Jeep enthusiasts today might be surprised to learn that there was a time when manual transmissions were more common in everyday Jeep vehicles. In a recent find at a Denver car junkyard, a first-generation Jeep Liberty was discovered sporting a rare six-speed manual transmission paired with its V6 engine.
Scouring junkyards for unique manual-equipped vehicles is a passion of mine, and I’ve come across some real gems in the past, such as a manual 2007 Toyota Camry, a manual Mercury Mystique, a manual Chrysler PT Cruiser, a manual Volvo C30, a manual Saturn Vue, a manual Chevrolet HHR, and even a manual Olds Alero.
It’s always interesting to speculate whether the original buyer of such a car opted for the manual transmission out of preference for driving experience, or simply to save some money.
Powering this particular Jeep Liberty is a 3.7-liter PowerTech V6 engine, delivering 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. This engine family traces its roots back to American Motors and continued its development even after Chrysler acquired AMC in 1987.
The first-generation Liberty was introduced in 2002 as a successor to the XJ Cherokee. Production of this model continued until 2007 when it was succeeded by the second-generation Liberty, based on the Dodge Nitro.
While the side-mounted radio antenna may resemble a cheap aftermarket addition, it actually functions well and is perfect for those looking to create a DIY car-parts sound system.
With a blend of refined interior features and rugged exterior design, the first-generation Jeep Liberty truly offered a unique driving experience for its time.
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