Jeep Liberty

iggythecat

Anyone been on one, or planning to go? We are thinking about going to the one in Ft. Bragg, CA, but would like to hear about other people's experiences before signing up.

Thanks!

cheryl15

I picked up my Steel Blue Liberty Sport last week. It is great! I just love the look and feel of this SUV. I traded-in a 1999 Honda CR-V and I could tell right off that there is a BIG difference in the power. And my Liberty feels more luxurious on the inside also.

My husband thought I was nuts for wanting to get rid of the Honda. (He wouldn't even go with me to look at vehicles.) I brought my Liberty home, gave him a short ride around the block and he said he finally understood why I wanted the Liberty instead of the CR-V.

Now for a question: What is the break in period on the Liberty? I want to take it on a short trip in 2 weeks (about 300 miles) and I will still be under 500 miles by then.

jeffkiel

The manual says < 50MPH for first 500 miles and < 55MPH for first 1000, IIRC. I stayed under 60MPH for the 1000 miles (hard to keep it at 55 on interstates). I think the most important thing is to not use the cruise and vary your speed during that time. I actually took back roads home frequently so I wasn't just cruising along on the highway for extended periods.

snow8

Ciao from Italy,my manual says first 100 miles less than 50mph, and then 55 mph before 500 miles.After that I guess is nothing but strong pedale...
Anyway I have a powerful 2,5 Common Rail Diesel. 343Nm potenza and it seems very good. Ofcourse there is the noise,but then again I am so used to it.
My previous, and still have it, is Land Rover Discovery with 2.5TD and 400000kilometres on it.

liberte

Can anyone give me information on recalls for the Jeep? I've been test driving other vehicles and have had a couple of concerning reports from the sales people.

I understand their was an article by Autoweek describing a roll over that happened during a test with the Liberty. Was the test legitimate for this type of vehicle? Anyone else concerned about roll overs with the Liberty?

Any concerns with skidding? Are the ABS brakes effective?

cdkelly23

Regarding the chance of rollovers with the Liberty. Drivers have to remember that this vehicle has a high center of gravity, and it is not a car. You can't whip around curves and make sudden lane changes with it, or it will roll over. Common sense.

I knew this, but still bought a Liberty. And I love driving it. I just never forget that it's a truck, not a road-hugging sports car.

Regarding the ABS brakes: I wouldn't drive a vehicle without ABS brakes. I've driven my Liberty through heavy rain and snow, and have had no problems with skidding.

I had to pay more for the ABS brakes, but I believe they are worth every penny.

soulfinger

You probably know this already, but car salesmen are not the most reliable sources for information on competing brands. Test drive a Liberty and the salesman can tell you all the scary stories about the Escape, the Santa Fe and all the rest. The Autoweek rollover is nothing to be concerned about, unless you plan to drive through a slalom course at 45 mph. Autoweek even admitted that they were were not driving the vehicle the way it was intended to be driven and were pushing the envelope to try to find the Liberty's limits. Well, they found them. Every vehicle has its limit. Autoweek did not say the Liberty was unsafe when used as directed, only that the driver of an SUV needs to remember that it is not a car. I have 7,000-plus miles on my Liberty and I've never come close to rolling it. The only time the wheels have left the road is when I powered through a railroad crossing on the test drive and caught air. As far as braking goes, I have ABS on my Liberty and the braking is excellent on dry pavement and adequate in the rain. The only halfway-serious recall that I'm aware of involves the wiring for the driver's airbag. A wire can catch on something in a crash and it can delay the firing of the airbag. (I'm going from memory here, so I may not have the details precisely correct, but you get the idea). The fix is supposed to be simple, but I haven't gotten a recall notice on it yet. There was another recall involving the knee blocker on the driver's side falling off. Another easily remedied glitch. The lack of trouble involving the Liberty is pretty remarkable for a first-year vehicle. I love mine. If you're one of the few who actually plans to take your SUV off-road, the Liberty is an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you plan to stick to the pavement, you're better off with a car-based SUV. The Liberty is a truck.

colorado1974

Regarding your concerns on the recalls, not every one was affected by either recall. The airbag wiring was caught at the factory a couple months ago and the knee bolster only involved the first 20,000 or so. In fact, the Airbag recall was seriously a 15 minute fix at our dealership with 10 minutes being used to write up the paperwork. BTW, they sold almost 110,000 units in 8 months last year.

curtc1

The test referred to in #2513 (Autoweek) drove the Liberty as if it were a sports sedan. Being concerned about the Liberty's performance in that test is equivalent to being concerned about a sports sedan that, to no surprise, got stuck during a test on the Rubicon trail.

bjfrank42

I traded in a 98 Dodge Dakota 2wd 4 cyl for a 2002 Jeep Liberty Sport 4wd 6cyl and my insurance rates dropped $6 a month. Anyone else notice lower rates?

