2nd generation Liberty looks good!

The new 2nd generation Liberty is hitting the roads, and looking good! Sporting some exterior and interior changes, the new 2008 Jeep Liberties show some great improvements.

Auto123.com has a review in which they point out that the average family SUV is not pushed to its off-road abilities. Most SUVs won't see more challenging conditions than a snowy side-road or an icy driveway. “To most machinery this is fine – but to a Jeep, it's almost in insult.”

“The 2^nd generation Liberty is now on the street and trails, and it promises a more comfortable on-road ride and even more capability off of it. This was never a vehicle chosen for its refinement or smooth operation – but it's now better mannered and more upper-scale and civilized than the last.

As you can see from the picture, it has a more blocky look that the original Liberty. It almost looks more like a smaller-scale Commander.

The interior also shows some great improvements. And there are some tremendous options available including power heated leather seating, an auto-dimming mirror, leather steering wheel with audio controls, and a 120 volt power outlet. Add the Sky Slider roof and you are really stylin'! Made of a layered fabric and metal assembly, the entire thing can be folded back at the push of a button, leaving the majority of the cabin open to the sky above. It's as close to a convertible as the family SUV will ever be.

The review says "On the highway, Liberty's new suspension delivers a smoother and quieter ride- though tire and suspension noise can become intrusive at speed. The solid rear axle setup favors truck-like toughness and towing capacity over comfort- so Liberty rides a bit on the rough side. It's stronger and more rugged than a car-like independent suspension setup, but it actually handles well, with minimal body roll. It may prove a bit rugged for some- but this isn't a cute-ute, remember.

After all, on-road driving is only part of the Liberty's story. It's a machine that off-roads like a champ- scaling and pulling through most any challenge without hesitation. There's even a hill descent control function to carefully inch its bulk down steep, slippery grades with ease.

With ground clearance and water-fording abilities not common to competitors, it's the obvious choice for the adventurer in this market- bringing terrain-terrorizing traction to any situation while delivering an adequately comfortable and composed on-road ride.

It's also got the features and the flexibility needed to keep up to most every day routines. There are certainly more comfortable and refined machines at this price- though few if any as capable."

Maybe someday I'll drive a 2nd generation Liberty, or perhaps I'll wait for the upgraded Grand Cherokee I hear is coming in a few years. At any rate, I'm sure I'll be driving a Jeep. It's a Jeep thing, after all.