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2005 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 CRD Road Test

A Role Model for SUVs Everywhere

Most Americans arent particularly in love with diesels. And its no wonder either, considering the many dirty, clattery, slow oil burners that hit our shores in the 70s, after the fuel embargo. 

But the soot-stained reputation of this alternative fuel has long passed, with powerful, clean, common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel technology now available. Neglecting the commercial vehicle market, diesels best effort has come from Volkswagen, which offers nearly all of its vehicles, bar the ultra-upscale (and ultimately poor-selling) Phaeton sedan, with TDI turbodiesel technology. Mercedes-Benzs
U.S  division should also get the thumbs up for its long history of importing some of the best diesels around, its mark left in the 70s with the full-size 240d and 300d diesel sedans,

Most Americans arent particularly in love with diesels. And its no wonder either, considering the many dirty, clattery, slow oil burners that hit our shores in the 70s, after the fuel embargo. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

many of which are still running about today.

I, myself, am a diesel fanatic. Though Ive never owned one, and up until this point had never driven one, theyve always had a great appeal to me, which could very well be chalked up from my years of reading European car magazines. Across the Atlantic, diesel is absolutely huge, turning decades of availability into ever increasing

Im a diesel fanatic. Though Ive never owned one, and up until this point had never driven one, theyve always had a great appeal to me. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

popularity.
While diesel is being priced proportionally to gasoline, it still offers a much greater value due to reduced fuel consumption. And whats more, while a decent case for economics can be made, theres also one for performance enthusiasts less likely to make the front page. Many carmakers offer performance diesels which can shame even the most highly-strung gasoline engines. Take BMW for instance; its 545d is capable of out-accelerating the M5 V10 from 50 to 80 mph in top

While diesel is being priced proportionally to gasoline, it still offers a much greater value due to reduced fuel consumption. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

gear, and the most sought-after Audi A8 is powered by the worlds most powerful V8 turbodiesel. With the positive reputation that modern diesels are building, it comes as no surprise that Jeep was eager to introduce a diesel-powered model into its North American lineup. And lets not forget the admirable fuel consumption, something of a growing concern with SUV buyers everywhere.

While Chrysler Groups "business partner" Mercedes-Benz, the result of a "merger of equals" that formed DaimlerChrysler, has decades of experience in crafting diesel engines,

The 2.8-liter CRD powerplant under the Libertys hood comes not from Germany, where Jeeps sibling Mercedes-Benz resides, but from Italy. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

the powerplant under the Libertys hood comes not from Germany, but from Italy. It seems that its not only the Germans who love oil-burning power, but the Italians too. Many of GMs finest diesels for use in Opels, Saabs and even Euro-bound Suzukis were created by Fiat using its JTD technology, and DCX has brought in their own Latin brand to help out. DDC Cento (previously known as VM Motori) the European subsidiary of Detroit Diesel, of which DaimlerChrysler has a 49 percent stake, designed and builds this engine. Its then shipped over to North America, and fitted into cute but rugged little Libertys.

The 165-horsepower CRD makes up to 295 lb-ft of mountain-moving torque. (Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

At 2.8 liters in displacement, its mighty big for a four-cylinder, but in the diesel world, its just average.

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