2009 Jeep Liberty   By:  ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net  The Jeep Liberty is one of the mainstays of capability and ruggedness.  This is the tradition of the Jeep brand that makes it fun to drive.  The 2009 Jeep Liberty was chosen by consumers as the Compact SUV for 2009 – Readers’ Choice Award.

   This is not the first award won by the Jeep Liberty.  The 2009 Liberty was also named as the AutoPacific Best In Class for their Mid-Size SUV category.  The Liberty also earned five star ratings in the US Government’s crash testing.  Stars were awarded for Frontal, Side, and Impact testing. 
          The Jeep Liberty comes in two models – the Sport and the Limited.  It is a five seat small SUV.  The primary competitors are the Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Nissan Xterra.
          The Jeep Liberty is equipped with active and passive features that are engineered to keep the driver and passengers safe and secure, especially during extreme off-road conditions.  The Jeep Liberty holds the Trail Rated badge, which is found on all 4x4’s that has passed a set of extensive off-road tests.  These are grueling and are conducted over very demanding terrain.  The categories of testing for a Trail Rated vehicle include Water Fording, Traction, Maneuverability, Ground Clearance, and Articulation.
          Skid plates help protest vital components on the underside of the Liberty.  There is a front skid plate designed to protect the radiator and cooling fan.  Another plate protects the front suspension, front axle, steering gear, and the engine oil pan.  A special fuel tank skid plate is there to enhance the brush guard protection.
          Sport utility bars attach to the standard roof rack side rails and are an available accessory.  Other options include a rooftop cargo basket, water sports carrier (for canoes or kayaks), roof box cargo carrier, and a hitch-mounted bike carrier.
          The Liberty is powered by a 3.7 liter V-6 engine and has a four speed automatic transmission. Manual transmission is not an option.   Electronic Stability Control and All-Speed Traction Control are standard.
          A unique feature of the Jeep Liberty is the Sky Slider roof.  It is not a glass moon roof, but made out of canvas.  The canvas roof actually folds back on itself as it opens.
          Bottom line – The Jeep Liberty carries on the legendary name with four-wheel drive leadership.  It is attractive and versatile, yet fun to drive.  Check out the Liberty and other Jeep models at a Chrysler dealership.