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2009 Jeep Liberty Review

June 25, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

an unmistakable Jeep grille combined with squared-off, go-anywhere pugnacity
NYTimes.com

an uncanny resemblance to the Dodge Nitro
Automobile.com

Jeep has definitely masculinized the Liberty’s styling
TruckTrend.com

The 2009 Jeep Liberty’s look is much more in keeping with its formidable off-road capabilities—something the previous generation’s rather girl-friendly design kept hidden.

Maybe the 2009 Jeep Liberty is no more than what the team at Automobile.com sees: “at first glance, especially from the rear three-quarters, the Jeep Liberty has an uncanny resemblance to the Dodge Nitro.” Edmunds jumps on this similarity: “You might think that the 2009 Jeep Liberty midsize SUV is just a Dodge Nitro wearing a Jeep Commander mask.”

Motor Trend says that with the Liberty, Jeep has amped up the manly appeal: “it gets a more macho-looking Jeep seven-slat grille, replacing the more rounded, friendly-looking grille that ironically has been applied to the iconic, macho Wrangler.” As TruckTrend.com recognizes, the Jeep Liberty’s “[e]xterior changes include squared-off headlamps, a flattened hoodline, and a less rounded body—Jeep has definitely masculinized the Liberty's styling.”

NYTimes.com observes, “The 2009 model, about two inches longer than its predecessor, has an unmistakable Jeep grille combined with squared-off, go-anywhere pugnacity.” For the editors here at TheCarConnection.com, the Jeep Liberty is now a more handsome vehicle, with a more rugged shape that shows off the promise of its off-road performance.

“The interior has sobered up. In place of the collection of design-y circles that made the old interior look something like a toy is a theme of straight lines and flat surfaces. It is similar to — surprise — the Dodge Nitro,” reports Edmunds of the interior design.

Conclusion

While there is a familial link to the Nitro, the 2009 Jeep Liberty is distinguished from the Dodge by the Jeep hallmark grille and other details.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:an unmistakable Jeep grille combined with squared-off, go-anywhere pugnacityNYTimes.coman uncanny resemblance to the Dodge NitroAutomobile.comJeep has definitely masculinized the Liberty’s stylingTruckTrend.com The 2009 Jeep Liberty’s look is much more in keeping with its formidable off-road capabilities—something the previous generation’s rather girl-friendly design kept hidden. Maybe the 2009 Jeep Liberty is no more than what the team at Automobile.com sees: “at first glance, especially from the rear three-quarters, the Jeep Liberty has an uncanny resemblance to the Dodge Nitro.” Edmunds jumps on this similarity: “You might think that the 2009 Jeep Liberty midsize SUV is just a Dodge Nitro wearing a Jeep Commander mask.” Motor Trend says that with the Liberty, Jeep has amped up the manly appeal: “it gets a more macho-looking Jeep seven-slat grille, replacing the more rounded, friendly-looking grille that ironically has been applied to the iconic, macho Wrangler.” As TruckTrend.com recognizes, the Jeep Liberty’s “[e]xterior changes include squared-off headlamps, a flattened hoodline, and a less rounded body—Jeep has definitely masculinized the Liberty's styling.” NYTimes.com observes, “The 2009 model, about two inches longer than its predecessor, has an unmistakable Jeep grille combined with squared-off, go-anywhere pugnacity.” For the editors here at TheCarConnection.com, the Jeep Liberty is now a more handsome vehicle, with a more rugged shape that shows off the promise of its off-road performance. “The interior has sobered up. In place of the collection of design-y circles that made the old interior look something like a toy is a theme of straight lines and flat surfaces. It is similar to — surprise — the Dodge Nitro,” reports Edmunds of the interior design. ConclusionWhile there is a familial link to the Nitro, the 2009 Jeep Liberty is distinguished from the Dodge by the Jeep hallmark grille and other details. 2009 JEEP LIBERTY STYLING | [7 out of 10] NYTimes.com: “an unmistakable Jeep grille combined with squared-off, go-anywhere pugnacity” Automobile.com: “an uncanny resemblance to the Dodge Nitro” TruckTrend.com: “Jeep has definitely masculinized the Liberty’s styling” The 2009 Jeep ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

If you really want genuine Jeep performance, the 2009 Liberty doesn’t disappoint. If you want something that just looks like it could go off road, there are better choices. Among those more carlike choices are the Subaru Forester, which has a tough all-wheel-drive system that can even take on muddy, rutted trails. The RAV4 is styled closer to an SUV, but it's more carlike; inside you can specify a small third-row seat. Honda's CR-V is one of the smoothest-riding and most fuel-efficient, and it's a good choice for those who don't plan to venture off-road. For those who want hardy off-road alternatives and really plan to take to the trail, the Nissan Xterra is a good choice, especially if you have a lot of equipment to haul around. And for off-road fashionistas, the FJ Cruiser is a hot ride.

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See the Jeep Liberty in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

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