I may have to buy another one, my wife won't let me drive mine anymore. She loves it.

paul169

I was looking for a Jeep Liberty with a 6 Cyl engine and a 5 Speed Manual Transmission. The dealer said that Jeep had not started producing them. Anyone have any idea when they will get off their butts and get me my vehicle. I have a '94 Wrangler now with a I-6 / 5 Speed and love it, but need to upgrade. Should I go with an XTERRA instead. Any advice appreciated.

dobs2

Paul.....They'll get you your vehicle right after they get me mine....... I've been researching the "availability" of the V6 5 speed manual for almost 2 months now to absolutely no avail. One local dealer actually wanted me to put a deposit on one, and he said he would keep trying to enter the order into their system each week until it "took".. Yeah, right. No where have I looked or called, have I been able to find ANY info at all on its availability.... I'm holding out though. PLEASE, IF ANYONE HAS ANY INFO....... PLEASE POST !!!!!! THANKS - and best of luck on finding yours, Paul.

shreddedshoe

mad0865: How was your experience at Fullerton? I don't know if you've addressed this or not already, I'm still reading the old posts...

mad0865

My experience with Fullerton was great. I had already test driven a Liberty, but they insisted on another test drive, which I did, same as before (loved it!). I ordered it in early July, came in the 1st week of October. The sales person (Bob) went over every last detail of the vehicle, making sure I knew every in and out, how to put it into 4x4 and when to use the different options. The only thing he wouldn't budge on is the spare tire cover. The dealership price was 74.99; so I went to jparts.com and ordered the same exact one minus the dealership emblem on it for 36.10 with free shipping.

All in all, my experience with Fullerton has been great and I highly recommend using them if you live in the area.

-mad

shreddedshoe

Thanks. I was on their lot last week looking at the Libertys and Explorer Sports and they are pretty well stocked. I might take one out today. Thanks again for the info.

jrosasmc

Does the Liberty use ladder type body-on-frame construction or unibody?

rsholland

just like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee.

Bob

charlesb_la

From my understanding the tenative start build date is April 15. So hang in there.

You can call DC to check but I got this info from someone who called last week.

Good luck

shreddedshoe

Just test drove a Liberty for the first time. Liked it alot! Felt very tight and well built. Smooth, quiet ride, easy to handle, etc., etc. My only peeve is the rear seats. They say "nearly flat", well it's not nearly enough. They incline an awful lot. I'm sure this has been addressed (I'm still catching up with all the past posts), but I'd really appreciate some feedback on this. Has this been an issue for anyone or no big deal. There really isn't alot of cargo room behind those seats. I don't have alot of stuff to carry, but I do have a large dog and a mountain bike that I cart around alot ( I know, I can get a bike rack, which I probably will anyway), but just thinking of the stuff in my trunk right now and that alone would take up quite a bit of space (jumper cables, blanket, flares, sweatshirt, umbrella, gloves, first aid kit). I hate to say it, but just going grocery shopping (oooh, ouch...I'm NOT one of those) is going to require me to put down one of those seats. So far I have also test driven the Xterra and Explorer Sport and they both have alot more cargo room and the seats fold flat. But if I had to buy today, the Liberty would be my pick. I'm just worried that not having that flat cargo space is going to get irritating. I would really like to hear from any current Liberty owners about your experiences with this. I think it's a great truck. Sorry for the long post.

mad0865

While I don't carry that much stuff in my Liberty, I do at times cart around my mountain bike and Yellow Lab at the same time without a problem. And yes, the rear seats don't fall 100% flat, I'd say that it's more of about 90-95% flat. You'll be suprised what you can fit in there. Next up is a bike rack (hate cleaning the inside from mountain bike dirt). Good luck.

-mad

shreddedshoe

Thanks mad. Anyone else?

batty

NHTSA's web site has the rollover ratings at:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/2002SUVs.html

Click on the "two" stars that the Liberty received and read the rating criteria. I believe you may rest a little easier tonight. Again, it is all in how you drive!

I just test drove a Liberty today. Very agile and it turned a few heads. If all goes well I will be ordering a new one next week.

The real delemma? That concept gem called the "Jeep Compass", and it looks real nice, but preliminary info states that it may not meet the true off-road vehicle desires like the Jeep Liberty.

n8magic

I too have been looking for this elusive model of the Liberty.

I called Chrysler Canada, and they couldn't give me an ETA for the 5-speed Liberty. I love the Liberty and all, but my 'rents have had 3 auto trannies go in their last 2 Chrysler vehicles, so I pretty much have to wait for the 5-speed. I just wouldn't feel confident buying a DC vehicle with an auto tranny.

