I was looking at a Hummer H3 the other day and couldn't help noticing the similarities to my XJ. Similar size, very similar silhouette, powered by an inline engine (although only 5 cylinders, not 6), short wheel base, high ground clearance. I guess the biggest departures are the independent front suspension and body-on-frame design but at it's essence, it reminds me so much of what an XJ would have become had it stayed in production.

 

The H3 is alright. But if I had one, it would have to be the Alpha, which has the 5.3L V8. What was GM thinking when they put a 3.7L 5-cylinder with 239 horsepower in an SUV that weights almost 4700lbs? No wonder they needed a bail-out...

I don't really see the H3 as a comparison to the XJ, though. There's a 1200lb, 20 inch length, 10 inch wheelbase, and 6 inch width difference.

I think the Liberty really is what the XJ became.

 

You think the h3 is similar size to a stock xj?

 

Took these shots a while ago when a young girl at my work bought a H3 and stupidly said it had more clearance than my XJ !

 

That Jeep is over a foot higher than a stock one, .

 

sad thing is that you prolly get better gas milage out of your lifted xj versus the hummer

 

I didn't have my tape measure or scales with me, I was just looking at it in comparison to my XJ. I guess I would have expected the XJ to balloon slightly as the years progressed, most cars do. Every new design seems to be a little bigger, a little heavier, and a little more complicated than it's predecessor.

For me, Phat jeep's photos reenforce my theory. To me, they definitely look like they could be related, maybe a little inbreeding that resulted in that developmentally challenged straight 5, though.

I didn't mean to compare actual bloodline, I was thinking more of the soul of the Cherokee. I know the Liberty is still badged as a Cherokee in most export countries but, to me, the Liberty looks more like a Commander that someone forgot in the dryer, tall and skinny. The 2010 model weighs well over 4,000 pounds, is powered by an anemic 3.7L V6 that puts out a measly 20 more horsepower than my 23-year-old STOCK Renix and less torque. I've driven several Liberties (rentals) and they seem like very capable trail cars but they're underpowered and small feeling.

 

Lookin at the pics of the XJ and H3 side by side I totally see the comparison, regardless of actual dimensions, I agree...

 

Either the Top Gear Marauder or Humvee with solid doors and solid roof no soft-top and the fastback look not sure of the name of it. The Marauder sits 9ft tall.

 

x2 I thought you'd be asking to get flamed by posting this but I see a lot of similar contours
however, I think that the xj 'became' the commander

 

OR, did the XJ turn into the 'almighty' Patriot! (with round lights of course) haha

 

I consider this thread an insult

 

pretty sure the liberty is still a cherokee everywhere else in the world....

my sister just got an 03 and it isnt THAT bad. sure no solid front axle but it still has an 8.25 and a 231 case

H3's are just terrible, as are 95% of GM vehicles

 

X2 on the Liberty being the Cherokee

 

If the liberty is the cherokee, then logically the cherokee IS the liberty. And personally, you call my cherokee a liberty and you might just get hit in the face The cherokee died in 01, it didnt transform into anything else or anything like that.. The only survivor was the 2500, and until i see something resembling at least a 2500 in the US.. then im considering my jeep the last of a dying breed.