2008
JEEP NEW VEHICLE MODEL GUIDE
 The
all-wagon line of Jeep skews strictly
to four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles, with
eight different products for 2008. The
Jeep Commander is the company's first
with three rows of seats, while the Grand
Cherokee SRT8 represents Jeep's most powerful
vehicle with a 6.1-liter HEMI V8. This
year, there are two car-based crossover
utility vehicles (CUV) with the Compass
and the entry-level Patriot. The mid-size
Liberty SUV also shows fresh forms with
a Sky Slider canvas-capped open roof.
 Commander
Jeep's largest vehicle shares its wheelbase
with the Grand Cherokee, extends longer
with cabin room for up to seven. For powertrains,
the Commander offers a 330-horsepower,
5.7-liter HEMI V8 with multi-displacement
system (MDS), which can switch to a fuel-saving,
four-cylinder. A new 4.7-liter V8 with
305 horsepower also offers a flex-fuel,
E85-compatible version, while the Commander
stock plant is a 3.7-liter V6 worth 210
horsepower. New gear options this year
include Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill
Start Assist (HSA) and technologies like
Sirius Backseat TV, MyGIG multimedia entertainment
system and ParkView rear back-up camera.
 Grand
Cherokee
High intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
and revamped fascia and grille mark Jeep's
2008 iterations of its mid-size SUV staple.
The Grand Cherokee also gains high-tech
equipment plus a new V8 with the option
of a turbo-diesel. The 3.0-liter common
rail turbo-diesel (CRD) V6 musters 215
horsepower. The base plant is a 3.7-liter
V6 with 210 horsepower, while a new 4.7-liter
V8 delivers 305 horsepower plus the flex-fuel,
E85 option. Overland stocks the 5.7-liter
HEMI V8 with MDS for 330 horsepower. The
Grand Cherokee's new gear includes HDC
and HSA, Sirius Backseat TV, MyGIG and
ParkView, iPod interface and electronic
stability program (ESP) skid controls.
 Grand
Cherokee SRT8
The swiftest and strongest vehicle ever
to wear that chrome-coated Jeep badge,
the souped-up Grand Cherokee SRT8 performs
like a raucous sports car while carrying
a boxy back bay of a sport utility wagon.
It's outfitted with a massive 6.1-liter
HEMI V8 pumping 420 horsepower, with a
1-inch suspension drop on sport-taut springs.
All the HEMI's power is channelled through
a heavy-duty automatic transmission with
five forward gears and adaptive electronic
controls from the AutoStick with automatic
and shift-it-yourself manual modes. The
unique 4WD system also helps save weight.
 Compass
Jeep's latest CUV fits in the compact
class, riding on a car's chassis with
front-wheel-drive (FWD) or 4WD traction
and fun-to-drive ride and handling traits.
The Compass' has seating for five and
a cargo bay, which expands to 53 cubic
feet. The engine is a 2.4-liter, in-line-four
with dual variable valve timing (VVT)
and output of 172 horsepower. A manual
five-speed transaxle is standard, with
a continuously variable transaxle (CVT)
optional. Also available is a 2.0-liter,
four-pack with 158 horsepower. The full-time,
4WD device on the Compass is designed
for traction on rain-slick pavement or
slippery snow.
 Patriot
The lowest price point in Jeep's line
is the compact-class Patriot CUV. It seats
five and provides exceptional value with
standard safety equipment including curtain-style
side air bags and the non-skid ESP system.
The Patriot's engine comes from the Compass,
a dual-cam 2.4-liter, four-in-line with
VVT and 172 horsepower. The model divides
into three different traction configurations
— the FWD base unit, the optional
Freedom Drive I with a full-time 4WD system
and lock mode and the Freedom Drive II
Off-Road Package with a full-time 4WD
system with low range for rough terrain.
 Liberty
Jeep's mid-size Liberty SUV is new in
design and content for 2008, bringing
in two 4WD systems — the shift-on-the-fly
Command-Trac part-time transfer case and
the new Selec-Trac II full-time 4WD. The
Liberty also scores a new independent
front suspension, a five-link rear suspension
and power rack and pinion steering. Electronic
safety devices filling this wagon include
HDC and HSA, all-speed traction control
(ASTC), ESP, electronic roll mitigation
(ERM) and the enhanced accident response
system (EARS). The two available trims
— Sport and Limited — draw from
a 3.7-liter V6 worth 210 horsepower. A
new Sky Slider canvas lid is also now
available.
 Wrangler
Jeep's rugged dirt warrior is tough, versatile
and simple with best-in-class off-road
capability. Two 4WD transfer cases appear
with Jeep's CommandTrac part-time system
and the RockTrac device for off-roader
Rubicon with locking front and rear differentials,
electric axle lockers and electronic disconnecting
front sway bar. High-torque muscle flows
from a 3.8-liter V6 hitting 202 horsepower
with standard six-speed manual gearbox
or optional four-speed automatic. For
added safety, the Wrangler has standard
ESP with seat-mounted side air bags available.
A new Sahara Appearance Group package
installs 18-inch aluminum wheels, bumper
overlays and bright steering-wheel spokes.
 Wrangler
Unlimited
Detonator Yellow is the latest paint shade
for the stretched Wrangler Unlimited,
which is available with four cabin doors
and three trims — the X, Sahara or
Rubicon. As the only four-door convertible
SUV, the Wrangler Unlimited stocks Jeep's
Freedom Top, a three-piece modular hardtop,
or the Sunrider soft top. The powertrain
compares to the Wrangler with Jeep's 3.8-liter
V6 for 202 horsepower and a six-speed
manual or optional four-speed automatic.
The cabin contains seating for five with
a fold-flat rear bench and options for
premium gear like power controlled windows
and doors, plus a remote keyless entry
device.
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