Jeep Liberty

sandyboy

I guess I shoulda said I don't carry alot of stuff OFTEN, Okay. But it's nice to have some room when you need it. I can literally "kick" my step stool (plastic) outta the garage, while carrying other stuff, a normal sized ladder has to be carried out, and one could (might) look like a fool on a ladder doin' the roof. Overkill. The small step stool is not even noticable.
I just don't like the Liberty, period. If you do, and can't see any of my points against it, then fine, I do respect your opinion. Really, I do. I just was very let-down, and expecting far more than what I see was delivered. With the Cherokee, A.M.C. led and created a new culture. With the Grand Cherokee, Chrysler built upon the original and spearheaded the SUV thing, to the point where every vehicle producer (almost) has an offerring. I see nothing revolutionery with the Liberty, just another small SUV, with a sky hi roof. It seems like an also ran to me and will be lumped together with Suzuki Grand Vitera, Chevy Tracker 4-Door, and Kia Sportage, all of which it looks just like, except for the traditional Wrangler Grille. I was expecting something much more. Something Ground Breaking, something we have not seen yet.

csawru

First I have no interest either way in the Liberty, the advantages seem to be pretty much equalled by what I think are disadvantages. And yes, what's different about it? Thing is JEEP has always been something of a niche brand - a focus on off road capability. I think they just got lucky, at the right place at the right time and more or less happened to be first in the compact SUV market. Wonder what would have happened had the IH scout (?) stayed on the market a few more years..Anyhow is the Liberty really new in the way Cherokee was; not new and improved, but a segment creator in the way PT Cruiser and Prowler are, or the Mustang or the Suburban?

I guess time will tell...

Ya know what I'd like to see is some sort of electrodynamic or electro hydraulic power train, (which would incorporate dynamic and adaptive motive power to all wheels, traction control, regenerative braking and steering) a flat panel LCD intstrument panel, removable body panels and active suspension; also probably a turbo diesel or a CNG engine option, and a wireless MP3 deck you can have your PC send tunes to while its parked...

On a chassis which could be an open bed truck, sedan or wagon...

With a free 100K powertrain warranty like KIA or Hyundai...

For about $20K or about 1/2 median income...

basepro09

When you guys went and looked at it, did either of you test drive it? I think you'll find a big difference there in handling, power, and noise reduction compared to the Cherokee and the GC for that matter. Atleast that's what I thought.

Matt

sandyboy

No, I didn't drive it. The dealer I stopped at is HUGE and had 25-30 of them lined up, in a rainbow of color. He also had about 50 various Cherokees and about 75 Grands and 12 Wranglers. He had a good 170 Jeeps in stock.

countsmackula1

You guys really need to drive the Liberty--you'll be pleasantly surprised. There's no discernable compromise from the Cherokee that anyone will notice. Obviously, I wasn't allowed to drive it off the pavement, so I'll wait on the verdict for that. As for the cut part, I don't see it. It's just modern and round, that's all. I like the Sport because of its black fenders vs. the body-colored on the Liberty better, however.This gives it a slightly more purposeful look. I've nvere been much on chrome or trim additions. I almost always like base model wheels better , too, although the tires usuallly need to be upgraded a size ot two.

countsmackula1

jtadam

Stopped into my closest Jeep dealer this past weekend to look at a Liberty. I didn't stay long when I saw the secondary sticker slapped on the window. "Additional dealer mark-up" of $2995.00 on the base models $4995.00 on the Limiteds. It wasn't even the subtle Honda type "paint treatments" or something similar. Just "additional dealer mark-up". The dealer had 10 on the lot. I don't know if I can name the dealer here on the site, so at this point I won't. I will say that I live in Akron, OH, and it is a "five star" dealer. Anybody else seeing blatant mark-ups on the Liberty in their areas? Sure would explain why I haven't seen one on the road around here yet....

jbrothersen

There are 4 jeep dealerships in Salt Lake City near me. One had a 4000.00 markup on all liberty's and another had a 2000.00 The other two dealers are selling them at msrp only. Guess which one I bought my limited edition from? Also, they told me it would take three weeks to get here but it arrived in only one. Shop around, even the dealers with the mark-ups were willing to let it slide if need be.

jbrothersen

Hi Guys, I have had my Limited Edition Liberty for a week. Its black w/leather and trac-lok. It drives great and is more powerful than the TJ it replaced. I've had it on some pretty rough dirt roads already and it seems solid. As for room, you can easily fit 6 big grocery bags behind the back seat. And even though its tall I can reach all the roof to wash it by standing on the rear door sills. I have also upgraded the tires to 245/75/16s but thats as big as you can go without rubbing on the front fairing.

mosby1861

Someone on the yahoo liberty board described how he tested the liberty during a test drive on a highway. He did an abrupt lane change and then back to the starting lane - apparently he claims the tires came 5-6" off the ground and went onto two wheels briefly!!

