2005 Jeep Liberty V6 Off-Road Test

Taking Our Family Vacation on a Dusty Road Trip to Jeep Mecca

OK, I had heard that events like Jeeps annual Jamborees exist, but nothing I had previously conceptualized could have prepared me for the parking lot full of 4x4s outside of the Apex Mountain Lodge, just up the hill from summertime playground Penticton, B.C., Canada, CJs, YJs, TJs, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and even a lone mid-80s Grand Wagoneer that had been de-woodgrained, painted white and modified with an early-60s waterfall grille, were here to play in the mud and, choke, dust.

Yes, dust, dust everywhere. It was that fine, silty stuff that gets in behind and underneath everything, fully integrating with each crack, crease and crevice of the skin... it was going to be a long, long weekend. But Kaden, my 4.5 year old son

Nothing I had previously conceptualized could have prepared me for the parking lot full of 4x4s outside of the Apex Mountain Lodge. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and sidekick, Anika, my 1.5 year old daughter and tagalong, could hardly complain. After all, the night was young, cool monster trucks surrounded and fresh dirt lay awaiting, along with rocks, sticks and an oh so interesting drainage grate that was ideal for collecting all of the above.

Of course, by the looks of the folks attending this years Jeep Jamboree, no-one was put out

By the looks of the folks attending this years Jeep Jamboree, no-one was put out by my childrens shenanigans. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

by my childrens shenanigans. Actually, some of the other kids were joining right in, with parents just seeming grateful that they could enjoy some adult conversation without incessant interruption.

And what to Jeep Jamboreers talk about? Lift kits, winches, snorkels, engine mods, tires and other off-road performance upgrades for their CJs, YJs, TJs, Unlimiteds, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees, Scramblers, Comanches, Wagoneers, J-Series pickups, Willys,

It seems that the Liberty, while one of the most capable cute utes currently on the new vehicle market, hasnt quite won over diehard Jeep fanatics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

and even Libertys.

"What, you drivin a ladys car tomorra", said one lifer when I admitted I had requested the Liberty for my daylong journey into the wild unknown that would follow after the nights sleep.

"Yup, somethin wrong with that?" I said in a voice that was two parts sheep, one part goat.

"No...," continued the tall, lanky dude that seemed more of a wranglin ranch hand than an off-road aficionado. "Just, my mamma drives one

The older the model the more respect youll garner. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

a those...", to a chorus of laughter. It seems that the Liberty, while one of the most capable cute utes currently on the new vehicle market, hasnt quite won over diehard Jeep fanatics. Its probably the independent front suspension that makes the tough guys shake their heads in unified disgust... exactly what lightweights like me appreciate about Jeeps entry-level model. I smile, inwardly wishing I had the guts or creativity to come up with some quick witted quip about pulling his sorry derriere off the ground when his back gives out on him after a full day riding in a vehicle that

Cherokee and Comanche owners, if you can find any of the latter, are given reasonable respect on the basis of both vehicles integrating solid axles at each end. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

makes a cattle truck seem civilized, but, no doubt motivated by a sub conscience whose sole duty is self preservation, nothing comes to mind.

Fortunately the kids were still whole heartedly absorbed with the drainage grate, digging with pointed sticks, feet, legs, torsos, arms, hands, necks and faces covered in silt, and didnt notice their hero get butt whipped by a bunch of CJ, YJ and TJ owners - it was high school all over again and I still was a schlep.

The reality of the matter is that even among such Jeep elitists,

There were all colors, ages and body types, plus both sexes were represented as owner enthusiasts. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

theres a pecking order that segregates CJ, YJ and TJ owners into a hierarchy that makes enforcing civil servant seniority seem a lackadaisical pursuit. You see, the older the model the more respect youll garner. TJ owners are in the club at least, but theyre junior members put on KP or latrine duty. YJ owners, despite the TJ being a better vehicle in every way, which includes a return to circular headlamps from the unloved rectangular units, somehow have convinced TJ owners that theyre one step above. But this is nothing compared to the CJ ownership experience, and if a Jamboreerhappens to have been blessed with a short-wheelbase CJ5, praise

The next morning the parking lot was almost as full as the cafeteria style restaurant. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to the man. Willys owners, although none were present at this particular gathering, are a cult unto themselves, revered and exalted by the Jeep faithful.

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