Jeep Liberty

oldntired1950

I've had my flame red Liberty Sport 3.7L since March 15th, and still think that it's the best vehicle I've ever owned (and that encompasses at least 15 that I can think of). About that rear window closure problem, my Liberty's rear window has a plastic plate where the latch is that I find perfect for closing the hatch with no fingerprint problems. I have a small decal - a silhouette of a Liberty with the words "There's only one" just above the latch plate (found it on ebay - just search "Jeep Liberty") My mileage averages about 17 around town and up to just about 20 on highway trips - I can live with that.

soulfinger

I'm sure I heard somewhere that the newer Libertys don't come with that plastic plate anymore, hence the fingerprint problems. Probably the second-dumbest change so far, after lowering the suspension.

oldntired1950

I just scanned the Saturn Vue board. The Vue was the other vehicle in a 2 vehicle decision, and I went with the Liberty. I'm really glad I did. I've only got about 2.4K miles so far, but with my second oil change about a week away, there hasn't been one defect that I need to have the dealer attend to..... the Liberty has been a perfect 10. Let those Vue owners say that!!!

oldntired1950

That's very interesting Soulfinger - my Liberty was manufactured in December 2001 and has that all-important plastic plate on the bottom center of the rear glass hatch - why they would ever remove this from the design is a mystery to me - I'll have to check it out when I have my oil change next week.

binka

My Liberty has the plastic window plate.I read that DC decided to leave it off because it made owners feel they had to use it to close the glass
when in fact it can be closed from most anywhere. They probably are not putting it on anymore because they can save 25 cents per vehicle.By the way 7,200 miles on Liberty not a single problem or compliant, dealer putting trailer hitch on today we'll see how it tows the boat.

anonymous02

Maybe you can order one from the parts department. Just don't tell them the year (or tell them it is an earlier one).

soulfinger

Yeah, that's the explanation I'd heard, too: that some reviewer had complained about having to reach over the spare tire to close the glass, so they stopped using the plates so people wouldn't think that was the only place they could close the window. Trouble is, that IS the only place you could close the window without leaving fingerprints. Now there's no place you can do that on the new models. Just one more reason I'm glad I bought when I did.

rexmasters

Friends,

I realize that this issue really belongs on the "Liberty probems" boards, however, there s more activity here, so I posted in both places.

I have had my new Liberty five days. With the Owner's Manual in-hand, I attempted to program my two remote controls--one is for a gate, and the other a garage door. Let me mention that I have a friend with a new Grand Cherokee who visits often, so his control is programmed to open my gage, which works flawlesslessly, and was a breeze to program.

When I pressed the two outer buttons for what seemed like an eternity, I never got the message indicating that the exisiting codes were cancelled, or any other message, for that matter--the two little dots blinked a few times, and everything went black.

I tried this procedure no fewer than six times. Car on, car off. I also tried to get the car computer to accept the gate signals, to no avail.

CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE OR TIPS IN THIS MATTER?

If you could write to my e-mail directly, it would be much more convenient.

Thanks and regards,

Rex

rexmasters@hotmail.com

sizzla123

Is the Liberty adequate for a driver like myself, 6'3, with long legs? I ask this because a poster earlier stated that for anyone over 6'1, the Liberty is a no-no.

Thanks

cdkelly23

I am 6-2, and I find the Liberty more than roomy enough for my long legs. I'm very comfortable in the driver's seat and do not feel cramped at all.

Speaking as a tall person, I would not hesitate recommending the Liberty for someone your height.

The true test, however, is test driving a Liberty. I believe you will experience the same thing this Liberty owner did: you will fall in love with this vehicle.
Another recommendation. Perhaps rent a Liberty, and drive it over a few days, or a weekend. That should settle any questions you have regarding the comfort level of the Liberty.

andy81

I also am 6'1 am the KJ is great. Heaps of room.

jeffkiel

I am 6'2" with a 35" inseam and I have no problem with leg room.

Jeff

rexmasters

I think that it should be pointed out that height is only an indicator as to the length of ones legs. For example, my business partner and I are both 6'1", exactly. However, I am very "long waisted" and he has very long legs. I find the headroom low and he finds it ample. We share the Liberty, and after he drives, I always have to move the seat up at least two inches. From physical measurement, my legs are about 2" shorter than his. Furthermore, the taller a person is, the more body proportion can vary.

Point being that just because one person who is 6'2" finds ample leg room in vehicle, it doesn't mean than another of the same stature will as well.

If you are considering buying the car and you are tall, you should, minimally, do a decent test drive before buying--an entire day with the car would be best. Then again, I guess this could be said for anyone and any vehicle, for that matter.

