widget-making or sprocket-mending. Adam saw this oddly-badged Jeep and immediately though "Patriot." However, due to the boxy exterior, he really could have thought "Commander" or "Liberty." If he'd thought the last one, he'd have been right — sort of. You see, this diesel-powered Jeep is a Liberty for the overseas market and it looks like it's doing a short jaunt stateside (to take advantage of the currency conversion rates wethinks with some shopping over at Somerset) wearing it's more familiar and much-more-loved overseas name — Jeep Cherokee. Remember, if you spot a camo-clad car — like this diesel Jeep Cherokee — send us a tip to tips@jalopnik.com and you, like Adam, might see your name in the fancy lights of the webosphere!

Price Lowered and More Standard Content Added to the All-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty

All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space, refined ride and handling for under $21,000 - and with legendary Jeep 4x4 capability for under $23,000

* Industry exclusive Sky Slider™ full-length, open canvas roof
* Most advanced four-wheel drive system available in segment with Jeep Trail Rated® Selec Trac® II full-time four-wheel-drive system
* Jeep® Liberty Limited offers the most combined comfort and convenience features available in segment
* More standard features including side curtain air bags, body color fascia and wheel flares, and aluminum wheels

Auburn Hills, Mich., Jul 19, 2007 -

The Chrysler Group today announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep® Liberty. Completely redesigned from the ground up, the mid-size SUV features classic Jeep exterior styling paired with a functional interior, increased cargo length and rear seat legroom, and the industry-exclusive Sky Slider™ full-length, open-canvas roof.

The base manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the all-new Jeep Liberty is $20,990, including $660 destination. Two models are available: Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited. The Jeep Liberty will begin to arrive in dealerships later this summer.

"The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers more value than ever before starting at under $21,000 for 4x2 models and under $23,000 for 4x4 models," said John Plecha, Director - Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications, Chrysler Group. "We've reduced the MSRP by an average of $1,000 and added approximately $1,400 in features and content to both models. And, the Jeep Liberty Limited sets the bar high with the most combined comfort and convenience features available in its segment."

Standard on both models is a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that generates 210 horsepower (157 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N•m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. On-road ride and handling is improved with the addition of a new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems. Staying true to legendary Jeep heritage, the Liberty offers two four-wheel-drive systems to meet customer needs, including Selec-Trac® II — the most advanced four-wheel-drive system available in its segment.

MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, remote start, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's list of available features and options. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider™ full-length, open-canvas roof, an industry exclusive; giving the Liberty that "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience.

The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are side-curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, all-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Available options include rain-sensing wipers and ParkSense Rear Park Assist System.

2008 Jeep Liberty Sport
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 is $20,990 and $22,600 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 has been reduced by $1,270 and has added $800 more content. The Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 has been reduced by $1,170 and has added $900 more content.

The Jeep Liberty Sport comes standard with a proven and durable 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine (210-hp/235 lb.-ft. torque) that is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard on the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 is the Command-Trac® four-wheel-drive system. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly, fully electronic system provides peace of mind with available four-wheel-drive capability delivered through a two-speed transfer case for use on slippery or loose surfaces such as snow, mud or sand.

Standard features include side curtain air bags; body color fascias and wheel flares; cloth, low-back bucket seats; 16-inch aluminum wheels; P225/75R16 all-season black side wall (BSW) tires; tire pressure monitor; reversible cargo floor; fold-flat, reclining second row seats and AM/FM stereo with compact disc player and four speakers.

2008 Jeep Liberty Limited
MSRP for the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 is $25,175 and $26,785 for 4x4 models (including $660 destination). The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 has been reduced by $720 and has added 2,000 more content. The Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 has been reduced by $620 and has added $2,100 more content.

Standard features include Command-Trac® part-time four-wheel-drive system (4x4); YES Essentials seat fabric; fold-flat passenger seat; power front driver seat; Infinity premium audio speakers (eight) and a subwoofer; four-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels;
P235/65R17 all-season BSW tires; security alarm; speed control; universal garage door opener; tire pressure monitoring system with display; SIRIUS Satellite Radio; electronic vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; auto up-down driver window; auto down passenger window; power heated folding-exterior mirrors, full-size spare tire and 115V power outlet.

Available on the Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 is the all-new Selec-Trac® II full-time, active on-demand system that anticipates and prevents wheel slip before it occurs. The system is ideal for a range of road settings including dry pavement conditions not typically suited for conventional part-time four-wheel-drive systems typically seen on competitors.

Industry-Exclusive Sky Slider™ Full-length, Open Canvas Roof
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty brings the "Have Fun Out There" open-air Jeep experience with the industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-length, open-canvas roof.

With an MSRP of $1,200, the Sky Slider roof is versatile and can be moved to several positions, including full forward, full rear or partially open to any position in-between with a convenient express one-touch switch.

