Jeep Liberty

sigma15

Does anyone know of any specific winches that will fit the Liberty? Also, can you retrofit a Liberty with side airbags or ABS?

cwnevada

Stopped by the Nissan dealership today to check out my second choice: Xterra.

Nice looking SUV to say the least.

Likes:
•Large glove box.
•Stacked storage box in center console.
•Large cargo area behind back seat.
•Back seat folded pretty flat!!!
•Tool tray under cargo mat.
•ABS & limited slip dif Std.

Dislikes
•Bar across front bumper.
•Dash
•Less powerful engine.

More likes then dislikes. The engine weighs heavy though.

I plan to test drive the Xterra on Monday too get a better feel. Since I’ve owned chevy p/u’s for the last 22 years, the “truck ride” won’t be much of a concern.

One weighty concern will be the dealerships service department. That’s a tough one to evaluate. Any suggestions?

later.

hotcoffee

Nissan has a 100% satisfied cusstomer program- I have been delighted in the service dept at my dealership as well as dealing with their financing people-

If you have specific questions:

Nissan Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 191
Gardena, CA 90248
(800) NISSAN-1 (or 800-647-7261)
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Eastern / Central Time
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Monday through Friday

ericbway

Well, Daimler Chrysler has managed to change the date of shipping (SO FAR) back in my favor. Only a days worth, but now the ship date is November 1st. The coincidence of three ship dates of November 1st in the forum is not lost on me.
Anyway I can hope, and I cant wait to join the ranks of the Liberated.

Eric

djasonw

I was going to get dedicated snow tires but decided on a year round tire that was M & S rated. I purchased the Michelin SUV Cross Terrain tire. EXCELLENT compared to OEM tires. The Libby rides even better than before!

Regarding Xterra... new one (2002) has revised front facia which looks tacked on and a last minute afterthought. Also, the moonroof still doesn't make sense. The supercharger does add some ponies, but it's still not going to give you a kick in the pants. The ride is still based on a pickup truck (frontier I think). Great reliability. Also new is full time 4wd (FINALLY). I drove both and decided on the Libby. Also drove the new Explorer but it was too big and the interior was BORING. It's a tough decision. I constantly get compliments for my Libby... and I never get compliments for my C320.. go figure.

rvbroker

My Liberty Limitied started an annoying rattle at about 3,000 miles (right after the first oil change). Quiet on the highway but occurs around town and on bumpy roads. Took it to the dealer last week and although they heard the noise, they could not find the culprit. They had it on a lift and found nothing. They checked their computer for service bulletins and found one about the front skid plate could be the problem. So they adjusted the front skid plate and sure enough the noise is still there. I have crawled under the truck and can find nothing loose. Any thoughts or anyone else had a similar problem?

Oherwise...we love this truck.

ver2us1

Nah, I was just yanking your chain - I love to see you all jump to your vehicle's defense in the off-road swagger department *lol*! But the Hummer line IS coming out with a smaller version in the $25,000 price range for 2004 - look out then!!

cwilson6

I see a lot of variabilty on delivery times on this board. I ordered a 2002 Liberty yesterday, Patriot Blue, Limited, with everthing but block heater. Has anybody recently ordered a similar truck, and how long did it take to receive it? They told me 4 to 8 weeks. Boy, one day has gone by and I am already getting restless. Thanks! Looking forward to exploring the Pacific Northwest with this, my first Jeep!

djasonw

I remember reading somewhere about a TSB regarding a loose part in the exhaust system. That should be obvious when having a car on the lift.

iggythecat

We ordered the exact same Liberty (limited, everything but the block heater!), but in silver. It took just shy of 12 weeks for it to come in, but we ordered in the first week of July when ABS and moonroofs were on hold, so I think that had something to do with the long waiting period. Have had it for about a month now, and love it! The only problem I have is that I don't get to drive it enough... it's my husband's new toy. Hopefully yours takes less time for delivery, but remember it is worth the wait!

gypsy116

The second week in September, I ordered a Jeep Liberty Limited (stone white, 27G package, ABS, heated seats, and sunroof). About four weeks ago I called the dealer to see roughly how much longer I would have to wait and he told me that the manufacturer was actually ahead of schedule and it should only be a couple more weeks. Three weeks go by and I give the dealership a call again. While on the phone, he checked the computer to find out that nothing has been done since my last phone call. He spoke with his boss to find out what is going on. The saleman told me that they had stopped the production process but he was unsure of the reasoning. I am now on week number 7 and would like to know what is going on over there in the plant. Anybody have any ideas as to why they would just stop production?