Besides, wheres the fun in driving an automatic vehicle?

mjpinmd

I have noticed when I fill the gas tank, I hear a droning noise underneath the car, near the gas tank. It does not cause any performance problems, but I am a bit worried. Anybody else have this issue? Any response in much appreciated....

snow8

It works, but with the 343Nm torque sometimes I would prefer Autotranny.
Manual 5 speed should be able to work wery well with V6.
Anyway, also to want to post that even here in the Alps and curvey road of Italy, I have not had any problems on handling. Limited version rules, and somewhat noisy 2.5 CRDiesel is carrying the load wery well. BTW, license plate here is in the middle of Spare, which by BTW came covered.

tiredofmanual

As far as I know, no special kits have been made yet. If you want to stay emissions legal, you would have to install the turbine after the cat, which saps some of the exhaust energy. The fuel system is likely to be able to support a low-boost turbo, so I bet that a custom kit would run $1500 to $3000.

I think that a supercharger is better suited to the Liberty. With the displacement and the V6, one should run smoothly and deliver the lagless low end torque that a truck can use. Unless you want to take the Liberty to the track or quiet down a loud header/exhaust, I think that the supercharger is the way to go. You may even get better gas mileage with it too.

paisan

http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/pb02-17-01/index.html

A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!

-mike

colorado1974

Just found out that DC may sell a few diesel Liberty's in the US to test the waters. I can't wait to drive one. Just put dual exhaust on mine...or I should say my wife's. Added 2 mpg and noticeable power. It's MOPAR's cat-back performance system. Thinking about a chip next. On the freeway to Seattle this weekend, took a 50 mph corner at 85 and had no feelings of tippyness (if that is a word.) I think the media and all the geeks that say it's tippy can jump off a bridge.

dielectric7bb

If it ain't tippy, it ain't an SUV, it's a minivan

georged98

I was wondering if the 2002 Liberty with the 3.7L V6 engine has a timing chain or belt.
Thanks.

dudleyr

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=04474733

This is the link to the diesel engined Liberty. It would be nice to have a an SUV available that is easier on fuel. Modern diesel engines are much better than the old ones, and diesel fuel can be made from soy beans.

anonymous02

"Just found out that DC may sell a few diesel Liberty's in the US to test the waters."

That would be pretty neat!

"...put dual exhaust on mine...or I should say my wife's. Added 2 mpg and noticeable power."

How can you notice the power? 1/4 mile? Pulling?

"...took a 50 mph corner at 85 and had no feelings of tippyness (if that is a word.)"

Not a real bright idea in an SUV.

anonymous02

I found it funny last week when I went to the gas station, and there was a girl there pumping her car at the place I usually see dump trucks and landscape trucks. Then it occurred to me that it was a diesel Jetta. I wonder if her dad has a construction company or something.

colorado1974

upon accelleration from stop signs, passing. On hills it isn't as quick to downshift if at all. It was just noticeable all the way around. I've been driving for a long time now and I pretty much know my limits on cars. I have never once felt that I was in danger of tipping over in my Jeep...err wife's Jeep.

Karen_S

To include all Jeep enthusiasts, the Jeep Wrangler Owners Club has been changed to Jeep Owners Club, located on Edmunds.com Owner's Club board. Please stop by and introduce yourself in Meet the Members and let me know how I can help build your club.

I have linked this discussion into that folder, but it will always reside here in SUVs.

Looking forward to meeting everyone!

KarenS
Host
Owner's Clubs

dudleyr

She probably preffered the diesel to the gas Jetta - they have a very loyal following. The diesel is very peppy at low rpms and gets over 50 mpg on the highway in the realworld. Once we get better diesel fuel here (Europe has it already) we may get the newer diesel engines that have 50% more power.

dobs2

Just got email confirmation from DC on the tentitive April 15th production start date...... It also stated the we could possibly start ordering from our dealers mid-March..... Thanks charlesb_la and for all others who posted. Let's see a posting on the first successful dealer order and dealer delivery (for curiosity sakes)!!! THANKS AGAIN. Brian.

anonymous02

I hear they can manufacture synthetic diesel from grains (like vegetable oil!).

This would be great, and eliminate our need for petroleum products.

anonymous02

Not sure if this was posted here before:

http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/buzz/b020802.htm

snow8

Ciao,on my Jeep Liberty=Cherokee in Europe,the 2,5Common Rail Diesel is made by Detroit Diesel Company, VM Italien in Cento, Italy. The new 2002 Grand Cherokee here in Europe also comes with Diesel, but they changed the old 3.1 td to 2.7 Common Rail Diesel from Mercedes, more power, more mileage. On my 2.5CRD the milaeage has been after 1200kilometers(less than 1000miles) from 25mpg to 30mpg. The acceleration is not as responsive in lower rpms especially with the manual 5 speed.It gets some time to get used to. Those who enjoy the easiness of press and move, should stay with Benzin and Autotranny. Autotranny with diesel would be nice to try. BMW, Audi and MB are quite well succeeded here in Europe with auto/diesels, that it is very common these days. But, Jeep is Jeep, and I am glad I have one with Diesel.
Ride Free, enjoy the spring!

anonymous02

I guess I never really thought anyone was concerned with acceleration of an SUV.

