Jeep Introduces Rocky Mountain Editions

Chrysler has been promoting its Employee Pricing Plus Plus sale for the past three months as a way to get a new Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle on the cheap. Today, the company announced a new option package that throws in roughly $2,300 in features for a cost of $1,595. Called the Rocky Mountain Edition, this bundle will be available on the 2009 Jeep Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee later this month.

Chrysler has confirmed that the new special editions will be eligible for the current Employee Pricing Plus Plus sale when they go on sale. However, specific rebate amounts will not be known until they go on sale.

Check out full breakdowns of features for each model below.

Recall Alert: Jeep Liberty and Dodge Nitro

Chrysler has issued a recall for 3,663 SUVs, including the 2007-08 Dodge Nitro and the 2008 Jeep Liberty. When equipped with a manual transmission, those vehicles may have a faulty parking brake system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The brake lever clutch drum may distort over time, allowing the parking brake to slip and cause an accident if the vehicle were to roll. Dealers will replace the parking brake lever for free.

Owners can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 or the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236.

Video: 2008 Jeep Liberty

Two weeks ago I delivered my review of the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty. Now there’s video proof of me in said SUV. OK, so what does the video prove? Not much, but now you can see for yourself whether my assessment of the new Jeep was on the money or not.

Friday Fleet Notes: 11.30.07

Cars.com’s notes from our test fleet return after an extended break due to the L.A. auto show and Thanksgiving holiday. That means we had some good impressions built up on a number of recently reviewed cars and SUVs including Chevy's all-new Malibu.

2008 Jeep Liberty

• I was wowed by the extra-large ragtop sunroof, and the airlock-like sound you get when that top closes. It opened up, letting a lot of sunlight into the car, and gave it a near-convertible feeling. That said, the driving experience left me feeling like I was hovering over the wheels, not really attached to them — just kind of bobbing up and down on the suspension. I didn’t feel directly connected to the road, and there was some pretty noticeable lean in turns. — Patrick Olsen, managing editor

Cars.com Reviews the 2008 Jeep Liberty

Jeep’s Liberty SUV was one of the vehicles that spurred the term “cute-ute,” and it was one of the most popular choices in the segment. With a new design for 2008, the Liberty definitely sheds its cute image for a bit more of Jeep’s well-known rock-crawling attitude. I took the Liberty for a week of thorough on-road testing to see if it lives up to the much-beloved SUV it replaces. Check out the review and tell us what you think.

2008 Jeep Liberty Expert Review

It's Official: Chrysler Cuts Four Models

Chrysler announced today it will cut four models from its lineup: The Chrysler Crossfire, Pacifica and PT Cruiser convertible, and the Dodge Magnum. The automaker also announced plans to cut some 9,000 jobs at assembly plants that produce a number of other models: the Chrysler 300 and Sebring; Dodge Avenger, Caliber, Charger and Nitro; and the Jeep Commander, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Liberty and Patriot. Though those 11 models – as well as the regular PT Cruiser – will still be sold, expect production to be scaled back. For shoppers, that likely translates to fewer cars with massive discounts clogging showroom floors.

The decision has been coming for several weeks now, with rumors brewing that Chrysler could cut up to five models. The Crossfire and Pacifica have trailed the competition for years, but it’s a shame to see the Magnum go. With the Hemi V-8, it was one fun cruiser. If they’d asked us, we probably would have advised canning the latest Sebring instead – or at the very least taking it back to the drawing board.

Chrysler spokesman David Barnas told us 2008 would be the last year for all four models. That means in about a year’s time there should be some steep discounts to clear the last of them off the lots.

2008 Jeep Liberty Prices Announced

In a continuing trend from the Chrysler Group, Jeep has announced pricing for the all-new 2008 Jeep Liberty, and it’s less than the outgoing model’s MSRP — roughly $1,000 less on some models. Jeep, of course, is touting the new Liberty’s additional standard features that appear to make the value even higher. The base Jeep Liberty Sport will start at $20,330, not including $660 in destination charges.

Side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, rollover mitigation, traction control, brake assist, antilock brakes and a tire pressure monitoring system are all standard. The new Liberty is very similar to the Dodge Nitro, which has a truck-like ride — something Jeep fans might enjoy. The Liberty also features an optional cloth sliding roof called the Sky Slider, at a $1,200 option price.   

Full prices are below.

2007 New York Auto Show: 2008 Jeep Liberty

For 2008, Jeep is giving the Liberty an all-new look inside and out, along with a radical, optional retractable roof. If the Liberty resembles the Dodge Nitro, that’s because they’re largely the same vehicle. The Jeep sports a 210-hp V-6 and two 4x4 drivetrains, and comes in Sport and Limited trims.

We’d get into all the changes from the past generation, like all the added space and comfort inside, but we’re a bit bummed there aren’t more Jeep-specific touches.

Unlike the Nitro, the Liberty has an optional retractable canvas roof that Jeep calls a Sky Slider, and it looks to live up to its name. We’ve seen similar roofs offered by prominent aftermarket companies on vehicles like the Hummer H3, but this is the first time we’ve seen one from a manufacturer. You’ll also be able to add a rear seat DVD system and the new MyGig entertainment system.

We’ll have more on the 2008 Jeep Liberty later today from the show floor, but for now check out the photos below, including a comparison shot of the Dodge Nitro so you can judge for yourself.