Has anyone else thought about the roll-over aspects of the Liberty?

I test drove it on back roads in PA and loved. I am considering both the Escape and Liberty..but this story has me leaning towards the escape again.

Any thoughts?

s852

You are not supposed to do abrupt lane changes in an SUV. Usually there is a warning against this in the owners manual.
That's why the wheels came off the ground and it started tipping over.

mosby1861

Of course you are not SUPPOSED to do that. But he did it to test emergency manuevering - say someone stops in front of you, avoiding a deer etc. He claims it was at 60 MPH which isn't excessively fast either. It is just making me think twice.

BELIEVE me, I test drove the LIberty and it is a GREAT vehicle. However, I think I will wait till the roll-over tests are done by CR and the govt.

I was just wondering if anyone else was concerned abotu this.

sasquatch_2000

You did a rapid lane change and then back in an SUV, and then wondered why it leaned?

Not only that, but you trust the governmentor Consumer Reports??????

You better go buy a Corolla or Camry or Accord. SUV's are too much for your vanilla life.

sasquatch_2000

What is the dealer name? You should out these people publicly for the scam artists they are. Once people catch on, the prices will drop accordingly. They only get away with it because you allow it and people must be paying that. It is like the $13,000 Miata selling for $20,000 or however much it was the first year.

paisan

It's as simple as supply and demand. Basically the Honda Oddessy is still selling @ or above the sticker because the dealers sell every single one they can get their hands on. If that is the case with the liberty, they'll do that with them too.

-mike

mosby1861

sasquatch, if you read what I posted I never said I did that, reporting another's views. Also, I wasn't talking about "leaning" going on two wheels 5-6" off the ground, yeah I would be concerned.

I didn't make any judgements, I was just asking what other thought. I was wondering if anyone else considered this? Sorry, I just don't want to buy a vehicle if it is similar to the Ford Explorer in roll-over rates. You may not care about your life, that is your choice. This is especially true since I won't be going on the Rubricon Trail - just back and forth to the office with occasional off-road exercusions.

Don't see why it is necessary to disparge someone. Fact is, the Escape isn't as top heavy. Does anyone else have any thoughts?

I do really like the liberty, it is much better quality then the Escape.

paisan

The Escape is a mini-van!

Drive the SUV like a Truck, and you won't roll it over. Of course this is the same person who drives a Trooper, never rolled it, and drives it like he stole it.

-mike

sandyboy

Same thing here.....$2,500.00 add'l. markUp, put the Liberty I liked (Limited with everything) over $30,000.00 ! So, I found a Cherokee Limited, with all 14 options. Actually found a Flame Red, a White, a Black and a Silverstone. Bought the Silverstone with Agate Leather. Very happy with it. Paid $24,500 with the $2,000 rebate included & saved $7,000.00 over the Liberty.The dealer received 9 Libertys. He still has 9 Libertys, 2 weeks later. He is down to 5 Cherokees: 3 Sports & 2 Limiteds, from 17 - just 30 days ago!

sasquatch_2000

...I almost had my Civic on 2 wheels a few times!!

I consider that having fun!!!!

(I have had her airborn a few times...makes a cool 'chirp' when she touches down.)

jmatero

I went to take a look at the Liberty. I'm somebody who has always driven sedans and am tire of trying to cram my bike(s) in the trunk with the seats folded. It's a nightmare. I also like the idea of AWD and/or full-time 4wd. So, you would think something like the santa-fe and escape would appeal to me... the problem is, I also go to cape cod in the summer and LONG to drive my vehicle out on the beach. To do that, you need REAL 4wd. That's why the liberty seemed like the perfect combination to me. Now, my brother has a new Cherokee and the room behind the back-seat is pretty large. Heck, big enough to hold the spar tire upright with the seats up right. When I saw the pictures of the Liberty, I was concerned because the rear window looked MUCH smaller than the cherokee. BUT, Jeep is claiming the liberty has MORE cargo space than the old cherokee. Well, they are right, it does (a LITTLE) but thats because of the HEIGHT of the interior... in other words, the volume. The space behind the rear seat of the Liberty (seat up) is the smallest I have ever seen and is similar to the suzuki/tracker twins. The escape/santa-fe/rav-4/cr-v are all MUCH larger... you can fit your dog back there... but the distance between the rear seat and the rear gate is about 12" TOPS. So, storing the bikes back there... even with the seats DOWN will be a tight fit. And forget about getting them over your head onto the roof-rack. You need more than a step-stool. I'm telling you... if there was just another 12" of floor space back there it would definately be on my list!

paisan

Look at the 2001 Trooper. It's selling for 22-27K and sports Lo-range and full-time 4wd (TOD system) Just something to consider.