Regards to all,

Rex

stever

Good point Rexmasters - guess we're going to have to start asking about inseams around here. And good point about a long test drive. Too bad it's often hard to find models to rent for a weekend (and it's often hard to find dealers who'll let you take a car out for more than twenty minutes).

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

pipedreamv

I really like the Liberty, but I need to pull a boat and trailer #4500 to #5000lb. Does anyone have experience pulling this heavy trailer with a
Liberty? I hate to buy a big SUV if Liberty can hack it.
Thanks

Don

jafo2001

I don't think the issue is one of legroom or headroom. For me it was the size of the seat. It is rather narrow and short. Probably to accomodate the tranny. My shoulders were taller than the seat top, forcing me to arch forward somewhat.

I agree with renting one for a weekend and going on long test drives to make sure.

thecobles3

i have a question: my husband has a liberty w/ 10K miles on it. 3 days ago the check engine light came on for a bit then went off. the om said that we should drive it "a few more cycles" and see what the light does. well, it stayed off until yest morning when it re-appeared. as instructed, we continued to drive it (tho just one round-trip yesterday). when he tried to drive it today it died while he was driving out of our apartment's parking lot (thank goodness it was close to home!).

anyone had anything like this happen to them? i'm just not used to something wierd like this on a brand new vehicle w/ only 10K miles! any feedback would be appreciated! thanks -- sarah

rexmasters

I just checked the brochure that my salesperson gave me when I purchased my Liberty, and according to what I am reading the maximum recommended tow load is 5,000lbs.

I think that you should also consider exactly how far you plan to tow your boat and trailer--my initial reaction is that if it is from your home to a body of water a few miles away, then there should be no problem.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle to take your boat on the highway on long drives, then I might suggest that you consider something larger.

Just my opinion.

Regards,

Rex

binka

Dealer put trailer hitch on my Liberty last week. Used it Friday to pick up my boat a 17 ft.inboard/outboard 4 cyl.which i'm "guessing" weighs about 2,000 lbs. i only towed it 12 miles at speeds of 45 mph or less with OD off when encountering small hills or inclines had to down shift to maintain speed. Love my Liberty but it felt like it was overmatched while towing. I usually tow with a chevy pick up with a 350 v-8 maybe i'm just used to its power. anyway for your info.

andy81

I regularly tow a 21' boat with a 130HP outboard right up to the maximum legal tow weight here of 2250kg.

The KJ handles it absolutely fine. Mind you that is a lot of weight and any vehicle is going to handle differently. The main issue is whether it is safe and I feel it is. I am very happy to tow 300-400kms at a time and find it pretty comfortable at 100 - 110kms/hr.

Hope this helps. Note that the main issue with the KJ and towing a boat is fitting the trailer hitch onto the towball while the spare tire is in the way.

Cheers,

Andy

anonymous02

Try going to a ski area!

When we went out to Salt Lake City last year (Snowbird, Solitude, Alta), it seemed that all they rented were suv's.

Good luck in your quest.

soulfinger

There are many things that can cause the check-engine light to illuminate. Often the culprit is a loose or ill-fitting gas cap. Be sure your gas cap is on tight. When tightening it after fueling, you should turn it till it clicks a few times.

lindag47

I tow a 22' Pathfinder with a 150 H.P. engine and have no problems. It tows better than my Expedition did!

mnjeeplib

Yep- it's true! Unfortunately my vehicle of less than two months had an encounter with a deer two days ago. The good news is no one was hurt, the bad news is the Liberty needs some repairs. (Of course, the deer being dead is bad too.) Not much hope for a deer that darts in front of a vehicle moving at 70 mph... My brother told me that if I was in my sedan I would have been toast as the deer would have been in the windshield-- so chalk one up for the Liberty.

mad0865

Received my latest issue of Jeep Magazine, and at:

http://www.jeep.com/adventure

You can register to either download the game or order the CD for free, or both. Played it yesterday, real neat. Plus you can get extra tracks. Enjoy

-mad

soulfinger

That's too bad for your Liberty and the deer. Glad you weren't hurt. Would you be willing/able to post any pictures of the damage? I for one would be interested in seeing how well the vehicle held up. It's worth noting that deer-vehicle crashes in the U.S. amount to $1 billion in damage annually, according to a congressional study. Hope yours is a very small fraction of that.

mnjeeplib

The damage to the jeep is not bad considering... (I will have to determine how to post pics later- we had a digital camera with us.)

The damage is primarily on the left front, and left front drivers side- the impact was just a little past the light.

