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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