The Sky Slider roof is made of a reinforced-acrylic cloth, similar to a convertible top, that is weather resistant and leak proof. The top panel nests into a weather strip seal to help minimize wind noise. The roof uses anti-pinch software that prevents the roof from moving should it detect an object in its path. The Sky Slider roof was designed and tested for safety to meet all regulatory and Chrysler Group requirements.

The Sky Slider roof is an optional feature on both the Jeep Liberty Sport and the Jeep Liberty Limited.

The Jeep Liberty is built at the Chrysler Group's Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio, alongside the Dodge Nitro.

Jeep Brand
The Jeep brand has expanded to seven nameplates in the 2007 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in the brand's 66-year history.

At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler. In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting in calendar year 2006 were three more all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

With the introduction of the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV), Jeep offers customers the freshest, most capable and widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand in the industry.

2008 Jeep Liberty Pricing

• Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2 $20,990 (including $660 destination)
• Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 $22,600 (including $660 destination)
• Jeep Liberty Limited 4x2 $25,175 (including $660 destination)
• Jeep Liberty Limited 4x4 $26,785 (including $660 destination)

In addition to the new sliding canvas roof all the media is abuzz about, there's apparently another option we can get on the new 2008 Jeep Liberty. It seems you can get a retractable arm and umbrella to keep the rain and sun out once you've got the roof up — or something like that. – Ray Wert

Video by Richard Blakeley

Related:
New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Liberty Revealed With A Dose Of Vinesian Humor; New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Liberty [internal]

Related:
New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Liberty [internal]

2008 Jeep Liberty - All-new From the Ground Up

* All-new 2008 Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage
* Improved on-road ride and handling with new independent front and new five-link rear suspension systems
* All-new Jeep classic exterior styling, functional interior space and upgraded amenities designed to broaden its appeal to consumers
* Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof

The Jeep Liberty has remained a leader in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) market since its introduction in 2002. The popular mid-size SUV gives off-road enthusiasts and owners their own sense of personal freedom and capability that only defines the Jeep brand.

All-new from the ground up for 2008, the Jeep Liberty remains true to its legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated four-wheel-drive systems - Command-Trac and the all-new Selec-Trac II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

The Liberty's exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look that is sure to captivate the attention of current Jeep Liberty owners and broaden its consumer appeal. Inside, cargo and storage space increases and seat comfort improves. Making its world debut is the new Sky Slider full-open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive; giving the Jeep Liberty that "Only in a Jeep" open-air experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, and express up/down windows are added to the vehicle's ever-growing list of available features and options. There are two models - Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.

"The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty stands out from the competition by offering customers classic Jeep design, two four-wheel-drive systems, refined on-road ride and handling, cargo and utility, as well as features that are not typically found on vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President - Global Marketing, Chrysler Group.

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. 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.

Engineering
The all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty offers a balance of off-road capability and on-road refinement.

* All-new independent front suspension, all-new five-link rear suspension, and a power rack-and-pinion steering system contribute to the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty's blend of on-road ride comfort and nimble, confidence-inspiring handling
* Two four-wheel-drive systems - all-new Selec-Trac II, full-time four-wheel-drive system and Command-Trac, a part-time four-wheel-drive system - both are Jeep Trail Rated
* The 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine provides the 2008 Jeep Liberty with competitive peak power and torque while providing smooth, quiet operation and proven durability. It produces 210 hp (157 kW) @ 5,200 rpm and 235 lb.-ft. (319 N m) of torque @ 4,000 rpm. Fuel economy has been improved and now achieves an estimated *16 city (18 mpg using 2007 EPA standards), and *22 mpg on the highway (23 mpg based on 2007 EPA standards).
* Two transmissions are offered on the Jeep Liberty in the United States: a six-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic transmission
* The 2008 Jeep Liberty was designed and engineered under the Chrysler Development System (CDS), the comprehensive, coordinated and disciplined product creation process that improves quality and speed-to-market while reducing costs and encouraging practical innovation in new products

Design
In its first redesign since its introduction, the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty embraces its roots by taking on a more rugged, classic Jeep design that is guaranteed to strengthen its draw to current owners and broaden its appeal to a new audience.

* Jeep classic exterior styling and functional interior space are designed to broaden its consumer appeal
* Industry-exclusive Sky Slider full-open canvas roof brings "Only in a Jeep" open-air experience to mid-size SUV market
* Cargo capacity increases and front and rear passengers will notice the improved seat comfort along with added space

Safety and Security
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicle's standard equipment are Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes, rain sensing wipers, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and side-curtain air bags.

Technology
The 2008 Jeep Liberty offers the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS 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 100 percent commercial-free music, sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic and weather. And the UConnect hands-free communication system uses Bluetooth technology to provide wireless communication between the customer's compatible mobile phone and the vehicle's on-board receiver.

Manufacturing
The 2008 Jeep Liberty will be built using Chrysler Group's modern production process, called the Flexible Manufacturing Strategy (FMS). FMS allows multiple products to be produced at one plant in a time-efficient manner that are a higher quality for lower cost. At the core of the new manufacturing process is the heavy use of robots at the Toledo (Ohio) North Assembly Plant.

