Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
I thought I'd make a brief post on my impressions on a first drive of a Jeep Liberty CRD.
I drove a Limited level CRD. The trim and vehicle in general is the same as a gas version, so I won't waste time on that.
The little VM-Motori started with a few seconds of glow plug (?) wait with a small white puff. (45° outside) It idled smooth with some diesel rattle. More than my '01 TDI VW, but MUCH less than my 12v. After walking around the running vehicle and going over the exterior for about 5 minutes, the temp was fully up to operating levels, so I drove off.
The 5-speed auto is smooth and shifts nicely with out too much "business. " Acceleration was brisk and I would say adequate for urban traffic needs. It won't win many races, but pulls strong and smooth. Noise levels inside again fall between my TDI and 12v. If you are looking for silence, look elsewhere. If you don't mind a little rattle, you'll be fine. With the radio at a normal listening level, the motor sound nearly disappears. I would describe the acceleration performance as similar to my TDI, so it is no slouch. It would definitely eat my '86 VW diesel or my old '85 6. 2 Blazer's lunch without a problem. :-laf
Overall I was pleased with the vehicle. Ride quality is okay, it is a short wheelbase SUV after all, and would be comfortable for most situations. I don't think I'd drive coast to coast with it, but a couple hours at a time would be alright. Ride is no different from the V-6 Libertys I've driven before.
BTW the sticker said 22/27 for fuel economy, if memory serves. Clean up the intake and exhaust a bit and this will rise for sure. (Too many resonators and silencers for my taste. :{ )
I drove a Limited level CRD. The trim and vehicle in general is the same as a gas version, so I won't waste time on that.
The little VM-Motori started with a few seconds of glow plug (?) wait with a small white puff. (45° outside) It idled smooth with some diesel rattle. More than my '01 TDI VW, but MUCH less than my 12v. After walking around the running vehicle and going over the exterior for about 5 minutes, the temp was fully up to operating levels, so I drove off.
The 5-speed auto is smooth and shifts nicely with out too much "business. " Acceleration was brisk and I would say adequate for urban traffic needs. It won't win many races, but pulls strong and smooth. Noise levels inside again fall between my TDI and 12v. If you are looking for silence, look elsewhere. If you don't mind a little rattle, you'll be fine. With the radio at a normal listening level, the motor sound nearly disappears. I would describe the acceleration performance as similar to my TDI, so it is no slouch. It would definitely eat my '86 VW diesel or my old '85 6. 2 Blazer's lunch without a problem. :-laf
Overall I was pleased with the vehicle. Ride quality is okay, it is a short wheelbase SUV after all, and would be comfortable for most situations. I don't think I'd drive coast to coast with it, but a couple hours at a time would be alright. Ride is no different from the V-6 Libertys I've driven before.
BTW the sticker said 22/27 for fuel economy, if memory serves. Clean up the intake and exhaust a bit and this will rise for sure. (Too many resonators and silencers for my taste. :{ )