hotcoffee

Threaten cancellation- and say you will switch brands after owning 3 Jeeps (a fib?) maybe that will get 'em moving.

lindag47

I would call the 800 number at Daimler Chrysler and see what they say. My dealer lied to me about the ship date because his dealership was on hold due to his allocation problem. I had to cancel my order and go to another dealership. I don't know if this is the case with you, but if it is DC will let you know. The number is 800-992-1997. You will need your vehicle order number or VIN. Good luck.

bjurick

I have a Silver Liberty Limited with 4WD, 27G, off road, trailer tow, ABS, side air bags. I got it at Bankston Jeep in Frisco, TX the first week of August. Have driven about 4500 miles and have loved every minute of it. I paid $50 over Edmunds invoice plus the Ad fee. I feel like I got a pretty good deal. This configuration my not be plentiful, but, it is out there.

cervenak

Bought my first Jeep product since a '97 Wrangler Sport, concluding that it represented crossbreed between the Wrangler and a Grand Cherokee. I took delivery on the 2002 Liberty off the dealer's lot (actually, dealer trade--white was hard to come by). Drove all of about 10 miles when the wife calls, stranded at the Mall, saying the gas pedal performed no function. I raced out of work to assist and was able to identify the problem--the accelerator cable fitting at the pedal has become disconnected! Two screws removed the panel exposing the assembly, dangling in the wind. I reinstalled (or, perhaps in this case, installed) the apparatus and the wife was merrily on her way.
I hope to h#-@ that this is not an indication of things to come. At least, after 200 miles now, the gas pedal performs the appropriate function.

mjpinmd

Hello All,
I'm new to the board. I bought a black Limited Edition a few weeks ago and LOVE it. Anyways, I was reading the manual and I missed what exactly overdrive does. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks...

rsholland

is a gear, or gears, in your transmission that is rotating less than the crankshaft in your engine is rotating. For example:

For every rotation of the crankshaft (1:1), an overdrive gear might rotate .71:1. The thinking is an overdrive gear will give you better gas mileage. Usually the top gear in your transmission that is an overdrive gear. Sometimes it's the top two gears if you have a 5 or 6 speed transmission.

Bob

hotcoffee

When overdrive is "off"- the truck will rev higher and have more power off the line for towing etc., because of a higher gear ratio. It will also rev higher in each gear for that reason.
Thus, your gas mileage will be reduced with it off.

I found that I had overdrive off only when towing or driving in mountain roads, or off-roading. The motor is quieter with it on too.

Hope that helped.

rsholland

what hotcoffee (and I) have said:

If you have have a 4-speed automatic, usually the 4th gear is an overdrive gear. When you turn the overdrive off, really all you're doing is downshifting into 3rd gear, which is not an overdrive gear. Therefore your revs will be higher, and you will use more gas.

Bob

mjpinmd

Thanks for your answers, I must have missed it in the manual. One last question, when you shift from 2WD to 4WD, you simply lift up on the lever and take your foot off the gas a bit? How hard should you tug? Thanks again....

rsholland

a firm tug. I'm not sure if there is a mph limit. Usually with most shift-on-the-fly units, you should keep your speed under 55 mph. Which 4x4 do you have, Select Trac or Command Trac? If it's Command Trac you can only use it on slippery surfaces, and not dry pavement.

I would also let up on the gas, although I don't know if that's necessary. It would seem to offer less strain on the system by doing so. it certainly wouldn't hurt to do so.

Bob

hotcoffee

I'm with Bob.

PS:

Select Trak should be engaged with the car moving, it will sometimes not kick in if you do it standing still. Although they may have corrected this since I had the system (same as G.C.) Enjoy the truck. Also, you can leave the shifter in "Full Time" all winter if you have Select Trak with no damage. If you have Command Trak- read up on it. You should shift into it on the fly (not sure of speed)- and only use it on loose surfaces as the wheels are locked and when going around corners the wheels travel at different speeds and need to slip some so the gears do not bind up.

