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LOL! I know the feeling. In fact, my wife's elevated the act of humiliating me into an art form.
Bob
new? - posted Tuesday, April 24, 2001
Have any plans this weekend? How about a quick trip to Toledo, Ohio, for the dedication of the brand new $1.2 billion Jeep assembly plant? Here's the lowdown from The Toledo Blade:
DaimlerChrysler AG’s U.S. unit will officially dedicate Toledo North Assembly Plant - the $750
million home of Jeep’s newest offering, the Liberty - at a ceremony April 30.
Dieter Zetsche, the Chrysler group’s president and chief executive, and other automaker
executives are to be present to acknowledge the Toledo community’s support for the new
plant. Local and state economic-development officials put together a $280 million incentive
package nearly four years ago in return for a $1.2 billion investment in the new and existing
Jeep factories.
Production of sellable Libertys began last month at the Chrysler Drive factory, which adjoins
the Toledo Jeep Assembly plant on Stickney Avenue. The all-new compact sport-utility
vehicle is replacing the long-lived Cherokee and is expected on some dealership lots as early
as this month.
For those of you who can't wait to get their hands on the all-new Jeep Liberty (I'm pretty sure Griff won't be first in line, based upon his relently postings in the Reader Reactions), word on the street (and in The Toledo Blade) is that they'll start showing up in dealer lots in early May. Here's a snippet:
Sellable Jeep Libertys have been rolling off their new Toledo assembly line for weeks and are
expected to start arriving on dealership lots across the country this month or early next,
sources say.
Although DaimlerChrysler AG’s official position has been that the Chrysler Drive factory next
to I-75 is still making prototypes, a top union official at the plant said yesterday sellable
Libertys are being built. When the factory is at full, two-shift production, it is to produce about
800 of the vehicles a day.
The Chrysler unit of the German automaker reported to Automotive News, a Detroit trade
publication, that it had 858 sellable Libertys in inventory by the end of March. And dealers
expect to start getting models from a growing stockpile within weeks.
"We are making sellable vehicles," said Joe Depowski, United Auto Workers Local 12’s Jeep
unit chairman. "We were ahead of target, which is very good."
Bob
I copied that article from a Jeep website, so it had some editorializing that I didn't remove...My bad. You can let the women and children out, its a beautiful day in Baltimore. .
Is Select Trac akin to AWD or is there a time when it is only 2WD? I would imagine a fulltime AWD on a Jeep V6 would suck gas like crazy.
Any help or explanation in layman's terms is appreciated.
BTW- www.jeepunpaved.com will now allow you to configure and price your Liberty...Without a dealer mark-up too.
I got mine in the mail today. It's a neat package that shows a photograph of a Liberty head-on and has cut-outs where the headlights are. When I opened the package, mini lights behind these cut-outs actually lit up. It's a nice effect.
The package contains a letter about the Liberty as well as a fold-out piece describing standard and optional features. On the back were paint chips of all the colors available on the Liberty.
Of course, Jeep is playing up the "rugged Jeep heritage" of the Liberty by including various quotes from the press saying how wonderful the Liberty is both on and off road.
OK...they've got my attention. Now I want to see one in person...
The command trac does not have a fulltime option. Its just 2wd, 4H, N, and 4L. 4wd mode can only be used "off pavement" (offroad, snow/ice etc)
The Selectrac includes a differential in the transfer case to permit the front and rear driveshafts to turn at different rates. The Commandtrac doesn't have one.
All in all a decent review, but remember folks this test was not conducted a production Liberty. Rather, it was a hand built pre-production media test vehicle.
When the Escapes were tested the media loved them to death, but they were these hand built pre-production vehicles. When production started, all of the recalls started. So, even given a good review, I think dodging right out and buying this vehicle might be a bit premature.
-mike
In my old Isuzu Trooper, it was always a pain to decide if I should keep it in 4wd. Even worse, the trooper was not shift on the fly, so I had to stop to switch. The Jeep is great.
I also use full-time in the rain. Makes a big difference, especially at left turns at stoplight where you go accelerate from a dead stop into a turn. No wheelspin.
