2011 Jeep Liberty

Review

The 2011 Jeep Liberty is the classic, rugged vehicle polished for modern demands. The Liberty comes in four distinct tiers: the Sport 4x2, Sport 4x4, the Limited, which is a 4x2 vehicle and the Renegade, which is 4x4. The starting MSRP value for the Liberty Sport 4x2 is $23,250, and the price can range up to $28,605 as the starting value for the Renegade. Every vehicle is equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 engine with four speed automatic transmission. The Liberty Sport 4x4 and the Liberty Renegade are both four wheel drive vehicles. The Jeep Liberty gets approximately 15-16 miles per gallon for city driving and as much as 22 miles for every gallon on the highway.

Specifications

• MSRP: $23,250 - 24,865
• Engine: 3.7 Liter V-6 with overhead cam offering a 9.7:1 compression ratio with 2 valves per cylinder
• Power: 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 235 pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm

  Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic

• Drive: 4WD
• Fuel Tank: 19.5 gallons
• Fuel Rating: 21 mpg highway and 15 mpg city

Under the Hood

The 2011 Jeep Liberty offers a powerful 3.7-liter engine with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The engine is rated at 210 horsepower with 235 pounds of torque when operated at 4,000 rpm. If the automatic transmission is coupled with the towing package, the 2011 Jeep Liberty is able to tow up to 5,000 pounds. This towing capability exceeds the capacity of any similar vehicle. The coil-spring, independent front suspension, engineered by Jeep, makes the 2011 Jeep Liberty a smooth ride with superb handling capabilities.

Test Drive

As is characteristic of the Jeep Liberty, the 2011 edition is just as much an on road vehicle as it is an off-road vehicle. It is a smooth and comfortable ride, nigh indistinguishable from some of the elite luxury vehicles when driven on paved roads. However, it still carries that iconic rugged toughness when taken on rockier and wilder terrain. As a result of updated technology and enhanced performance, the 2011 Jeep Liberty handles well and does not feel like the rough and durable vehicle that it is.

The 2011 Jeep Liberty offers excellent handling and precise control on the road along with the dependable 4X4 capability that Jeep is famous for when taken off-road. The independent front suspension designed by Jeep ensures a smooth ride over all types of terrain. The 3.7 Liter V-6 engine gives this Jeep plenty of power, and both transmissions provide smooth shifting. New 2011 Jeep Liberty owners will enjoy the ride whether they are traveling on the highway or through the roughest unpaved roads.

Interior

The interior remains, in most part, much the same as previous Jeep Liberty versions. It is a five-passenger vehicle. It has standard, premium cloth bucket seats, which are stain, odor, and static resistant. This makes them, incredibly, practical for daily wear. The more prestigious Liberties like the Jeep Liberty Limited and the Liberty Renegade have the added luxuries of heated front seats and manually adjustable driver’s lumbar support. There is also the option to have leather seats in these vehicles. The interior is nearly unrecognizable as that of such a rugged and heavy-duty car.

The 2011 Jeep Liberty's interior will not disappoint the new Jeep owner. While it may not be as luxurious as more expensive models, it will provide comfort and durability. In fact, this may be preferable to many of the fancier options available in other vehicles if the 2011 Jeep Liberty is taken off-road on a frequent basis. The available five seats offer upgraded cloth and velour upholstery with plenty of head and leg room. The front bucket seats have the use of a convenient center armrest, and both the front and rear seating offer cup holders. The rear seating features three asymmetrical bench seats with zero adjustments. The 2011 Jeep Liberty's interior electronic feature include a tachometer, low tire pressure indicator, external temperature sensor, delayed-fade courtesy lighting, front reading lights, and headlight controls with a dusk sensor. The sound system includes six speakers to go with the RDS audio system with satellite radio capability and a CD/MP3 player. Power all of your accessories with both front and rear 12V power outlets. The generous cargo area provides 60.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down and 25.2 cubic feet with all seats in place.

Safety Specifications

One thing about the Jeep Liberty is certain: it continually strives for safety. There are advanced, multistage front airbags as well as supplemental side-curtain airbags. All models of the Liberty include the newest technology including front seat head restraints and side door guard beams for added protection in the event of a side collision. The Jeep Liberty also has a frame of steel alloy that is designed to help absorb shock from an impact to minimize any damage. There are also crush zones that are characteristic of most modern cars, as well as an anti-lock brake system. Various upgrades are typically available for the luxurious Jeep Liberties, the Limited and the Jeep Renegade.

Exterior

The 2011 Jeep Liberty has the classic look of any solid Jeep vehicle, clean lines and a box-like yet elegant silhouette. It is longer than most may be used to seeing, almost giving it the appearance of an SUV. Still it remains a strong contender against its traditional analogs: Toyota’s RAV4, the Nissan XTerra, Honda’s CR-V and its very own cousin the Jeep Patriot. Each of these vehicles performs at a similar level and fulfills similar functions. However, the Jeep Liberty still possesses the allure of a reliable and flexible vehicle that is characteristic of the Jeep brand.

The Jeep Liberty has always been a versatile and valuable investment, for anyone who wishes to purchase a vehicle. In fact, the 2011 model is no exception. Its updates enhance the vehicle while staying true to what Liberty drivers have always admired. The 2011 Liberty is an improved version of an old, and beloved, classic.

Pros

The 2011 Jeep Liberty offers excellent off-road capability in an affordable package. It also has excellent towing capabilities when the 3.7 Liter V-6 engine is paired with the reliable four-speed automatic transmission. This is truly a dual-purpose vehicle when the smooth, off-road ride is compared with the even smoother experience that takes place on the pavement. The 2011 Jeep Liberty also offers the attractive but rugged exterior that has attracted buyers in the past. If the new buyer is looking for a great Jeep experience in their next vehicle purchase, the 2011 Jeep Liberty provides an affordable choice that will satisfy their needs.

Cons

While this Jeep model has a rugged and durable interior, it doesn't offer many of the more up-to-date features that other 4X4 vehicles provide. Some drivers feel that the extremely smooth ride provided by the independent suspension detracts from their ability to judge the road surface. While this shouldn't provide a problem on paved surfaces, it may be a disappointment to some off-road enthusiasts who enjoy a fast-paced off-road experience.