2010 Jeep Liberty
While Jeep heritage has been going strong for more than half a century, most of its product lineup is still in its infancy. Compass and Patriot are actually more like adopted children Ð loved by their new parents but not sharing any DNA. Then there is Liberty.
The Jeep Liberty was first introduced as a 2002 model but was quickly relegated to popularity around college campuses and sorority houses. Seeking to get back to its roots, Jeep gave Liberty a complete redux for the 2008 model.
All-new from the ground up, the Liberty returns to Jeep's legendary 4x4 heritage by offering two Jeep Trail Rated four-wheel-drive systems Ð the part-time Command-Trac II and full-time Selec-Trac II. On-road ride and handling have been improved and refined with the new independent front suspension, new five-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.
The LibertyÕs exterior has been redesigned, and takes on a more rugged, classic Jeep look. And to enhance Liberty's experience in the great outdoors is the new Sky Slider full-length open canvas roof, an industry-exclusive Ð giving the Liberty that ÒHave Fun Out ThereÓ open-air Jeep brand experience. Remote start, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats, mirrors and radio controls and express up/down windows are added to the vehicleÕs ever-growing list of available features and options offered on two models Ð Jeep Liberty Sport and Jeep Liberty Limited.
Liberty is positioned to appeal to customers who are looking for Jeep 4x4 capability as well as comfort and convenience. It is (now) targeted to young couples and new families, as well as professional, young single men and women between 30 and 40 years of age, balanced male to female. Jeep Liberty is marketed towards owners who will balance day-to-day responsibilities with their passion for adventure as well as the outdoors. They are athletic and pursue activities that combine their various interests with their active lifestyle.
Liberty is powered by a 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine providing competitive peak power and torque while providing fairly smooth, quiet operation. It produces 210 hp and 235 lb. ft. of torque. Fuel economy, while not stellar, has been improved and now achieves an estimated 15 mpg city and 21 mpg on the highway.ÊTwo transmissions are offered on the Jeep Liberty in the U. S.: a six-speed manual gearbox and a four-speed automatic. In the very near future I would like to see the new Chrysler Corporation update Jeep's powertrains.
The 2010 Jeep Liberty has a full range of active and passive safety systems. Among the vehicleÕs standard equipment are Electronic Stability Program, Electronic Roll Mitigation, All-speed Traction Control, Brake Assist, advanced anti-lock brakes, rain-sensing wipers, Tire Pressure Monitoring, supplemental side-curtain air bags and active head restraints. The new model also comes with hill start assist and hill descent control.
New technology being offered includes the MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment System, a completely integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and hands-free communication system. MyGIG allows customers to use touch screen or voice commands to control features, and includes a 30-gigabyte hard drive where songs and photos can be stored. The system also includes a voice-memo recorder feature.
MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on traffic conditions. All of these functions can be controlled through voice commands or by utilizing a touch screen. The UConnect Hands-free Communication System uses Bluetooth technology to provide wireless communication between the customerÕs compatible mobile phone and the vehicleÕs on-board receiver.
We recently tested the Liberty Limited model with the four-speed automatic gearbox and Select-Trac II full-time 4WD system. Our time behind the wheel was all suburban traffic, no full-out mud runs or rocky torture tests.
One thing that became immediately apparent was that the pedals were positioned to the left of where they are in most vehicles on the road today. The gas pedal felt like it was located where the brake pedal normally is and the brake pedal felt like it was where most manufacturers locate the clutch pedal Ð all in all a bit awkward.
And one more thing: that front passenger grab bar is a real knee-buster, take extra care when hopping in the front passenger side. Aside from that the Jeep Liberty is fairly enjoyable and the Sky Slider roof is perfect for letting the sun shine in.
Pricing for our test model started at $28,735 with a final sticker of $33,375 thanks to a host of technology and equipment packages.
The new Jeep Liberty is still no Wrangler, nor is it meant to be, but it is a Jeep nonetheless so despite some fancier duds, Jeep DNA does pulse through its veins.
| Gotta love getting a hot little roadster during a record snowfall. |
2010 Chevy Camaro RS: Making 'old school' new again
I admit I am old school and I apologize ... for nothing.
I learned to type (originally) on a manual typewriter and perfected that craft on an IBM Selectric. I learned to drive in the family station wagon, before I had to wear a seatbelt. I still look forward to receiving the National Geographic magazine in the mail each month (although for slightly different reasons than when I was a young lad) and I get my hair cut by a barber.
And I still LOVE Camaros.
Sure, I have adopted modern technology into my current lifestyle and life stage, and Camaro has "matured" as well.
Deep down inside, though, resides a beating heart yearning for excitement and the ever-fleeting adrenaline rush. If you are asking am I describing myself here or the automobile, the answer is "Yes."
Since its comeback this past year, the new-generation Chevrolet Camaro has graced my driveway in several forms. I drove a slick black SS model with automatic gearbox and V-8 engine in the July 4th parade last summer, I zipped around town in the 426hp manual transmission hotrod this past fall and most recently enjoyed time with a V-6 powered RS model in blazing Inferno Orange.
I was unsure how I would receive the smaller powertrain after already being spoiled with the V-8 experience but I quickly discovered I was not disappointed. Chevy has proven it can deliver fun and fuel economy in an extremely handsome package.
GM began using direct injection technology on a V-6 engine a couple of years back with their newest Cadillac CTS offering, providing enhanced performance without the need for engine add-ons such as supercharging. These new six-cylinder engines produce as much power as the last generation V-8s were delivering to driving enthusiasts – 304hp in the case of the new Camaro.
And the perfect partner for this V-6 is the six-speed manual gearbox Chevy offers.
While I was not blown away with the six-speed manual behind the V-8 Camaro I drove last fall, I was very content during my week behind the wheel of the "six-with-a-six" combo.
Most of my driving was concentrated near the 17 mpg city end of the fuel economy rating scale, but the V-6 Camaro is capable of up to 29 mpg on the highway.
The RS package with interior colors to match the loud exterior paint scheme was added on top of the 2LT trim level our tester began with so this was no bargain basement ride. In addition to dual exhaust tips, sport suspension, front, side and head curtain airbags, ultrasonic park assist, four wheel disc brakes with ABS, Stabilitrak stability and traction control and a great Boston Acoustics sound system with Sirius/XM satellite radio, Chevy adds 20-inch sport wheels, rear spoiler, rally striping, RS unique tail lamps, HID headlamps with cool halo ring, inferno orange accents on the front and rear leather seats along with accent stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob armrest, center console and seats.
And the ambient lighting at night is sweet. The body paint trim panel inserts in the doors glow along the length of the top of the panel. Gorgeous. I just wish I could dim the dash panel lighting separately from the ambient lighting.
A 2010 Chevrolet Camaro begins at $22,995 in pure base form. Our loaded RS tester comes rolling in at just over 30 grand but if you want to retain luxury without loud, the 2LT V-6 Camaro will run you in the mid-20s and you have a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Do yourself a favor and opt for the manual gearbox, you won't be disappointed.
