As you can tell I think the Jeep holds its own in its category. So what would I like improved? First, the Liberty could have a more versatile tailgate. While it swings in the safest direction it opens extremely wide, making loading almost impossible if parked close to another vehicle. I can't figure out why SUV manufacturers haven't adopted the ingenious fold-down/swing-out 1970s station wagon tailgate. It performed double duty depending on the situation at hand, either folding down for driving with items too long to fit inside or swinging out of the way for loading bulky items. My family had a wagon with this multi-purpose tailgate that served us well for years. With just the swing out 5th door it's impossible to take a stack of 10-ft 2x4s home from the hardware store. Next, as I mentioned previously I keep on searching around the cabin for the power window switches. I can't seem to get used to their central location between the front seats. Even when I find them it's difficult to figure out which one does what. I'm sure that given time I'd grow accustomed but, call me a conformist if you like, I'd much rather have them on the door panels.
Finally, I'd like to have the option of a turbo diesel. The Liberty, due to its substantial curb weight and large V6 engine doesn't get the best fuel economy in its class at 13.4 / 10.2 L/100 km (21 / 28 mpg). Jeep already sells a diesel equipped Liberty in Europe so it wouldn't take much to ready one for the North American market. I'm sure these are reasons why the DaimlerChrysler brass are considering bringing an oil burner across the pond, despite the fact that only 6% of those surveyed would consider buying one. Personally, I think more would opt for the reliable and economic alternative if it were available, especially if gasoline prices continue to rise. After all, when most North Americans think about diesels they conger up images of knocking, smoking, smelly and gutless cars, trucks and buses, hardly the thing you'd want to start up every morning. With modern common rail diesels quite the opposite is true. They're quiet, emissions friendly (and will get better with new low sulfur diesel fuel in 2006), hardly odorous and usually more powerful than gas engines of the same displacement. Diesels, with their abundance of torque available at low revs, are also especially effective off-road - a perfect match for the Liberty.
Finally, I'd like to have the option of a turbo diesel. The Liberty, due to its substantial curb weight and large V6 engine doesn't get the best fuel economy in its class at 13.4 / 10.2 L/100 km (21 / 28 mpg). Jeep already sells a diesel equipped Liberty in Europe so it wouldn't take much to ready one for the North American market. I'm sure these are reasons why the DaimlerChrysler brass are considering bringing an oil burner across the pond, despite the fact that only 6% of those surveyed would consider buying one. Personally, I think more would opt for the reliable and economic alternative if it were available, especially if gasoline prices continue to rise. After all, when most North Americans think about diesels they conger up images of knocking, smoking, smelly and gutless cars, trucks and buses, hardly the thing you'd want to start up every morning. With modern common rail diesels quite the opposite is true. They're quiet, emissions friendly (and will get better with new low sulfur diesel fuel in 2006), hardly odorous and usually more powerful than gas engines of the same displacement. Diesels, with their abundance of torque available at low revs, are also especially effective off-road - a perfect match for the Liberty.