The grill is cracked just to the left of the light (facing the jeep)and some of the grill slats are broken or missing altogether. The turning signal housing was shattered, the bumper is dented/cracked on the corner but in pretty good shape. The deer flung back to the side and took off the front fender and dented the heck out of the front quarter panel. The hood may be dented a bit, but it is hard to tell if it is just not laying flush due to the other front-end damage. Pretty minimal considering I was going 70 mph at the time- definitely could have been a lot worse.

I am bummed about the jeep being new and smashed, but I also realize I was spared injury and a totaled sedan just luck of my driving the Liberty instead of the sedan. I also wish I hadn't hit the deer-- I am so glad it died instantly and didn't suffer, or worse, that we didn't have to wait for the highway patrol to "finish the job."

Anyway, that is the scoop- damage will be totaled next week when the adjuster looks at it.

scooter34

I plan to purchase A Liberty sometime this month and need some expertise from someone out there...

I reside in a hilly, rural area of Michigan with a moderate amount of snowfall. My dilemma is choosing between the Selec and Command-Trac options. What would be the advantage of full-time 4 wheel drive and how good is this system? Is it comparable to an all-wheel drive such as that found on the Forrester? Also, how would an optional Trac-Lok rear differential fit into the workings?

rsholland

I'm a big fan of 4WD with full-time capability, such as Select-Trac. You can use any time, whereas with a part-time unit like Command-Trac can be used only on loose traction surfaces. Selec-Trac is especially useful on transitional surfaces, where you go from snow to dry pavement.

As to the Forester (I own two Subarus, including a Forester), they have a great AWD system. I would say, if you don't go (far) off road, the Subaru (IMO) makes much more sense. Any one of them are a terrific value, and come loaded with very useful content. If you want more info on Subies, visit the Subaru Owners Club here at Edmunds. You won't find a better and more helpful group of enthusiasts anywhere.

Bob

huckhill

I too am ordering a Liberty this summer and I was wondering if any of you, with the benefit of hindsight, would have set up your Jeep differently. I plan on doing a good bit of off-roading (mostly forest service roads and logging tracks) and will get the stick with the V6.

As for the Subarus, we own an Impreza that has been terrific in snow and moderate dirt roads. They are great cars, but get used to looking at the bumpers of the SUV in front, they sit pretty low compared to trucks.

Thanks for the feedback.

rsholland

I agree about Subies. They really aren't really meant for "serious" off-roading, do to lack of ground clearance, poor angles of approach and departure, and no low range. However, as an all-weather vehicle, and for light-to-moderate off-roading, they're hard to top. The Forester is certainly better suited for the off-road aspect than the Impreza, which is a 100% on-road vehicle.

Bob

huckhill

Any one with Liberty-Renegade experience? I priced one out at MSRP on the Jeep web site and for a loaded SUV, it was pretty reasonable (below $25K w/o automatic). It looks a little stylish for my tastes, but it does have nice standard features.

BTW, how are the lowered Liberty's? Does less than an inch really matter off-road? Just curious. Has anyone added back what DC took?

mad0865

The only regret I have is that I didn't order the towing option. Besides the hitch, it comes with the tranny cooler, which would have been nice. Not sure if you can add that on also. Otherwise, awesome vehicle.

If you can, spend the extra on the selectrac. I use it on snow, heavy rain, dirt/gravel, and other types of trails. Well worth the money.

huckhill

Thanks mad0865, I will definately look into the towing option. The selectrac looks great, but since I have my heart set on a stick, it is not available as an option.

hebba19

My husband and I are looking to buy our first SUV. We love the Liberty. We test drove a beautiful fully loaded Limited 4WD one this week. How are they for hauling around children? We don't have any yet, but plan on having them soon and this will be our family vehicle. This would be my vehicle. For the wives out there, how do you like driving it? I was kind of intimidated but still loved it. I guess I just need to get used to being up higher as my only other car has been a honda civic. Thanks for the info.
~Heather

soulfinger

I love my Liberty, but I wouldn't recommend it as a grocery-getting kid taxi. If that's what you want it for, you'd be much better off with a car-based SUV that gets a little better mileage and has more carlike handling. There's really no reason to buy a Liberty if you don't need towing power or off-road capability. It might look cute, but it's really a big truck, and it handles like one.

luca1

I absolutely love my Liberty. (Patriot Blue Limited, no ABS, moon roof or heated seats) I just went over 1K. I'm taking it on a road trip in a couple of weeks and can't wait to show it off. I have noticed a bit of a hesitation at times when accelerating. Has anyone else experienced this? Also makes a whinny noise when I back out of my garage. I haven't taken it in yet, was waiting for the break-in period to end. Any feed-back would be appreciated.

wendy

huckhill

Although there are better grocery getters out there, this will make a great kid taxi if you are like me and plan to take them off road quite a bit. Some of our best hiking trails and picnic areas or down rutted and sloppy forest service roads.

