Overview:
Wow, this new 2002 Jeep Liberty will knock your socks off. I couldn’t have tested it in a better environment than the rugged back country of Oregon. I took it Elk hunting and brother John led the way in an Artic Cat four wheel drive ATV top of the line way too cool off road vehicle.
As the road narrowed I barked, where the hell is he taking us. I don’t think he remembers he’s in a small agile quad and we’re in this yuppie off road SUV. I can’t believe he did that. But this Jeep Liberty wasn’t impressed with what the Arctic Cat could do or where it could go. I took the “Liberty” of following him to the bitter cold, two feet of snow end. We were all so impressed that my sister told Dan, a Chrysler and Jeep dealer, who was in our hunting party, that she wanted to buy one.
“We are selling the Liberty like hot cakes”, said Dan. No big surprise to me after battling the elements off road and on the highway. It reminded me of the Jeep Jamboree I attended on the Mohawk Trail in Northwest Massachusetts through mud, boulders and rambling over hill and dale and rivers. Now it ‘twas close to Christmas with snow and frozen creeks (pronounced criks) to deal with. Dan went on to say “they are selling a lot of 2-wheel drive models”. Now, that IS a surprise up there in the Pacific Northwest.
Handling & Performance:
Outstanding. I drove the Liberty in a downpour from Portland to Medford and I felt pretty good on arrival. It is sure footed and I felt safe and confident in the slippery traffic conditions, and I didn’t once think I would be hijacked. Throughout the week I put it through its paces in such varied terrain that I can safely say this is destined to be a winner for Jeep.
Styling:
Good passenger space is provided but it doesn’t leave much for the cargo area. I didn’t care much for the window controls on the center console and much prefer them on the door panel. I like the design on the rear door and window that pops up and out of the way when the door is opened.
Fit and Finish:
Real good and much improved over older lower end Jeeps that seemed like a “Plain Wrap” version back then. You had to move up to the luxury of the Grand Cherokee for that touch of class but for the money this Liberty is a step above the competition.
Cost:
Really well priced. Jump on this while the price is still low.
Recommendation:
Test drive one if you are considering a family SUV that doesn’t need to haul the Brady Bunch to the ski slopes. Note that the price is good but it’s a base price without a lot of options. If you are cost conscious and still want more features, you will want to consider buying a year or two old model.
The Competition:
Ford Escape $18-24,000, Isuzu Rodeo $18-32,000, Jeep Liberty $16-23,000, Land Rover Freelander $25-32,000, Mazda Tribute $18-24,000.
Good News:
Well priced, agile, powerful, perfect size for most SUV applications.
Bad News:
Bad consumer crash test results as to cost of repair, poor mileage; I didn’t like the window controls on the center console, small cargo area.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter V6 engine, 5-speed auto trans, 4-wheel drive system, power front disc rear drum brakes, power steering, AM/FM radio w/ Cassette.
Gas Stats:
16 City and 20 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17,960.