-mike

docralpho

I recently drove two Liberties--a Sport model in Mesa, AZ and a Limited Edition in Albuquerque, NM. No dealer mark-up in Mesa, about $550. mark-up in Albuq. Felt the on-road ride was quite nice--handled well, was smooth, seats were comfy, fun to drive, nice visibility, responded pretty well, though needs some revs to make horsepower. Went off road a bit in the Limited model. Down and up some very steep hills--backed up one hill, too. Did all in low range with ease. Did not do any "rock crawling", but that is not my thing. I was a bit disappointed with size of space behind rear seat, and more so with fact the rear seats do not fold completely flat. My previous Cherokee did have advantages in those departments. The overall fit and finish of the Liberty seemed quite good. Was sorry, however, that the new Liberty was not more fuel efficient--is rated with auto/V6 at 16 mpg city, 20 hwy just like the previous Cherokee. Undoubtedly the extra 500 or more pound vehicle weight accounts for those gas figures. I could have done with a lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicle, or a turbo-diesel option.
Overall, believe the Liberty will rank very high in this class of vehicles, if not tops, especially for persons needing superior off-road capability. The Liberty certainly seems much more modern than the Cherokee (which I have just owned for 4 years). I have driven many other new vehicles including a Forester, Santa Fe, RAV-4, Escape, Tribute, and 2002 Explorer, among others. Several other makers have SUVs in the wings including the new Saturn "VUE" which I have seen, Honda Model X, and others. Should be interesting to see what's to come. I expect the Jeep will have many keen after-market parts, and some manufacturers are already building superchargers with 275+ horsepower potential. I do have some concern re: rollover in the Jeep Liberty. Overall--I may well purchase a Liberty, but want to see how they fare as to "reliability", and "tip-over". Also, my recent experience with Chrysler dealerships--and their service departments in particular--leaves something to be desired. All I have encountered place making (an excess--in my experience) profit off your disabled vehicle a top priority.

lovethosesuvs

that the dealer markups are a strategy to move out the remaining 2001 Cherokees?

If Jeep has done its research, and from what I'm hearing on this board, it looks as if the cross-purchasing factor would help move the Cherokees out.

Certainly anyone in their right mind would know that the price elasticity is not several thousand dollars over MSRP.

scname

Jeep plans producing over 200k Liberties a year like they did the Cherokee at its peak. I say lots of luck, with all the new competition. They'd be lucky to sell 70k Liberties a year, so expect inventory to build up real quick. Price to come down to thousand below invoice.

Liberty is in the same niche market segment with Xterra and Grand Vitaras, we all know those are not volume leaders.

vin_weasel

That's exactly why I bought my Cherokee. With the Liberty coming out they were offering big discounts on them and I got it for $6000 under MSRP and way cheaper then what I could get a Liberty for.

gdblessing

I just ordered a Liberty Sport with the Off-road group and sunroof (now off restriction) and am not paying more than sticker. The dealer is King's Jeep, Cincinnati. They have probably a dozen or more in stock, all at sticker.

02discovery

A couple of weeks ago we spotted a shipment of Jeep Liberty's that our local dealer had just received. Six pieces. We stopped and went to check the vehicle out. We were pretty much impressed with what the vehicle has to offer. I think it is built very well although a little on the small side. I am writing this post to point out to perspective buyers one minor but annoying problem we found with the vehicle. (No we haven't taken a test drive as of yet) The day that we viewed these jeeps was a moderately rainy day. The rain had stopped but the vehicles were still wet. We could not help but notice that when you open the window on the tailgate the window dumps a good amount of water into the back of the vehicle. Just thought I would point this out to anyone who might be interested.

tonysracing

Did the dealer give you an estimated build date for your vehicle yet? I am about to order one on Tuesday, and I am debating whether to add the sunroof. From what I was told, the sunroof was not even able to be added to an order. They came off restriction last week, but the factory is still not making them, they are just being put on hold from what I was told. If it's only going to be a short wait, I would much rather get the sunroof.

