Jeep(R) Liberty Wins Northwest Auto Writers SUV of the Year Award

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Nov. 6 -- The all-new 2002 Jeep® Liberty wins Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA) SUV of the year award. Association members announced that Jeep Liberty earned ``Economy SUV of the Year,'' besting the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Nissan Xterra and Subaru Outback Sport at this eighth annual NWAPA competition in Olympia, Washington.

``We're thrilled that the Northwest Automotive Press Association named the all-new Jeep Liberty as the Economy Segment winner in their annual competition,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President - Chrysler/Jeep Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation. ``As the newest addition to the Jeep brand's 'go anywhere, do anything' lineup, the Liberty's combination of on- road refinement and legendary off-road capability is unmatched by any SUV on the road today.''

Competition judges liked the Jeep Liberty's outstanding design, acceleration off the line, off-road assurance and innovative swing gate system.

The two-day competition, popularly known as ``Mudfest,'' featured nearly 20 NWAPA automotive journalists putting 26 competitors through rigorous tests at Bremerton Speedway and Thurston County Off-Road Vehicle Park. Journalists thoroughly tested and judged the vehicles, scoring them in categories for overall design, comfort and convenience, production quality, cornering ability, ride and handling, braking, on- and off-road performance, value for the dollar and personal appeal.

First introduced as a 2002 model, Liberty's on- and off-road refinement, price and size make it unique in the market. The new 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V-6 SOHC 12-valve engine was developed for power, refinement, efficiency and durability making Liberty the most powerful in its class. A Jeep engineered, coil spring independent front suspension combines with a link-coil rear suspension to provide exceptional on-road refinement and legendary off-road capability and durability. And, Liberty features a patented single-action swing gate/flipper glass system unlike anything on the market today for quick and easy access to the cargo area.