2005 Jeep Liberty Review

Specifications

Taking Our Family Vacation on a Dusty Road Trip to Jeep Mecca

OK, I had heard that events like Jeeps annual Jamborees exist, but nothing I had previously conceptualized could have prepared me for the parking lot full of 4×4s outside of the Apex Mountain Lodge, just up the hill from summertime playground Penticton, B.C., Canada, CJs, YJs, TJs, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and even a lone mid-80s Grand Wagoneer that had been de-woodgrained, painted white and modified with an early-60s waterfall grille, were here to play in the mud and, choke, dust.

Yes, dust, dust everywhere. It was that fine, silty stuff that gets in behind and underneath everything, fully integrating with each crack, crease and crevice of the skin… it was going to be a long, long weekend. But Kaden, my 4.5 year old son and sidekick, Anika, my 1.5 year old daughter and tagalong, could hardly complain. After all, the night was young, cool monster trucks surrounded and fresh dirt lay awaiting, along with rocks, sticks and an oh so interesting drainage grate that was ideal for collecting all of the above.

Of course, by the looks of the folks attending this years Jeep Jamboree, no-one was put out by my childrens shenanigans. Actually, some of the other kids were joining right in, with parents just seeming grateful that they could enjoy some adult conversation without incessant interruption.

And what to Jeep Jamboreers talk about? Lift kits, winches, snorkels, engine mods, tires and other off-road performance upgrades for their CJs, YJs, TJs, Unlimiteds, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Scramblers, Comanches, Wagoneers, J-Series pickups, Willys, and even Libertys.

“What, you drivin a ladys car tomorra”, said one lifer when I admitted I had requested the Liberty for my daylong journey into the wild unknown that would follow after the nights sleep.

“Yup, somethin wrong with that?” I said in a voice that was two parts sheep, one part goat.

“No…,” continued the tall, lanky dude that seemed more of a wranglin ranch hand than an off-road aficionado. “Just, my mamma drives one a those…”, to a chorus of laughter.

It seems that the Liberty, while one of the most capable cute utes currently on the new vehicle market, hasnt quite won over diehard Jeep fanatics. Its probably the independent front suspension that makes the tough guys shake their heads in unified disgust… exactly what lightweights like me appreciate about Jeeps entry-level model. I smile, inwardly wishing I had the guts or creativity to come up with some quick witted quip about pulling his sorry derriere off the ground when his back gives out on him after a full day riding in a vehicle that makes a cattle truck seem civilized, but, no doubt motivated by a sub conscience whose sole duty is self preservation, nothing comes to mind.

Fortunately the kids were still whole heartedly absorbed with the drainage grate, digging with pointed sticks, feet, legs, torsos, arms, hands, necks and faces covered in silt, and didnt notice their hero get butt whipped by a bunch of CJ, YJ and TJ owners - it was high school all over again and I still was a schlep.

The reality of the matter is that even among such Jeep elitists, theres a pecking order that segregates CJ, YJ and TJ owners into a hierarchy that makes enforcing civil servant seniority seem a lackadaisical pursuit. You see, the older the model the more respect youll garner. TJ owners are in the club at least, but theyre junior members put on KP or latrine duty. YJ owners, despite the TJ being a better vehicle in every way, which includes a return to circular headlamps from the unloved rectangular units, somehow have convinced TJ owners that theyre one step above. But this is nothing compared to the CJ ownership experience, and if a Jamboreerhappens to have been blessed with a short-wheelbase CJ5, praise to the man. Willys owners, although none were present at this particular gathering, are a cult unto themselves, revered and exalted by the Jeep faithful.

Back to my plight, Liberty owners, and even journalists who are bold or foolish enough to venture off lifes beaten path with one, are “universally” snubbed for purchasing the first Jeep ever to feature a dreaded independent front suspension, and Grand Cherokee owners are merely given a passing nod, with Jeep purists only grateful that such lackeys have paid good money to keep their favorite brand in the black. Cherokee and Comanche owners, if you can find any of the latter, are given reasonable respect on the basis of both vehicles integrating solid axles at each end.

