Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
11-20-2003, 11:24 AM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
Paul
Try this site for vehicle bodywork integrity..
http://www.crashtest.com/jeep/ie.htm
Any vehicle if driven either on or past its limits will be unsafe.. one
would assume that the differences in general handling between a Ferrari
Modena 360 and an SUV would be fairly obvious, yet some still choose to
drive their SUV in a manner more befitting the Ferrari..
Vehicle reliability is down to quality of parts and regular maintenance..
glancing through user reviews will often leave you wondering whether or not
to make a particular purchase.. some seem to have bad luck by the truckload,
and others do not.. there is an element of luck involved, quality control
not always being the highest priority at all times during initial
construction..
The Jeep Liberty may not be all that a 'real' Jeep should be, but if you
like the look of it, and feel that it would service you well, then go ahead
and purchase one.. and remember that there is nothing in the 'rule book'
that enforces all Jeep drivers to be off-roaders.. rock crawling and
following Hannibal's original route across the Alps is not for everybody..
--
History is only the past if we choose to do nothing about it..
"Paul Thomas" <Paul.Thomas2@cingular.com> wrote in message
news:8f958472.0311192211.e8cddbb@posting.google.co m...
> I am thinking of buying a Jeep Liberty. There had been a lot of
> discussion about this SUV in the newsgroups. I understand overall it
> is a pretty good vehicle. There are a couple of things about liberty
> that I would like to know. Safety and Reliability.
>
> Safety : How safe is it? I am new to SUVs and I hear that SUVs are
> vulnerable to tip over. How is jeep's record on this? How about other
> safety features?
>
>
> Reliability : How reliable is Liberty? I am going to use it only to
> commute to and from work and may be some camping. Strictly no rock
> climbing or extreme off roading of any sort. If you give Honda a
> reliability rating of 10 and a Ford a reliability rating of 4 how
> would you rate Liberty? ( Remember no offroading). Does the parts
> start malfunctioning after a couple of years? (I hear Nissan Xterra
> has this problem )
>
>
> I am a novice in autos. What is the deal with independent front
> suspension and solid rear axle? How does it affect comfort and
> reliability?
>
> Thank you all for your help,
>
> Paul Thomas
Try this site for vehicle bodywork integrity..
http://www.crashtest.com/jeep/ie.htm
Any vehicle if driven either on or past its limits will be unsafe.. one
would assume that the differences in general handling between a Ferrari
Modena 360 and an SUV would be fairly obvious, yet some still choose to
drive their SUV in a manner more befitting the Ferrari..
Vehicle reliability is down to quality of parts and regular maintenance..
glancing through user reviews will often leave you wondering whether or not
to make a particular purchase.. some seem to have bad luck by the truckload,
and others do not.. there is an element of luck involved, quality control
not always being the highest priority at all times during initial
construction..
The Jeep Liberty may not be all that a 'real' Jeep should be, but if you
like the look of it, and feel that it would service you well, then go ahead
and purchase one.. and remember that there is nothing in the 'rule book'
that enforces all Jeep drivers to be off-roaders.. rock crawling and
following Hannibal's original route across the Alps is not for everybody..
--
History is only the past if we choose to do nothing about it..
"Paul Thomas" <Paul.Thomas2@cingular.com> wrote in message
news:8f958472.0311192211.e8cddbb@posting.google.co m...
> I am thinking of buying a Jeep Liberty. There had been a lot of
> discussion about this SUV in the newsgroups. I understand overall it
> is a pretty good vehicle. There are a couple of things about liberty
> that I would like to know. Safety and Reliability.
>
> Safety : How safe is it? I am new to SUVs and I hear that SUVs are
> vulnerable to tip over. How is jeep's record on this? How about other
> safety features?
>
>
> Reliability : How reliable is Liberty? I am going to use it only to
> commute to and from work and may be some camping. Strictly no rock
> climbing or extreme off roading of any sort. If you give Honda a
> reliability rating of 10 and a Ford a reliability rating of 4 how
> would you rate Liberty? ( Remember no offroading). Does the parts
> start malfunctioning after a couple of years? (I hear Nissan Xterra
> has this problem )
>
>
> I am a novice in autos. What is the deal with independent front
> suspension and solid rear axle? How does it affect comfort and
> reliability?
