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:

    Sunrider (Four-Door Models) — If Equipped
    CAUTION! Operating the top, opening a door or lowering a window while the top is wet may allow water to drip into the vehicle’s interior. NOTE: If you are going to be driving faster than 40 mph ...

    Closing The Sunrider
    1. Remove the straps from the side bows. 2. Unclip and move the sun visors to the side. 3. Grasp the front header and pull it to the front of the vehicle. 4. Hook the header latches to the loops on ...

    Checking Oil Level
    To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at regular intervals, such as every fuel stop. The best time to check the engine ...