http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/ Autoblog Comments for Jeep Liberty CRD off to strong start http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
And they can eat like them, too (bio-diesel).]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
I did read that Honda now says they aren't planning to bring their diesel to the U.S. I hope they change their mind. I would buy an Accord diesel in a heartbeat.]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
I test drove one of these a few months back. The claims that it has the acceleration of a V6 are bull. My Cherokee is probably 2 seconds faster to 60 (ok, inline 6 not v6, same difference). It definitely takes some time for the torque to really come on as well. I considered it until the dealership told me that it was not going to be available with the 6 speed manual and that there were basically no incentives to lower the cost - who heard of an offroad vehicle without a manual transmission option.

I went with a 9-2x Aero instead and saved myself enough money to buy gas for 7 years (at today's rates). I won't be able to do the Rubicon in my Saab, but I could do almost all the dirt roads, which is about all the offroad action Liberty owners subject their vehicles to, at twice the speed. IMO it's not worth it.

I'm a Jeep faithful too, I currently own two...]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
About the upfront cost of the Liberty CRD - Edmunds did a comparison test with it and the new Lexus and Toyota hybrids not too long ago. Among other things, they found that:

"[The CRD] adds about $2 grand to the price tag, though with the added equipment that comes standard on the diesel, the difference is really just $845."

"Based on the mileage we got in the Liberty CRD, WE'D COME OUT AHEAD AFTER A YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. It would take us about five years to break even in the Highlander Hybrid and about six years in the RX 400h."
]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
If diesel was less expensive here, the choice could be more obvious.]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
When looking at the extra cost of the diesel option on the Liberty, it seems everyone misses the fact that the CRD comes standard with items that are optional on the other Libertys. Take the 5-speed automatic (NA on any other model), Select-Trac Full-Time 4WD System ($400), 4-wheel ABS ($600) and engine block heater ($40) as examples. On top of that the recommended service interval is 12,500 miles on the diesel!

And in regards to Andrew's comments, every review of the CRD has its 0-60 time 1-2 seconds faster that the Liberty 3.7l V6. Comparing the Liberty CRD to an older, much lighter, Cherokee is apples to oranges. The lag you noticed when accelerating from a stop has been eliminated in the latest ECU flash available at the dealer. Tire spin is easily obtainable now. I also had no problem getting the CRD at invoice, with $1000 cash back and 0% financing. The incentives are there, maybe you should've went to another dealer.]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
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.]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/
I agree with Doogs, a Wrangler (even a 2-door one) with a CRD engine would be awesome.]]>Dec 18th 2005 11:05PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/http://www.autoblog.com/2005/06/08/jeep-liberty-crd-off-to-strong-start/Dec 18th 2005 11:05PM