Also, Im ordering mine for $500 over invoice, so the prices arent too bad here in Northeast Pennsylvania.

gdblessing

The dealer didn't give me any date. The way they explained it was customer orders are considered 'sold' vehicles and take priority over the dealers normal allocation (the vehicles on the lot) and thus go to the head of the line. This dealer has 3 other orders in front of mine. Their saying 6 to 8 weeks but we'll see.

As far as the vehicle goes, I was quite impressed. I'm driving a 98 Wrangler but just need some more room. I would have got a Cherokee but the headroom's not there. I noticed people comment on it looking small but compare the dimensions to the Xterra. Appearances can be deceiving.

nebulas

Looking for a Liberty at dealer invoice price? Check out www.fitzmall.com. They advertised Liberties at invoice - in stock or by order in last weekend's The Washington Post. I checked them out and they indeed made an offer at invoice price (which included a $425 Chrysler and local dealer advertising fee).

A helpful car buying tips web page is www.carbuyingtips.com. It'll help you all avoid paying bogus fees and MSRP prices (and more). From reading this you will know that the dealer invoice includes a dealer hold back fee which becomes a dealer profit upon the sale of the car.

tinoman1

has anyone seen libertys on dealer lots yet with the above options installed? either limited or sport.

nebulas

Tinoman - I checked several dealerships in the Washington DC area and none of them have these options on any Libertys in stock. The only option is to factory order your vehicle. If I recall correctly, the restictions on ordering these options was just lifted a couple of weeks ago.

tinoman1

my factory order went in 5/22 (revised from a 5/1 order with a moonroof) I cannot wait for the moonroof so I took it off. but am interested to see how long the vehicle will take to get in with ABS etc. When I spoke to DC cust Svc. they told me ABS & SAB will be "sometime" in jun. I imagine there is a ton of orders waiting in the queue with these options. I hope DC is right about gearing up production, they will lose their "edge" to competition if they cant deliver the goods.

rfleck

I ordered a Steel Blue Limited Liberty with ABS, Sunroof, Select-Trac 4WD, Security group & Deep Tint for $25,250. Does anyone know the -800- factory number to check order status? I'm trading in a TJ which doesn't make a very good everyday driver.

Bob

nickwebb

I picked up my new silver Liberty Sport 4WD a few days ago. I am amazed at the quality in this vehicle. The fender flares are massive and hard unlike the ones on the YJ I traded in. The ride is controlled and smooth. Options on my vehicle are 27B package, auto, v6, tinted glass, heated mirrors, fog lamps, speed control w/ leather wrapped wheel, cass/cd player with infinity speakers and steering wheel mounted controls, aluminum wheels, and 235 BSW tires. Sticker was $23,640 and the dealer wouldn't budge but he gave a good trade-in. I don't have one regret. I have read all of the off-roaders complaints about the IFS in this vehicle and the grocery bag hooks and I couldn't care less. I spend 99% of my time on the road and when I do go off-road it's only to get to my favorite hunting spot or fishing hole. I wouldn't take a 24 thousand dollar vehicle and beat the crap out of it on some rocky trail anyhow. I have driven every small sport utility that is currently available on the market. The CR-V and RAV4 both lack power, the Liberty's V6 rules. The Sante Fe, Xterra and Durango just look terrible to me. Other vehicles have similar problems or are just too expensive for what you get. I looked the Liberty over carefully and felt the quality, ride, and appearance made it worth every penny of the sticker price. If it turns out to be reliable, I will be very happy indeed. I got 10 years out of my Wrangler and am looking forward to 10 years in this beast. All you doubters get down to your Jeep dealer and take one of these for a ride. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Nick

rsholland

Congrats!

Keep us posted as to likes and dislikes. I think you're the first here on these boards with an actual Liberty in possession.

Bob

blujeep

Lotsa luck!
How's the engine compared to the old I-6??
What color is the interior?
Leather or cloth??
(just being nosy!) LoL!!

gsogymrat

I checked out the Jeep Liberty and was a little disappointed. First, I have to say that I didn't drive it because I was not serious about purchasing one. I looked over the Limited model in the show room. I thought the price was acceptable for what you got. One thing I noticed is that it was taller than the Grand Cherokee sitting beside it. Maybe because of the height it looked like the rear should be longer. It kind of had the "stubby" look that Toyota Echos have. The interior and dash were very nice. I liked the round vents and door handles- very stylish. It has LOTS of headroom. The front seats were very comfortable. The rear seat however is STILL uncomfortable. One of my big beefs with my Cherokee is the incredibly cheap and uncomfortable rear seat. While the Liberty's is an improvement the seat is too short and tilted. The rear cargo area is rather small and floor seems high off the ground. I don't mind the spare tire on the back but couldn't they have still made it a lift gate like the Cherokee? Having such a large swing out door is inconvenient, especially if you are in a parking lot and have a car parked behind you. All of these things I can live with but what I can't is the gas mileage. I'm really fed up with 17 mpg. I was hoping Liberty would get the average mpg over 20. I mainly wanted another SUV for pulling my camper but now I am thinking of selling the camper and buying a wagon.

rsholland

I found the rear seat to be much better than the old Cherokee. However, it could be a bit better still.