The Jeep Brand
Today, with the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty mid-size SUV, Jeep offers customers the freshest, most capable and widest range of sport-utility vehicles under one brand in the industry.

The Jeep vehicle family consists of seven SUVs that represent four distinct vehicle segments. In late 2006, production began on the newest member of the lineup, the all-new Jeep Patriot. Earlier that year was the debut of the redesigned Jeep Wrangler two-door, the icon of the brand; the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the first-ever four-door Wrangler; and the all-new Jeep Compass. The Jeep Commander - the first Jeep vehicle with seven-passenger seating - was introduced one year earlier. It shares its platform with the Grand Cherokee, a descendent of the Wagoneer and the legendary Grand Wagoneer.

Chrysler Recalls SUVs After Dozens of Reported Fires [Reuters]

Related:
Oh What A Bad Feeling: Toyota To Recall 533,000 Sequoias and Tundras; More Recalls [Internal]

Chrysler recalls thousands of '07 vehicles [Reuters]

Related:
Fire In The Sky: Chrysler Recalls Breezes, Stratuses, Cirruses; DCX Makes Emissions Settlement, Will Recall 1.5M Jeeps, Dodges [internal]

Related:
Ad Watch: Jeep Goes "Bigger, Deffer" But Doesn't Want To Touch A Lizard; Ad Watch: If Dodge Has a RamRash, We Suggest Preparation-H; Ad Watch: Dodge's Higher Caliber Of Viral Video — Shoots Bear In Face, Eats Pig [internal]

The photos above were shot at street level and may have overlooked one of the most interesting features that will be offered on the new Liberty: A huge retractable fabric roof! When we first started inquiring about the upcoming Liberty, our sources seemed to switch subjects and asked us if we saw the ASC Cosmos Hummer H3 that was shown...

...at the 2006 NAIAS. With that in mind, our focus on a camouflaged Liberty was from above, paying special attention to the roof. And sure enough, the roof had unique camouflage covering what apparently is Jeep's biggest secret: a fabric roof system, which will put the Liberty in a class of its own.

The Jeep Liberty for 2008 (new! October 20 - fabric roof! See photos below) [Allpar via AutoBlog]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Jeep Liberty [internal]

The Jeep Liberty for 2008 [Allpar]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2008 Jeep Liberty [internal]

Despite the fact that we know there's only so many signals our key fobs can use to transmit codes to our car for commands like "lock", "unlock" and "alarm", we're still kind of weirded out when we encounter through random chance, a vehicle sharing said signal. We guess we shouldn't be too surprised because as we were once told, after an overanxious valet locked the RFID key fob in the trunk of the Corvette it belonged to, that "there's only about fifty or so combinations between the keys and this specific vehicle." Plus, given Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler once had a "sharing is caring" relationship, we're under the assumption that maybe our fob shared some kind of doohickey or something with the Montero sitting next to our car. Still, what the hell are the odds of this happening? – Ray Wert

Related:
Saab Develops Breathalizer Key [internal]

Well looky here. It appears Jeep's next Liberty will be heavily influenced by the squarocity of its Dodge Nitro cousin. The spy photogs at KPG, who snapped the shots, have deduced this tester is indeed a Jeep product and not the soon-for-sale Nitro. It's obvious that if this is the Liberty, it'll at least share considerable visual similarities with the Jeep Commander SUV. KPG's shooters say the facelift includes a larger windshield and revised roof pillars, meaning the Jeep shares few, if any, body panels with the Dodge. Either way, we're sure when Wert's lease is up he'll be on this little bastard like a metrosexual on Clinique for Him.

Caught: 2008 Jeep Liberty! [Winding Road]

Related:
Jeep to Discontinue Liberty Diesel; http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/nitro/">More on the Dodge Nitro [internal]

A couple of years back, we remember just narrowly missing being included in a ball-joint-related recall for the last-generation Dodge Durango. Now Wert's up on the recall block; in September he'll served notice that his '02-'06 Jeep Liberty may have a ball joint problem which has already caused three injuries and prompted 111 complaints. 832,000 vehicles are affected. Eep. [Thanks to Texans for the tip.]

Jeep recalls 2002-2006 Liberty SUV [Yahoo! News]

Related:
Asses of Fire: Jeep Heated Seat Recall [Internal]

Despite having doubled its original sales target, Jeep's Liberty CRD will soon be gone like Flynn (well, times change). Blame it on stricter emissions standards going into effect on 2007 that'll render its VM Motori-built 2.8-liter four unusable in the US market. Considering the company just announced its Grand Cherokee will be fitted with a common-rail diesel mill from DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes stable, the Liberty move doesn't mean the company's diesel experiment failed. Well, it kind of does. Chrysler's Jeep reportedly won't be building a new, cleaner-burning diesel Liberty due to cost issues. Bean counting 101.

Allpar News: Liberty diesel dropped [All Par]

Related:
Jeep Cherokee to Get Diesel, Stink up Joint [internal]