There are some discussions of the different systems on Edmunds, check the forums list. Select trak, and Command Trak are Daimler Chryseler terms- Select Track in the FULL TIME positions is basically "Full Time 4wd" and Command Trak is simply a Part-Time 4wd system.

mjpinmd

Thanks again for your input, it is much appreciated. I am new to the 4WD world and I want to know as much as I can before I start using it. The manual is helpful, but in cannot answer all my questions! Take care...

hotcoffee

You are welcome. My pleasure. You purchased a nice vehicle.

You have been much more polite than others in this forum.

I have an Xterra and have frequented the Liberty forum as I almost purchased one. And as a 2 time Jeep owner thought I could add something to the discussion.

tidester

Hello All,
I'm new to the board...

Hi, mj! Welcome to the boards - we looking forward to seeing you as a regular here!

tidester
Host
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rsholland

Your welcome, and good luck with your new ride!

Bob

trav2002

Does anyone have advice on ordering a Limited Jeep Liberty? Will it take forever? Are the ones on the lot more prone to early build issues? I can't believe an American vehicle would take 8 weeks for delivery. Also I was told by dealer there are no low finance deals on the Liberty like say the Dodge Durango. I wish I could just buy factory direct online after the test drive. :-)

aflong

If part-time 4wd is only for slippery surfaces and if it's wrong to engage it on dry surfaces, then how is it that Jeeps can go on the slickrock trails in Moab? I've never been on slickrock but isn't it just like concrete?

salome1

Hello. As all of you are up on your Jeep Liberty knowledge, I am hoping you can help me. I am currently looking for a midsize SUV. As far as price range is concerned I am teetering between The Liberty Limited and the Honda CRV. I understand that the Jeep has a little more spunk with a 6 cylinder, as the CRV is only a 4. However the Honda gets almost 7 mpg more. Both vehicles have similar options and pricetags. I'm not sure on the resale value of the Jeeps, but as a previous Honda owner, I know the CRV won't depreciate too much. Does anyone have any input to help me? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

gypsy116

I order a Jeep Liberty Limited Edition the second week of September and I am still waiting. I am on week #7 and getting very antsy. My sales guy says he believe the wait is because of the hold on the sunroofs. To my knowledge Liberty's with sunroofs are being ordered at a quicker rate than they can manufacturer the sunroofs. My sales guy also told me he can not get any straight answers as to when I can expect my Liberty. So I sit here waiting a patient as I can.

mynameisfelix

I'm a long time Jeep driver/owner and I just took a Liberty for a test drive. The car is going to be for my wife and we both loved everything... except I heard a weird wind noise around 65/70 MPH. It wasn't a whistle, it sounded more like the windshield rattling. Has anyone else heard anything like this?

rsholland

but my guess is they call it "slick"rock for a reason.

Bob

gypsy116

Does anyone know of any good web sites to buy exterior accessories for the Liberty? I know if you go onto the official Jeep web site you can purchase add-on from there but I am not going to spend the amount they want. That would be silly.

hotcoffee

Command Trak has the hubs locked. If you are going in a straight line the wheels are turning at the same speed- so a steep grade that is hard and not slippery shouldn't pose a problem. But I would avoid tight turns in the 4wd position. If you are on rocks the wheels are leaving the ground etc. over rugged terrain, there will be the required "slippage" of the wheels when they leave the rock momentarilly. Still, I would leave it in 2 wd until 4 is needed- on steep grades when 4wd is required- wheels'll be spinnin' sometimes regardless of the rock surface appearing strret like.

Hope I helped.

mellis

www.jparts.com

Great prices, great service on the order for mats I placed.

bradleyf2

Greetings all!

I've had my new Liberty Limited 9 days now and am loving it! Specs-Black, 27G with ABS, sunroof, tow group, trac-lok diff., CD changer, and heated seats. MSRP was 28,200, got it for 26,000 (about 400 over invoice) from a dealer in Chicago's north suburbs. I drove it off the lot with 9 miles on it and have put a little over 400 on since. It's a great SUV, and so far I'm very happy with it. Only problem (maybe my fault), the radio mast antenna snapped off going through an automatic car-wash. $26 for a new one. I suggest keeping a small crescent wrench in the glove box to remove the mast-or hand wash the car!

Thanks to all here, comments were very helpful in my decision. See you soon!

hvan3

I drove the Honda CRV with 2 kids (not mine) and one adult to Las Vegas 2 summers ago. The SUV was filled with luggages. Man, the CRV has absolutely NO power! On a slight incline, I had to step the pedal to the metal to get any marginal output. I was really disappointed. Luckily, I did not own the CRV. It belongs to one of the kids.