If they had a liftgate, they couldn't have a rear-mounted spare.

The Liberty is a good 500 lbs. or more heavier than the Cherokee. So, even with a newer and more efficient engine, don't expect any real-world gas mileage improvement.

Bob

paisan

That's not true. You can have a lift with the tire on a separate bar.

-mike

rsholland

but that's a somewhat awkward arrangement. First you have to unlatch the spare, then swing it open before you can open the hatch. IMO, it's a bit more inconvenient, but yes, it can be done.

Also, if somebody is parked close behind you, you may not have space to swing the spare tire out of the way. Result: can't open the hatch—unless of course, the rear window opens to allow access.

Bob

hotcoffee

The rear window opens independently on the Liberty.

blujeep

only a few minutes apart! One was a red Sport & looked very cool! The other was black, but I couldn't tell if it was a Sport or a Limited.
The driver of the red Sport looked to be in his mid-50's while the other driver was a kid of about 19 or so. It seems the new Liberty appeals to a wide variety of ages. :-)

paisan

The swing out arm is 1/2 or less the width of the car, so chances are someone isn't that close to your bumper, if they are, then you won't be able to open the hatch or stand behind it anyway. When I had my '97 Rodeo, this was the setup (hatch-up, tailgate, and swing tire) 99/100x the tire had plenty of swing room, or swung over the car behind me, and the glass cleared the spare w/o a problem.

-mike

nickwebb

I don't know how it compares to the old I-6. My Wrangler had the 4 cylinder. The new one seems to have nice power, but I'm not going to romp on it until it is broken in a bit. Seating is fresno cloth and interior is dark (slate) grey.

One gripe is the grab rail on the A pillar is kinda distracting, but I'm getting used to it.

Nick

tinoman1

please keep the forum posted on any quirks you might be experiencing. also, your impression on why driving at high speeds and lane changing stability.

thanks

djasonw

I drove a Liberty on Saturday and was quite impressed. The steering/handling for a tall SUV was exceptional. I think it is MUCH better than the other smaller SUV's out there and will be a class leader in a short period of time. My dislikes are minor but they are in line with everyone else on this forum. The antenna looks like they totally forgot about it until the 11th hour. I am not too fond of the placement of the spare but at least it doesn't hinder rear vision. I also had hoped that the cargo area was flatter when the seats are put down.

I placed a factory order and I am paying $300 over dealer invoice. Anyone that pays sticker or above is getting ripped off!!! There are going to be 200,000 copies of these things in a year's time. Patience!!! Don't let these dealers get away with this thievery!!!

south40mc

We've been comparing SUV models for some time for my wife . The
Liberty really stood out. The styling is far superior to anything in this category. Had some hesitation about this being the initial model year. Hopefully, the design by Daimler engineers will be as reliable as my Mercedes. This is my wife vehicle and the Liberty was the only SUV that she wanted. We bought a White Limited with leather and the taupe /tan color scheme and is fully loaded. This vehicle is definitely a head turner! We had two different people come up
and inquire about the Liberty while doing Saturday errands. We bought at Jeff Sac's Auto Park in Frankfort, KY. I had done research on pricing and got a great deal. I did know the owner of the
dealership, however, this dealer will treat you right! We took some side roads and the handling and road feel is great. Doubt if we'll be doing any off road. Interior is laid out great. Leather power seats are very comfortable. Plenty of leg room front and back. The head room is outstanding. Controls are convenient and has a great sound system, we have the 6 disc changer also. Cargo space is very roomy. I particularily like the "bug eye headlights and the curves of the front hood and fenders. Take a look at the Liberty and you will be impressed. See one in person, the pictures don't do justice. This may sound like a commercial, but we could not be happier with our Liberty!!!!

tinoman1

fully loaded even with ABS & side airbags?????

how about moonroof????

thanks

cuse1

What is the difference between the standard tires on the Limited and the all-weather tires that you can substitute at no extra cost?

Also, what grade gas does the Liberty take? I thought I read somewhere that the V6 takes 91/medium octane.