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2005 Jeep Liberty Road Test

What an SUV is Supposed to Be

I remember a time when I wouldnt have even considered a domestic car. My mother owned nothing but, yet my dad, who originated from Austria, almost always had something European or Japanese in the driveway, except for that customized van stage in the mid-70s.

Moms big Chevys and Pontiacs had the power a young kid with a lead foot could never get enough of, but after spinning both a 75 Malibu coupe and a 78 Caprice Classic station wagon (faux wood paneled no less) in embarrassing 180 degree circles while attempting to corner at what I deemed to be "reasonable" speeds, I started to lean towards the nimble handling of my dads cars.

He taught me to drive at a young age behind the wheel of a 76 VW Scirocco, which not only looked way cooler than moms wagon but was more

Some domestic vehicles now rival their European and Asian counterparts - the Jeep Liberty being one. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

comparable to the go-kart he welded together for me during our time together on weekends. My first car was an Audi, followed up by a bunch of VWs, BMWs, Toyotas, Hondas, and the odd slant-six Plymouth, a mid-60s Biscayne and the same era Merc Montcalm coupe, most of the domestics only because they were incredibly cheap transportation, at least initially, then I bought more BMWs, a Jag and on and on, somewhere over 40 in total.

But now Im looking longingly

Ive mostly bought VWs, BMWs, Toyotas and Hondas, but the Liberty hit a new level of respectability for domestics when it debuted in 2001. Now with the diesel, it has the makings of legends. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

at a few domestics, not because theyre particularly cheap, but more so because theyre particularly alluring. Why the newfound appreciation for homegrown vehicles? Let me be completely clear in saying that Im not partial to all domestic cars, trucks and SUVs, just some of them. Those that I like have raised their nameplates to new levels of respectability, and in so doing deserve to be lauded and then hopefully purchased by new car buyers, in order to show their manufacturers

The Liberty is stylish, solid, nicely appointed and a decent performer, but what I like best about it is its non-pretender persona. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

that building quality-made, comfortable and well-appointed vehicles pays off.

The Jeep Liberty is one such vehicle. Its arguably among the best in its compact SUV class, which has become rather crowded in the last few years. Its stylish, solid, nicely appointed and a decent performer, but what I like best about it is its non-pretender persona. I mean, why build a vehicle that sits taller, holds less and performs worse than a station wagon, unless it can do something much better than any road car can? What Im referring to is the 4x4-equipped

The 2005 Liberty sports minor interior upgrades too, including relocated power window switches, now in a more convenient position on the center console between the two front seats, new instrument panel cluster graphics and more stylish trim bezels. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Libertys mountain goat-like ability to trek far from any paved surfaces - its available in 2WD too so make sure youve got a Trail Rated version before you attempt anything drastic. On the other hand, try to break trail in even an AWD-equipped Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4, for instance. I have, and while each offers decent grip in light snow or slightly muddy terrain, attempt to power one through a deep rut, wade through a three-foot stream or straddle over an 8-inch stump, protruding rock or even a small fallen sapling and it is game over. And just to be fair to

The Liberty is surprisingly nimble in the curves. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Honda and Toyota, Fords Escape, Chevys Equinox and most of their rivals are equally useless when the wild green yonder beckons. Only the Kia Sorento and Nissan X-terra offer the same level of off-road prowess in the compact SUV category - sad really.

Whats sadder is that the once vaunted Land Rover brand, known throughout the world for producing the most rugged, capable 4x4s available, now puts out an entry-level compact SUV that doesnt even offer a low-range. Sure, the company touts the Freelanders off-road capability, but during a recent test drive I managed to get it stuck on a foot-high lump of sand while taking a photo - pretty pathetic. No self-respecting 4x4-equipped Jeep would have trouble with such a menial task.

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