The important part for SUV's is the low RPM torque, and I assume (hope) that the diesel would deliver here. This is what is necessary for hauling, towing, and crawling.

My two cents.

charlesb_la

Just wanted to let everyone know that at least some dealerships are doing the airbag recall work. I droped my KJ off to have the knee blocker recall done along with installing the subwoofer and when I picked it up the service advisor told me they went ahead and did both recalls. I had never recieved notice of the air bag recall and didn't know if they had started mailing notices, but anyone concerned might want to give their dealer a call to see if they had the parts.

bjfrank42

I know about the airbag recall. What is the knee blocker recall?

charlesb_la

The knee blocker recall was for Liberty's made before Oct. I believe. Basically the knee blocker panel below the steering wheel could come loose and scare the drive or get in his/her way and cause an accident. Mine was solid as a rock but I had the recall work done just in case.

cwilson6

I thought some folks might be interested in this. I was on Washington state highway 20 near Port Townsend Monday driving about 45 in a 50 zone when an idiot in a white sedan tried to pass a dump truck on a blind curve, directly in front of me. This was the first panic situation with my new Liberty, about 2k miles on it. I had to swerve very hard to the right to prevent a head on collision, and immediately felt a rollover to the left was imminent. I swerved back the other way hard, to prevent from going over and to stay on the road. I then hit a patch of loose gravel from an intersection with a dirt road, and skidded at about a 45 degree angle from my direction of travel for quite a distance before the jeep would straighten. The whole time it felt like the jeep would roll over to the right. It finally steadied up and I proceeded to Port Townsend, shook up big time. I don't know how close it really was, and I would dearly love to know if any tires came off the ground. If it would have happened in my old Taurus it would have been no big deal, but then again if I am to have a head on crash I would prefer it in the Liberty. Anyway, we can say we drive our jeeps differently than a car, but when an idiot does something like that one did, it all comes down to luck. Would I ever buy an SUV again? I must really think about it.

anonymous02

"Anyway, we can say we drive our jeeps differently than a car, but when an idiot does something like that one did, it all comes down to luck."

No. Knowing your Jeep reacts differently than a car, you could have anticipated that a car might do that, and leave room for "things to happen". That could mean leaving them or yourself a way out in that kind of scenario. You have to think differently than if it were in a car. You need to always drive defensively and predict where every car will be at all times.

Glad to hear you were OK.

cwilson6

"Anyway, we can say we drive our jeeps differently than a car, but when an idiot does something like that one did, it all comes down to luck."

"No. Knowing your Jeep reacts differently than a car, you could have anticipated that a car might do that, and leave room for "things to happen". That could mean leaving them or yourself a way out in that kind of scenario. You have to think differently than if it were in a car. You need to always drive defensively and predict where every car will be at all times."

I wish it could be that way. Do you, every second while driving, plan what you would do if any possible event happens? I have a CDL with 1.6 million miles without a ticket or accident. The only accident I have ever had was when an SUV rear ended me while I was stopped for a school bus. I know about defensive driving, I drive heavy trucks in Seattle traffic daily. I was driving 45 in a 50, with no traffic in front of me. Anonymous02, I feel your overconfidence in your abilities could get you in trouble. The purpose of my story was to give people contemplating the purchase of an SUV something to think about. Trouble can happen to any of us at any time. I have no idea what I could have done differently.

anonymous02

"I wish it could be that way. Do you, every second while driving, plan what you would do if any possible event happens?"

Of course, don't you? As much as possible, that is. When getting on a subway, don't you look over every person riding to see how they might be a threat and what you could do about it? Don't you look behind you walking down a city street? If not, why not? Same basic thing here.

anonymous02

"Anonymous02, I feel your overconfidence in your abilities could get you in trouble."

...and it HAS. Actually, it hasn't. It was my NOT DOING what I said that allowed whatever to happen.

"The purpose of my story was to give people contemplating the purchase of an SUV something to think about. Trouble can happen to any of us at any time. I have no idea what I could have done differently."

And we all thank you for sharing your experience. I was just adding to it to state that one cannot drive an SUV like a car because it isn't one. This applies to evasive driving as well. It doesn't begin when something happens, it begins BEFORE something happens. Thanks for the opportunity to clear that up.

dewumpy

Hi all,

Just thought I'd post this web site that gives the 4x4 Liberty 5 stars for side impact protection on both front and rear passengers.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/NCAP/Cars/1938.html

I have 13000 miles on my Liberty and I still love it. They also give the Liberty 2 stars when it comes to rollover resistance, but in general, they didn't like many true SUVs on that rating.