>
> Thank you all for your help,
>
> Paul Thomas
11-20-2003, 11:24 AM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
Paul
Try this site for vehicle bodywork integrity..
http://www.crashtest.com/jeep/ie.htm
Any vehicle if driven either on or past its limits will be unsafe.. one
would assume that the differences in general handling between a Ferrari
Modena 360 and an SUV would be fairly obvious, yet some still choose to
drive their SUV in a manner more befitting the Ferrari..
Vehicle reliability is down to quality of parts and regular maintenance..
glancing through user reviews will often leave you wondering whether or not
to make a particular purchase.. some seem to have bad luck by the truckload,
and others do not.. there is an element of luck involved, quality control
not always being the highest priority at all times during initial
construction..
The Jeep Liberty may not be all that a 'real' Jeep should be, but if you
like the look of it, and feel that it would service you well, then go ahead
and purchase one.. and remember that there is nothing in the 'rule book'
that enforces all Jeep drivers to be off-roaders.. rock crawling and
following Hannibal's original route across the Alps is not for everybody..
--
History is only the past if we choose to do nothing about it..
"Paul Thomas" <Paul.Thomas2@cingular.com> wrote in message
news:8f958472.0311192211.e8cddbb@posting.google.co m...
> I am thinking of buying a Jeep Liberty. There had been a lot of
> discussion about this SUV in the newsgroups. I understand overall it
> is a pretty good vehicle. There are a couple of things about liberty
> that I would like to know. Safety and Reliability.
>
> Safety : How safe is it? I am new to SUVs and I hear that SUVs are
> vulnerable to tip over. How is jeep's record on this? How about other
> safety features?
>
>
> Reliability : How reliable is Liberty? I am going to use it only to
> commute to and from work and may be some camping. Strictly no rock
> climbing or extreme off roading of any sort. If you give Honda a
> reliability rating of 10 and a Ford a reliability rating of 4 how
> would you rate Liberty? ( Remember no offroading). Does the parts
> start malfunctioning after a couple of years? (I hear Nissan Xterra
> has this problem )
>
>
> I am a novice in autos. What is the deal with independent front
> suspension and solid rear axle? How does it affect comfort and
> reliability?
>
> Thank you all for your help,
>
> Paul Thomas
Try this site for vehicle bodywork integrity..
http://www.crashtest.com/jeep/ie.htm
Any vehicle if driven either on or past its limits will be unsafe.. one
would assume that the differences in general handling between a Ferrari
Modena 360 and an SUV would be fairly obvious, yet some still choose to
drive their SUV in a manner more befitting the Ferrari..
Vehicle reliability is down to quality of parts and regular maintenance..
glancing through user reviews will often leave you wondering whether or not
to make a particular purchase.. some seem to have bad luck by the truckload,
and others do not.. there is an element of luck involved, quality control
not always being the highest priority at all times during initial
construction..
The Jeep Liberty may not be all that a 'real' Jeep should be, but if you
like the look of it, and feel that it would service you well, then go ahead
and purchase one.. and remember that there is nothing in the 'rule book'
that enforces all Jeep drivers to be off-roaders.. rock crawling and
following Hannibal's original route across the Alps is not for everybody..
--
History is only the past if we choose to do nothing about it..
"Paul Thomas" <Paul.Thomas2@cingular.com> wrote in message
news:8f958472.0311192211.e8cddbb@posting.google.co m...
> I am thinking of buying a Jeep Liberty. There had been a lot of
> discussion about this SUV in the newsgroups. I understand overall it
> is a pretty good vehicle. There are a couple of things about liberty
> that I would like to know. Safety and Reliability.
>
> Safety : How safe is it? I am new to SUVs and I hear that SUVs are
> vulnerable to tip over. How is jeep's record on this? How about other
> safety features?
>
>
> Reliability : How reliable is Liberty? I am going to use it only to
> commute to and from work and may be some camping. Strictly no rock
> climbing or extreme off roading of any sort. If you give Honda a
> reliability rating of 10 and a Ford a reliability rating of 4 how
> would you rate Liberty? ( Remember no offroading). Does the parts
> start malfunctioning after a couple of years? (I hear Nissan Xterra
> has this problem )
>
>
> I am a novice in autos. What is the deal with independent front
> suspension and solid rear axle? How does it affect comfort and
> reliability?
