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Jeep Liberty CRD off to strong start

Jeep Liberty CRD off to strong start

Posted Jun 8th 2005 1:26PM

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Early sales figures are in for the new Jeep Liberty CRD, a.k.a. Common Rail Diesel, and they're looking good. At the end of May 6,000 units had been shipped and half of those have been sold. The Liberty CRD is spending an average of 23 days on the lot, which is about a third of the typical time for a Jeep product. The 2.8L four-cylinder turbo diesel goes a long way to dispel the common misconception that today's diesels are smelly, loud and weak performers. Jeep's powerplant delivers best in class torque with 295 lb-ft, best in class towing capacity at 5,000 lbs, and best in class range at about 500 highway miles. Plus, diesel engines are famous for being as durable and dependable as mules. Thankfully they don't smell like them anymore.

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26 Comments

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John Loehr

I have a CRD, and it's so much fun to drive, I thought about getting rid of my Porsche 911, (for a minute or two, anyway). As for putting the CRD in the Wrangler, I said five years ago, (when I was driving a 1999 Wrangler) that 1) it was a disgrace that even the 4 cylinder wrangler wouldn't get 20 mpg and 2) if they built a turbodiesel wrangler, I probably wouldn't drive anything else.

December 24 2005 at 6:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Keegan Norwood

I sell Jeeps here in Washington state and my customers have been very happy with them. That comment about a lot of hats proves true--I know because my wife and I bought one a couple months ago for ourselves and have been able to do everything in it from hauling appliances and trailers and driving off the beaten path, to comfortable road trips with friends. They cover a lot of bases and make me feel fairly good about my (relatively) planet friendly choice.

November 07 2005 at 4:53 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

slim

OK, I have trouble with this. How do I justify buying a car that costs $25000 just to get better gas mileage? I can't!. I don't have a car payment at present. It's cheaper to keep my truck which gets 10 mpg then to spend that kind of money just to get 27 mpg, which isnt that great.

September 10 2005 at 1:23 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Steve Schreiner

The big turn off for me when looking at the Liberty CRD is the fact that it is only available in automatic. I would love to see this vehicle with a 6 speed standard transmission. The automatic takes all the fun out of an off road vehicle. Overall I find that the selection of Diesel vehicles in Canada is pathetic, considering today's technologies, gas prices and distances we must drive as well as the fact that we have no railways and good buss systems rural areas.

September 08 2005 at 10:32 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris Hardin

One benefit of the CRD that has gone unmentioned is the towing capacity. Granted this is a fairly short wheelbase, so I would not tow large trailer, but for smaller boats, camp trailers, etc., you can do this with the CRD and still get up a mountain pass without embarrassment. The torque you have is impressive for the size of the vehicle. This rig may mean many of us could skip the truck altogether. It can wear a lot of hats....

August 21 2005 at 11:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chris Hardin

August 21 2005 at 11:46 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Chad

Brian, I would love to hear more about your CRD!!! My wife and I are interested in making biodiesel and wonder if you have ANY gripes w/your CRD that would make me consider against it. We originally wanted a hybrid SUV, but the torque and durability of the diesel just makes too much sense, and the Touareg is just too damned expensive.

July 08 2005 at 1:11 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Mark

I've heard theories that diesel is so expensive here in the US in order to stick it to the Teamsters and other unions. I agree with Doogs, a Wrangler (even a 2-door one) with a CRD engine would be awesome.

June 10 2005 at 1:46 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Nick Preuss

I'm puzzled about the high cost of diesel ih the US too. Technically it should be cheaper to make due to less refinement is needed compared to gasoline. Maybe its taxes, low desiel demand/poor logistics, or some additives that drive up the cost. Anyone have a clue?

June 09 2005 at 3:15 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Brian

For comparison's sake I just went to jeep.com and built two identical Libertys. One with the V6, one with the CRD. Other than engines, everything is the same (well the CRD has a 5-speed automatic, but you can't get it with the V6) The results: CRD: $25,870 MSRP V-6: $25,155 MSRP Some quick calculations show that I will recouperate the cost difference in fuel savings alone (based on my mileage results and those of V-6 owners I've talked to and current gas and diesel costs) within the first 20,000 miles.

June 08 2005 at 10:41 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply