Safety

One thing I really missed in the Liberty was a backup camera; it comes with an optional parking assist system, which includes a sonar-based warning system with audio and visual alerts. For a smaller SUV, the Liberty is still tall. If one of my children were standing behind it, there's no way I could see them because the rear window is too high off the ground.

The Liberty comes with four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, stability control and traction control. It also comes with front-impact and side curtain airbags for both rows, but there are no side-impact airbags for front passengers.

The Liberty received a Good rating in frontal-offset crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, it only scored a Marginal in side-impact testing and a Poor in the rear crash test. Yikes! While the Liberty appears to deliver a solid, tank-like ride, I'd say this little SUV needs to head back to boot camp for additional safety training!

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There's plenty of room for all types of child-safety seats and baby gear.

In School: Kids will probably get dirty when they climb in, but there's plenty of space in the backseat for them.

Teens: This is a cool-looking car with plenty of fun features - Sky Slider - to play with.

    See also:

    Shifting
    Shift Pattern Fully press the clutch pedal before shifting gears. As you release the clutch pedal, lightly press the accelerator pedal. You should always use first gear when starting from a stan ...

    Parksense Rear Park Assist — If Equipped
    The ParkSense Rear Park Assist system provides visual and audible indications of the distance between the rear fascia and a detected obstacle when backing up, e.g. during a parking maneuver. Refe ...

    Using HomeLink
    To operate, press and release the programmed HomeLink button. Activation will now occur for the programmed device (i.e., garage door opener, gate operator, security system, entry door lock, home ...