But I mostly jest. While it was easy to see Jeep owners take a great deal of pride in their vehicles, there was only a couple out of the few dozen I spoke with that night who took the rub out of me for driving a Liberty. Most were down to earth family types who thoroughly enjoyed their vehicles, their kids, and the fun loving folks they joined year after year at the Jamboree. And if youd figured that the vast majority would be redneck Caucasians with gun racks in the back window, youd be misinformed again. There were all colors, ages and body types, plus both sexes were represented as owner enthusiasts. I think my favorite couple was Paul Ho and his wife Camile, a wonderful couple on the high side of middle age, about as unconventional as anyone uninitiated to the Jeep Jamboree experience would ever expect of off-road enthusiasts, but their silver TJ was purchased with this weekends purpose in mind, and their enthusiasm was magnetic. After two days, seeing them go from trepidation to determination, all the while sporting twin white dust masks (the smartest two in the group), Im sure theyre now sure to become faithful Jamboree attendees year after year.

Like the Hos, most Jamboreers accepted me into their midst like one of the family, prods and jabs being part of some new member hazing ritual, and wished me well as I picked up my dirty mongrels, smiled at my new friends and found my way back to the lodge.

The next morning the parking lot was almost as full as the cafeteria style restaurant, sequestered by the Jamboree officials for stuffing silly a couple hundred hungry adventurers. After a thoroughly engrossing meal my partner, Kaden, and I, wandered downstairs for a route briefing and some tread lightly talk - “Tread Lightly” is a global program designed to motivateoff-roaders to stay on the trail and respect the surrounding foliage and wildlife… kind of a boy scout approach to bushwhacking. Its a good idea though, so we all vow to adhere to the rules of the road… or should I say trail.

Those who had shown up the previous day had the opportunity to take part in Jeep 101, a remedial class for off-roaders. I was late as usual, choosing instead to take my family to Dinotown, a Fred Flintstone-like cartoon dinosaur park just outside of Chilliwack, BC, where the kids could frolic to their hearts content and mom and dad could enjoy paddling flat bottomed scows around a shallow makeshift river, pushing four-passenger fiberglass pedal cars that were too heavy and cumbersome to pedal round a rail-guided roadway, climb giant, multi-colored fiberglass dinosaurs, dig in heat-soaked burning sand for metal dinosaur bones, take the tractor-powered dino-train four or five times around the facility, and eat hamburgers and fries on the grass in 80 degree heat among other beleaguered looking parents. But really, it was fun to see the kids having so much fun, so the day at Dinotown and being late for the Jamboree was all worth it.

What had I missed? The first day is a smorgasbord of activities, and what attendees do is dependant on off-road experience. As mentioned, novices will be persuaded to take part in Jeep 101, which includes a half-day program beginning with a short classroom education where basic 4×4 terminology and off-road driving techniques are explained. After about an hour of talk, participants can put their newfound knowledge to the test by taking part in a man-made obstacle course. Once a few basic skills are mastered, its off to the trails for the rest of the day.

Those who are more experienced can go directly on one of a variety of skill testing treks, the easiest being the one I was signed up for, and the toughest designed to outwit man, woman and machine, some of which were outfitted with monster-truck sized rubber and lift kits so elevated that owners could adjust their suspension setting from the comfort of a lounge chair… while sitting underneath!

Our youngish lead trail guide, in charge of keeping this ragtag convoy of about fifteen amateurs within the ruts and away from surrounding evergreens, was amiable for sure, with kinds eyes and a quick smile, but occasionally the seriousness of an old drill sergeant came through, beleaguered with the ominous task of motivating a fresh load of greenies to be brave enough to go into battle fighting, yet smart enough to keep their heads down. While thoughts of enemy fire on M*A*S*Hencampments are easily conjured when surrounded by the progeny of a vehicle that, along with boatloads of similarly simpleton Shermans brought Hitlers sophisticated military to his knees, it took only a few miles of dense fog-like dust clouds to make me thank Ares that I was ensconced inside an airtight Liberty instead of an open-top TJ.

