By: Jeffrey Ross
Autotropolis.com
When the Jeep Liberty was introduced in 2002, it had the difficult task of not only replacing the iconic and legendary Cherokee, but it was also expected to attract new buyers in the mid-size SUV market. The round edges and cute “face” drew criticism from Jeep followers but managed relative success in sales figures.
With a new pair of entry-level Jeeps (Patriot and Compass) on showroom floors, designers were able to focus on the Liberty and give it a classic Jeep look.
For 2008, Jeep has completely redesigned the Liberty making it bigger and safer while remaining true to its Jeep heritage. With a look that is unmistakably Jeep, the new Liberty borrows most of its exterior design from the larger Commander. Despite an updated suspension system aimed at increasing the on-road ride quality, this Liberty retains its off-road prowess and is still Trail Rated.
The new design of the Jeep Liberty is vastly improved. The rounded edges, small rear windows and tailgate-mounted spare tire are all gone. Sharing an extended wheelbase with the Dodge Nitro allowed the new Liberty enough space to fit the spare tire under the cargo area. For anyone who ever wondered what a convertible SUV would be like, Jeep has the answer. The unique Sky Slider™ roof, essentially a canvas-covered sunroof that runs the length of the Liberty’s roof, provides an extreme open-air environment.
Behind Jeep’s trademark seven-slot grille, the same powertrain options remain - the 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V6 mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The biggest improvements come from the suspension. In the back, a live axle is replaced by the more road friendly five-link suspension. An updated independent front suspension will help keep the Liberty under the driver’s control.
Safety is enhanced with a slew of standard items including side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system on all Liberty models. For anybody who’s ever loaded a U-Haul trailer incorrectly and experienced the ensuing uncontrollable sway, Jeep 
will offer a Trailer Sway Control System. Computer systems monitor any swaying and automatically apply brake pressure to counteract and prevent uncontrollable swaying. This, along with a standard Electronic Stability Control, a Roll Mitigation System and two different four-wheel drive systems, should give drivers a confident ride on- and off-road.
Side-by-side, the Jeep Patriot, 2008 Liberty and the Commander should look like a small, regular and extra large version of the late XJ Cherokee.