If you have selec-trac as an option, get it.
Does the word "sellable" bother me? No, other than to reinforce to the notion that everything written here-to-fore has been about non production vehicles.
of course, if they gave them away, or sold at a reduction, all the better.
Hey, there's an idea!!! Beta test units for cars....just watch out for
...ready?
...
...
...
crashes!!!!
ba dum bum!
http://www.edmunds.com/new/jeep/index.html#liberty
Doohhh...
-mike-
Compared to the gushing they did over the new Passat in the show, the Liberty segment seemed downright low-key.
I was reading an article this morning questioning whether Jeep will be able to sell 200K of these a year. The article mentioned that there will 70 SUV's in the market by 2005 and cited the Cherokee's diminishing numbers. Of course the new plant is so adaptable that Jeep could cut 75K of Liberty production and instead produce, maybe...The Varisty?? Ok, the article didn't say that would occur, just my wishful thinking.
Finally, over on the Yahoo Board, there ae people plunking down money for vehicles. One guy said a dealer told him to order a vehicle now, or else he won't get it before December of this year. Oh boy, oh boy.
There is some sort of a rumor growing that the ones that have been built are going into "holding" so that DC can make sure all the bugs are worked out.
all this being said, I must sound really stupid for placing an order for a liberty this week. I just have a gut feeling that the problems will be minor in this SUV. but gut feelings can be very wrong. only time will tell. I hope to have one by end of july/early aug.
I also know there is some kind of problem with the power moonroof that jeep says will resolved within 30 days - that from a release the dealer actually showed me from jeep dated 4/25
I wonder if they will ever bring those useful items back...
-mike
The Flipper Glass is interesting in theory, but it may be difficult tog get used to. Motor Week also mentioned that the window switches are in the center now, ala Land Rovers.
Hey Paisan, just out of curiosity, how did you know thefts occur that way with vent windows???
Finally, to everyone, I promise to use spell check from now on....
-mike
jeepwarehouse.com said it could be 30-45 days to resolve.
And, I think the delay will probably hold them until June. No biggie I suppose. Again, I'd start to think about a purchase after about 6 months of production.
Paisan: Uh huh, sure sure you have "friends" who told you that....I gotcha.
-mike
The reason was economic. Manufacturers decided they could save a few bucks per car and did away with them. If I recall correctly, they were first offered as standard equipment on GM cars in the 1930s.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I too would like to see "more" Jeep variations. One I would love to see would be a pickup based on the Liberty. Sort of a modern-day Commanche, if you will. Offer it with a short bed and 4 doors, much like the Explorer SportTrac in concept.
I would also love to see the (concept) Jeepster go into production. This would be slotted (price wise) above the Wrangler, so as not to steal its customers.
Bob
Don't forget these companies would be cutting into their own sales by selling vehicles that overlap. In fact IMHO, if the manufacturers were smart, they'd start to consolidate even more, like ford.
DC should:
Have Jeep = Off-road and all SUVs
Dodge Trucks = Pickup Trucks, Vans and Mini-vans
Chrysler = Luxury cars only.
Dodge Cars = The rest of the cars (Viper, intrepid, etc. etc.)
Just my take on it.
-mike
What happens (happens) to Plymouth? Family cars?
The Durango is due for a complete overhaul shortly. I would not be surprised if it grows (slightly) to better compete with the Toyota Tundra, which, as you know, is a "full-size-LITE." The only thing Dodge would need to do, is to make it a bit wider, so that 48" paneling would fit flat between the wheelwheels. The new '02 Ram is getting bigger, so it would be safe to assume the Dakota could grow a little too.
If the Dakota does grow, that would leave room for a smaller pickup—below the Dakota, something like the Comanche I suggested. Besides, I see Jeep pickups as more of "life-style" vehicles, and less of "work" vehicles, which is the image Dodge is cultivating. That's why I made reference to the Explorer SportTrac, which is clearly a "lifestyle" truck, and not a "work" truck. The current Dakota Quad Cab can go either way, but it (to me) has more of a "work image," than a "lifestyle image."