>
> Thank you all for your help,
>
> Paul Thomas
11-20-2003, 12:26 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
11-20-2003, 12:26 PM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
11-20-2003, 12:26 PM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
with (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this
is often claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of
holes as to be useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a
properly designed IRS can have more ground clearance that a solid axle
design. Unfortunately retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive.
In the context of the original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS
is worse than the Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
It's a simple matter of leverage: The solid axle pivots on the opposite side
of the vehicle, allowing a greater range of motion. An independent system
typically has it's fulcrum point just a few inches from the hub, thus range
of travel is inhibited. This is why the independently sprung Hummer HI has
its suspension a-arms mounted nearly at the centerline of the frame.
Yes, you can add adapters to an independent front suspension to increase
ground clearance (that is, add lift), however wheel travel is the most
important factor of the two and these adapters generally do not increase
range of travel. They just permit adding larger tires.
The Cherokee XJ was a time-tested, durable design, whereas the Liberty seems
to be a concession to complaints of "harsh highway ride". I for one always
though the old Cherokee rode well on the highway and handles extremely well.
The Liberty simply was intended to leverage the Jeep name, not extend its
capabilities.
11-20-2003, 02:16 PM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
If you had followed the maintenance schedule, and replaced the
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
11-20-2003, 02:16 PM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
If you had followed the maintenance schedule, and replaced the
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
11-20-2003, 02:16 PM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
If you had followed the maintenance schedule, and replaced the
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
Japanese timing belt by seventy thousand miles, the car would have cost
you nothing.
Now go buy your dream car, a Pathfinder.
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:-------------------- http://www.----------.com/
Paul Thomas wrote:
>
> I am sorry if I offended your feeling by giving Ford a low rating. I
> owned a Ford Taurus for a couple of years and I had to spent a hell a
> lot of money to keep it running.
>
> Please let me know what you think about Jeep Liberty
11-20-2003, 03:50 PM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
Looks like the libby has about half the Cherokee's eight inches of
travel when comparing replacement shocks:
http://www.----------.com/libbyCherokee.htm
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
"C. E. White" wrote:
>
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree with
> (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this is often
> claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of holes as to be
> useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a properly designed IRS
> can have more ground clearance that a solid axle design. Unfortunately
> retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive. In the context of the
> original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS is worse than the
> Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
>
> Ever see a Jeepster?
>
> Ed
travel when comparing replacement shocks:
http://www.----------.com/libbyCherokee.htm
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
"C. E. White" wrote:
>
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree with
> (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this is often
> claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of holes as to be
> useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a properly designed IRS
> can have more ground clearance that a solid axle design. Unfortunately
> retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive. In the context of the
> original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS is worse than the
> Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
>
> Ever see a Jeepster?
>
> Ed
11-20-2003, 03:50 PM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Jeep Liberty : Reliability, Safety, IFS ??
Looks like the libby has about half the Cherokee's eight inches of
travel when comparing replacement shocks:
http://www.----------.com/libbyCherokee.htm
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
"C. E. White" wrote:
>
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree with
> (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this is often
> claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of holes as to be
> useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a properly designed IRS
> can have more ground clearance that a solid axle design. Unfortunately
> retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive. In the context of the
> original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS is worse than the
> Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
>
> Ever see a Jeepster?
>
> Ed
travel when comparing replacement shocks:
http://www.----------.com/libbyCherokee.htm
God Bless America, ßill O|||||||O
mailto:--------------------
"C. E. White" wrote:
>
> I can accept the "greater loads" part of your comments, but I don't agree with
> (or at least understand) the part about "greater travel." I know this is often
> claimed, but the only web site that made the case was so full of holes as to be
> useless. Maybe you can explain it to me. I believe that a properly designed IRS
> can have more ground clearance that a solid axle design. Unfortunately
> retrofitting such a system is difficult and expensive. In the context of the
> original question, why do you think the Liberties IFS is worse than the
> Cherokee's beam axle as long as both remain unmodified?
>
> Ever see a Jeepster?
>
> Ed