Over gravel roads, the first leg of what became an eight-hour off-road escapade, the Liberty is thoroughly at home. It soaks up potholes and un-gradable rocks without the punishment solid axle vehicles dole out, making Kaden wonder aloud what all the talk about off-road adventure was all about.

“Dont you worry son, youll see some more action soon enough.” I consoled him.

Soon enough was right. The lead guide informs all via our in-vehicle CB radios that the dirt road is coming to an end, a message that gets passed down the convoyfrom front to mid-pack guides, and on through to the chaser who remains in back to assist hangers on. Rather than allowing us to ease into our Jamboree experience, our team of experts needed to coax a few more reverentially awed participants from trembling in their boots to tackling the mountain. I stood “downstream” from the first batch of TJs and Grand Cherokees, slip sliding their way down the hillside, rocks tumbling, tires skidding, with only a few remembering to let go of the brake pedal and allow low gear to engage, which would effectively walk them down the hill at a comfortable crawl. Having had a fair bit of off-road experience in my past, thanks to a Dad who adored the wide-open outdoors as only a city boy from downtown Vienna could, and my job as an automotive journalist, I heeded the promptings of my guides and allowed let my Liberty find its own way down what had now become a more deeply rutted, mud strewn, rock upturned goat trail.

Hmmm… I dont think Ill ever get used to the sound of metal on stone, but bump after grinding bump my Liberty bounced its way down the steep grade, partially on its stock all-season mud and snow tires and partially on its skid-plate protected belly - which incidentally cover the transfer case, gas tank, and front tow hooks, held on with grade eight bolts no less. While the sound might have been disconcerting, as upsetting to me as fingernails on a chalkboard might be to others, the knowledge that armor plating was indeed protecting all vital components from harms way was somewhat consoling, and, after an hours intermittent pounding, as only some terrain induced belly scratching, I had accepted that all was truly well and my Liberty would yet live to fight throughout the rest of the day.

And before you go siding with my new CJ, YJ and TJ friends, citing their previous nights Liberty mocking as justifiable, that little stock ute managed everything thrown at it during an adventurous morning, proving equally up to the, lets say, intermediate-level trails as the surrounding solid axle SUVs, other than the scratches to its under-plating.

Incidentally, 4×4 roads are rated from 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest and 10 being nearly impossible to navigate. Most Jamboree trails are rated below 5, meaning that stock “Trail Rated” Jeeps should have no trouble making it through to the other side providing the person at the wheel drives with prudence. Any trails over level 5, and there were some that the experts spent their day scaling, required modified Jeeps, featuring the aforementioned lift kits, large diameter tires, and experienced (and somewhat insane) drivers.

The day continued with a run around the top of a very steep left-side embankment, the choppy trail winding its way through volcanic rock, tall dried grass, hopelessly parched jack pine and, you guessed it, fine, silty dust. About halfway through the day the trail became a bit tedious, the classic Wagoneer directly in front providing more of my interest than the surrounding scenery.

An enjoyable box lunch at the edge of the steepest grassy meadow I can remember dining next to broke up the monotony, accompanied by Kaden questioning when we were going to get there ever ten minutes or so, and we were off to the other side of the mountain. Its amazing how large a mountain can seem when only attaining 5 mph top speeds, but slowly, steadily we make progress, with the occasional rock or tree situated dangerously close to the trail… well at least dangerous to each vehicles shiny paint job.