Bob
You do make valid points. In today's society image is greater than reality so if it looks tough it will sell, rather than actually being tough.
-mike
Bob
"What happens (happens) to Plymouth? Family cars? "
I am assuming you didn't hear that the Plymouth brand is going to the great beyond along with Oldsmobiles. They are to be phase out over the next couple of years as I understand it.
Jack
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Who has experience with buying a first year model vehicle? In general I know this isn't typcially a good idea. How many months should you wait for all the kinks to be ironed out? Do you think you can get a better deal buying first year models?
-B
------------------- Your 'Get a Quote' Response ----------------------
Dan,
Thank you for your interest in the Jeep Liberty. Sure to be
another exciting vehicle from Chrysler. Dan, they just started shipping
the Liberty out this week and therefore we don't have any as of yet. I
am quoting you an order unit. If you have any further questions, please
give me a call or email. I will keep in touch.
2001 JEEP Liberty
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Model: Liberty
Package: Limited
Exterior Color: Choice
Interior Color: Choice
Engine: 3.7L Power Tech V6
Options: Automatic, air conditioning, 4 wheel anti-lock brakes, trailer
tow group, Command-Trac part time 4WD system, cargo compartment cover,
rear defrost, floor mats, fog lamps, headlamp off time delay, keyless
entry, power mirrors/locks, am/fm cd player, roof rack, cloth low back
bucket seats, full size spare tire, speed control, power rack and
pinion steering, leather wrapped steering wheel.
Availability: Order / Locate
Total MSRP*: $24855.0
Less Dealer Discount: $625.0
YOUR PRICE: $24230.0
Price Good Until: 05/07/2001
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease price is based on current lease rates as of the date of the quote,
but does not include any trade-in.
MSRP includes destination charges but excludes title and taxes.
Quoted price includes applicable incentives and fees, but does
not include taxes, title, registration, trade-in, dealer-installed
options, insurance or optional service contracts. Taxes are applied
to the pre-incentive amount in some states.
If a specific vehicle is shown by VIN or stock number, it is subject
to prior sale.
This quote is by the dealer shown. DaimlerChrysler is not responsible
for fulfillment of price quoted to you by dealer, any contract you enter
into with the dealer, nor the leasing disclosures you have a right to
receive if you have been quoted a lease rate. Dealers are independent
and are free to set their own prices.
19/23 mpg isn't too bad. Wonder how much of a difference there will be between the 4 and 6 cyl with the pickup.
Does anyone have a 4 Cyl Wrangler? How's the pickup on that? I've only driven a Cherokee that my brother owned. It was a 6 cyl. It had a lot of problems, but I guess overall it lasted pretty well. I've always liked the Wrangler, but it's just too small. I've always thought the Cherokee was kind of ugly. The Grand Cherokee is nice, but too expensive. Now....the Liberty is priced right and I like the look of it. I hope to see one in real life soon.
I drive a van at the moment, an I've been looking into the mid sized SUV area. The van is just too big for me and my two goldens. I like the X-terra, but now Im interested in the new jeep. (The X-terra wasn't so easy to put into 4 Wheel drive either). I've been wanting a 4x4 not only to drive around town on snowy days, but more to take out on the beach where my mom lives and to navigate dirt roads when I go camping.
I take it on dirt roads camping, and on snowy roads. I never put on chains, but with good snow tires, it is pretty good. I'd imagine with chains it is unbeatable.
I too am looking at XTerra and Wrangler.
I want to be able to go up into NH and VT mountains and also tow a boat. I also have a husky who needs to be in back.
Also need room for skis, bikes, canoe, kayak, buddies, etc.
good luck in your search, but it doesn't sound like you really NEED 4X4.
No thanks. I never have cared for Hondas very much. I think Im just too tall to feel comfortable in them.
I was thinking about the X-terra and now the Liberty because I would someday like to get a camper and maybe a boat...along with taking the vehicle out on the sand at the beach.
I want an SUV for fun..not because I need it to roam about the streets.