2006 Jeep Liberty - The Cherokee Gets a Suitable Replacement

The Jeep long standing Cherokee was finally replaced by the Jeep Liberty in 2002, which is slightly larger than the Cherokee. In 2005, the Liberty models received a freshened exterior, and a diesel engine became available for Sport and Limited models equipped with four-wheel drive. For 2006, Jeep has dropped the four-cylinder gasoline engine. An Electronic Stability Program and a tire-pressure-monitoring system are standard. True to its tough, capable Jeep off-road lineage, the Jeep Liberty was designed to actually venture off-road -- a trait not shared by many of its lighter-weight, car-based sport-utility competitors. It does so confidently thanks to steep approach and departure angles and exceptional suspension travel and articulation. Combined with an independent front and solid axle rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, a new or used Liberty works best for those who want a versatile, go-anywhere utility vehicle and plan to take advantage of its all-terrain prowess on occasion. Liberty SUVs have a coil-spring independent front suspension and a solid rear axle with coil springs. The spare tire is mounted externally on a swing-out tailgate with flip-up glass. Wheels are 16 inches in diameter (17 inches on the Limited). Available skid plates cover the fuel tank and transfer case, and an optional Trailer Tow Group yields a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Liberty Power and Drive

 Because the V-4 was dropped for 2006, the remaining sole gasoline engine is a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 235 pounds-feet of torque. It teams with either a six-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmission. The 2.8-liter four-cylinder common-rail diesel engine produces 160 hp and 295 pounds-feet of torque. 2006 is the last year the diesel is available. It drives a five-speed-automatic transmission. The Liberty is offered with either rear- or four-wheel drive. Solidly constructed, the Liberty offers quick, precise steering with moderate effort and produces a pleasant overall feel.

The ride is surprisingly easygoing on smooth roads, and it doesn't deteriorate much when the pavement gets rough. The 4WD system comes equipped with low-range gearing to improve off-roading ability. This 2.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel provided 160 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. Although it was noisier than the gas-powered V6, the diesel-powered Liberty CRD provides great performance. The diesel Jeep Liberty was popular with buyers; it was discontinued only because of tightening U.S. emissions standards. The Liberty, unlike many of its competitors, is capable off road.  Though not exceptional, performance is more than adequate with the V-6 engine and automatic transmission. At low highway speeds, the Liberty occasionally exhibits awkward downshifting.  Noise is the biggest issue with the diesel engine, which exhibits an intrusive rattle. Though the diesel-powered Liberty accelerates with ease at lower speeds, it's milder at highway velocities.

Design of the 2006 Liberty

 Consumers buy Jeeps because of the traditional Jeep heritage and capabilities that most Jeep model carries. The Liberty is no exception. Pronounced trapezoidal wheel flares are integrated into the body, and a traditional seven-slot Jeep grille highlights the front. Short front and rear overhangs allow 36-degree approach and 31.5-degree departure angles for effective offroad driving. The first-generation Jeep Liberty debuted for the 2002 model year. The original Liberty's styling recalled the original off-road Jeep Willys via its trademark vertical Jeep grille and round headlamps. Available with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, this Jeep Liberty is a small SUV that was offered in base Sport and upscale Limited trims.  Renegade models feature a flatter hood, taller grille, offroad fog lamps and taillight guards. Four skid plates are installed.

'06 Liberty Cabin

The Jeep Liberty can hold up to five people. A 65/35-split rear seat can be folded down with one hand. Renegade and Limited models can be fitted with a DVD-based GPS navigation radio. Firm yet comfortable seats offer excellent support, and there is ample headroom and legroom. The Limited '06 offers features such as leather trim, a sunroof, heated and powered seats, an Infinity sound system, a navigation system and hands-free cell phone connectivity. Sitting in the Liberty gives the driver a sense of spaciousness with 40.7 inches of headroom, more than other SUVs in this class. Door panels are scalloped out for elbow rests, and a grab handle is provided on the passenger's side of the dash. The Liberty's rear seats are comfortable, capable of holding three people. Two adults should be happy here. There is even more rear headroom than in the front, and lots of space to slide your feet under the front seats, but knee room is limited.

 Liberty Lineup for 2006

The 2006 Jeep Liberty is available in three trim levels: Sport, Renegade, and Limited Edition. Optional on Sport 4WD and Limited 4WD is a 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel that comes with a five-speed automatic. Liberty diesels also come with a bigger battery, P225/75 tires, 16x7-inch aluminum wheels, and an engine block heater. Standard on all 4WD models is Command-Trac, a conventional part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. Full-time Selec-Trac is optional on all three trim levels, and retains a low range for serious off-roading.

Sport are entry-level models, although they do come with air conditioning, tilt steering, power windows, power mirrors remote keyless entry, engine immobilizer, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, gray fender flares, P225/75 tires on 16-inch steel wheels and, as we mentioned earlier, ABS, electronic stability control (ESP), and traction control.

Renegade add unique Trexx cloth upholstery, speed control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, vanity mirrors, and 16-inch aluminum wheels finished in Mineral Gray Metallic. Special exterior trim includes free-standing submersible halogen fog lamps, accent-color fender flares, tubular roof rails, functional rock rails, and tow hooks.

Limited Edition adds upgraded seats and interior trim with satin-silver accents, security alarm, cargo compartment cover, P235/65 all-season tires on 17-inch Sparkle Silver aluminum wheels, and a spare-tire cover. Fender flares are body-color. Limited deletes Renegade's rock rails but adds lots of exterior brightwork.

An Off-Road Group for four-wheel-drive models adds heavy-duty engine cooling, P235/70 all-terrain tires, tow hooks, and skid plates for the front suspension, fuel tank, transmission and transfer case. The Luxury Group for Renegade adds leather seats with power adjustment, upgraded inside door panels, power heated foldaway mirrors, and an overhead console with HomeLink transmitter and a vehicle information center (VIC) that allows the customer to program automatic locking, lighting, and other features.

Conclusions

Antilock brakes and an Electronic Stability Program are standard. Side curtain-type airbags are optional. The Jeep Liberty is the successor to one of America's original compact SUVs, the Cherokee. For more research, visit Edmund's.com 2006 Jeep Liberty page. An evolutionary departure from that earlier, more traditional sport-utility design, the Liberty features a large greenhouse, a high roof line and aggressive, flared wheel arches.Jeep Liberty strikes a balance between off-road capability and on-road sophistication.It's a good choice for drivers who like to venture into the backcountry, but need comfort and practicality in a daily driver.A higher degree of off-highway capability separates the Liberty from other small SUVs.