After climbing one of the steepest grades Ive ever attempted in a vehicle without tracks, made more complicated by loose “baby head” sized stones, an old term my Dad always used to describe large rocks on gravel roads, before the words “politically correct” were transformed into the most annoying phrase of the 20th century, we reached close to the summit of the mountain wed spent nearly an entire day traversing. Knowing now that the worse was behind me I was left with a melancholy feeling, part gratitude to be heading back to a comfortable room with ashower, soap and shampoo, as well as an end to Kadens need for an ETA, put also part disappointment that the days 4×4ing would soon be over and Id have to climb back into my long-term Mitsubishi-built soft-roader for the long journey home the following day.

“Whose up for a trek to the top of Apex Mountain,” called out my tireless guide? Before even questioning, my hand went up in exuberant agreement along with about sixty percent of the Jamboreers. After fifteen minutes or so of dirt roads the remaining forty percent headed back to base camp while we turned off, up a less agreeable twin-track dirt road on our way to the apex of Apex. While the road upwards was no picnic, it was again nothing for the Liberty, and the scenery was what I was missing on the earlier route. Not that the previous mountains trees were less attractive or the views of distant valleys integrating ambling rivers werent splendid, but Apex opens up as its summit approaches, and the view to the world below is all-encompassing. This is why I would buy an SUV, not to test my personal mettle by scaling vertical rock walls, taking half a day to move a couple hundred feet while risking life and limb (one fella broke his arm in the advanced group when his CJ, YJ or TJ tipped over) in the process, but to seek out remote locations where a spectacular view or particularly enchanting fishing hole could be banked in the father-son memories for future days, when Dad and his exploits arent as cool anymore and all Ive got is my rocking chair and macramé.

As we pull into the base camp, all horns start honking in Jeep Jamboree tradition, a celebration of a days adventure and a sign that all are returning unscathed. Another hearty meal, more good conversation, looks of proud satisfaction from parents and hero worship from sons and daughters, jokes, jabs and pokes, but few directed at my Liberty. You see, it made me and Jeep proud that day. Not once did it hang me or anyoneelse up, but rather proved to be a formidable 4×4, “Trail Rated” in Jeep-speak. And unlike some of my CJ, YJ and TJ friends, my behind felt pampered, I never ate any dust other than when I purposely chose to roll the windows down and take in the smell of the wild, and I looked stylish doin it.

While Kaden complained a fair bit during the days journey, youd never know it when he returned to tell mom and Anika, who had spent their day down on the sandy beaches of Penticton and warm waters of Skaha Lake (families who dont all enjoy roughing it take note), about all the excitement we had experienced while on the trail. He still talks about it, now more than a month later, and wants to know when we can go back and do it again.

I suppose this is one reason Jeep Jamboreers go year after year, well, that and having to show off all the off-season upgrades they have added to their trusty steeds. Its a bit of religious zealousness, and Jeep is oh so smart for sponsoring such events that only go to promote brand loyalty that few competitors can match.

And thats something that no upstart 4×4 manufacturer can offer, and for those who have any ambition to take their SUV off-pavement at least once during the ownership experience, should be considered when purchasing. Jeeps advantage is the Jamboree; an event where novice off-roaders and diehards alike can join together and test their vehicles metal while truly testing their own personal mettle. And if one event per year isnt enough, and theres more than one Jamboree a year if youre prepared to travel, Jeep owners are involved in the highest number of independent 4×4 clubs around. Theyd love to take your minimal dues, experience or not, and weekends spent off-roading with the kids in tow are priceless.

So after two days of fun where do I go from here? Home, of course, but now Ive got a new annual destination to fit into my calendar. You see, Im planning for next years Jamboree already, and I wont miss the first day next time. As impressive as the Liberty was, I think Ill talk Jeep into giving me a new Commander for 2006, so I can really travel in style while my CJ, YJ and TJ friends continue to suck dust. And then maybe the year after, Ill go search eBay for a classic 40s Willys, or better yet, a 50s Willys wagon, install a lift kit, oversized tires, redo the interior (and seals), plus retrofit it with 2.8-liter diesel from the new Liberty CRD, and have them bowing down in respect. Ah, the Jeep bug has bitten, but Im hardly feeling twice shy.