If you're planning to use the CRV or Liberty for a family outing with luggages, the CRV will not have the horsepowers you need to get you to point B.

Also, the CRV felt like tin can with noisy engine. The 2002 CRV is suppose to be less noisy, but still lack the horsepower/torque.

richardcoulson

Does anyone have the side air bags? If so, do they require a larger headliner to store them in? I am tall and concerned about head room.
Thanks.

salome1

Thank you for the information on the CRV. That is what I initially expected to hear. I am really gearing toward getting the Liberty LTD. Most everything I hear about the Liberty is great. The price is in the right range, not luxury SUV, but pretty close. Many extras in the package in which others you have to tag on extra options to achieve the same final product. Thanks again.

basepro09

Have you ever been in the Liberty? There is plenty of head room. My uncle went for a drive in my Liberty and had about 8 inches of space and he's 6'2". The head room is what I think makes the Liberty seem more roomy.

Does anyone know if I can get a transmission skid plate for my 2wd Liberty? I know it comes stock on the 4wd models, but I just want to be able to go on little trails up in canyons where I live without having to worry about a rock kicking up and putting a hole in my transmission.

Matt

jfavour

They are totally different in many ways. The CR-V is not intended as an off road vehicle. It is like a station wagon with an enhanced traction system. It drives like a front wheel drive car. The Liberty is more of a truck/car combo and a true off road vehicle. From what I have read, the 2002 CR-V will be much better power wise and should be able to handle most family duties as it is MUCH lighter than a Liberty, thus the better MPG. It may have a bit of trouble with four adults and lots of gear, but for average family errands and work it will be fine. The Liberty should be able to handle all of the above and towing without any trouble. They both sound like fine vehicles, but have different positive attributes. Decide what you need in a vehicle. If lighter car-like handling and mileage are important go with CRV, if towing, offroading, lots of gear and people is your need, get the Liberty. Either way, you will probably like it.

huck7

If you are considering a more carlike ride, give the Subaru's a shot. They are fun to drive and will give you the same "off-road" performance of a CRV/RAV4/etc., perhaps even better. The main reason that I am looking at the KJ is for greater clearance and power, but if it is a snow car that you want, the Subies are a lot of fun (despite their stodgy appearance - WRX's excepted).

Huck

nebulas

My wife drives a 98 CRV and I drive a Liberty LE, 27G, ABS, SAB - both are really fine vehicles and I would recommend both. It all boils down to what its intended use is and what your priorities are. My wife uses it for short trips in town with our toddler - so MPG is more of an issue. We've used it on long vacation trips with a thule cargo carrier and it was comfortable overall. We both complain about the lack of power, although there is an aftermarket supercharger add-on for those who want more oomph. The 2002 CRV will improve things somewhat in the horsepower department, but will not match the Liberty's commanding surge of energy. I like the Liberty's exterior and interior, higher ground clearance, off road capability, seats (mine are power/leather) better. My wife loves the Liberty but loves and still picks her CRV. Go figure. Good luck.

Lisel

Here's the story. An official announcement is expected today. I sure hope this is applied retroactively. I bought my Liberty in mid-August.

Lisel

djasonw

I only think it is for vehicles sold after the announcement. I'd sure like to find out if there is a courtesy they can extend to recent purchasers. That will really suck if they don't agree to honor it to purchases made over the last six months (or some other timeframe).

hayleysmom1

I would appreciate someone helping understand what ABS is and if I need to have it???? One of the dealers I am negotiating with said it wasn't necessary????

stever

While waiting to hear what the other members think about your dealer's comments, here's a couple of articles you may want to read.

The Attack on Anti-Lock Brakes

Fixing Antilock Brakes

Steve
Host
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rsholland

I won't own a vehicle that doesn't have ABS. It's saved my tail several times.

Bob

huck7

I considered skipping the ABS, but this is a heavier vehicle than I am used to driving. It seems that the ABS is a wise investment considering the momentum built up while driving the Liberty.

dacotah

I think the combination of disc and ABS brakes are among the best safety features ever added to vehicles. It has made it safer to drive altho I have to admit that people push harder as a result, which is a negative impact.
Given the choice I would always go with ABS.