Also, this truck is the only vehicle that I have seen, at least in my price range, that offers the full side airbags (front and rear) and that is important to me for my kid's safety. I know folks worry about roll overs, but the odds are much greater at a side impact than a roll over, IMHO.

Happy hunting.

nmchop

of joining the Jeep club.

I have the Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 in my driveway right now. I'm officially purchasing it tomorrow. I'm buying it used, it has 16,300 miles on it. Driving it around town I noticed it does handle a little "heavy". But i'm coming out of a nice car (stratus v-6) that really handled exceptionally. This isn't a complaint about the Liberty, I think it just takes a little getting used to after being in a car.

The one thing I did notice is the air didn't seem to blow real cold (not as cold as my car, for sure). Of course, it's 103 here today. So I'm wondering if this is a trait of this Jeep or maybe I just need to have a little freon shot into the A/C system.

Anyway, I really like it, I'm going to buy it. Dealer bought it at auction this morning and I'm buying it tomorrow morning. Unless I wake up in a cold sweat and change my mind overnight anyway. But I really like the ride of this truck and the view of the road and the interior is dang nice.

I'm rambling, feel free to respond with any opinions, comments or otherwise. I'm a 38 year old male by the way. This is the first vehicle I'm getting that I wanted. Woohoo. LOL.

cheers jeepsters.

stever

I kind of like the name "Verge" for a car :-).

Q. Hey Nmchop, what are you doing tonight?
A. I'm on the Verge....

Q. Are you driving that rig on the Rubicon?
A. I'm on the Verge....

Well, I think it has possibilities.

Congrats on the soon-to-be new ride.

Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

soulfinger

Most transmissions make a higher-pitched sound when you back up. Probably not a problem. A grinding sound would be bad.

Regarding the hesitation on acceleration: If you're talking about accelerating from a stop, that's a common complaint among Liberty owners. It gets a little better when you get some more miles on it and fully break it in. It also helps to remember that it's not a sports car. If you have a heavy foot, try accelerating a little more gradually. I only notice the hesitation if I have to stomp on the accelerator for some reason. Then there's a period of about half a second where there's a lot of revving going on but not much accelerating. I've found freeway-type acceleration (from cruising speed to passing speed) to be very smooth.

wmquan

Also, this truck is the only vehicle that I have seen, at least in my price range, that offers the full side airbags (front and rear) and that is important to me for my kid's safety. I know folks worry about roll overs, but the odds are much greater at a side impact than a roll over, IMHO.

Agreed about the side impact odds vs. roll-overs.

However, I'm afraid that the Liberty's full side airbags (side curtains) may not add much to child safety, unless the child is closer to adult height. Side curtains are designed to protect adult-height heads in a side impact. Especially a side impact that has intrusion very high on the vehicle (e.g. when a vehicle slams sideways against a lamppost after a triggering event).

Many children sit too low to benefit from a side curtain airbag.

Most side curtains have a "sweet spot" around the center of the window area, with much less cushioning on the edges where an older child's head might hit.

iracanuck

WE just picked up our new Liberty Limited a week ago. It is a full load with ABS, sunroof, off road package and heated seats. I took a lot of time researching this vehicle and reading the reviews from this web site. Thanks every body for your input. We really enjoy this vehicle so far, especially on the highway. It is so smooth and comfortable. I am 6'2" and 220 lbs. and cannot believe how much room there is in the front and back. Our Jeep had 1400 miles on it, as the dealer owner's wife was driving it. It was the only slate green with the options we wanted within 700 miles, so we bought it. Highway mileage on the last trip was 24.6 ( I did not have the A/C on). I feel that is very respectable considering that it is not broken in yet. In town mileage has been averaging 16.4 mpg.
Our Liberty did not come with the towing package, so the dealer had the hitch and wiring installed for us. Being that we have the off-road package that includes heavy duty cooling, does any one know if it includes a transmission cooler. There was no mention of a transmission cooler in the towing package, It only said heavy duty cooling.
Also is the 5 year bumper to bumper extended warranty worth it? I have never owned a Chrysler product before. although it is already 10 times better built that my piece of crap VW TDI Jetta. That was the poorest built car I have ever owned.
The extended warranty was $1200.00 and it includes all the oil changes and service for the first 60,000 miles.

huckhill

Thanks for the input on kids and side air bags. You are probably right. Still, it does give something between them and the initial impact and the glass. Since I am planning on keeping this truck until the doors fall off (hopefully years away) they will eventually grow into it. Off course, by then, the govt. will have required these on all vehicle (my guess).

anonymous02

I guess we Wrangler owners don't have that worry (that problem?), since we don't have SIDES on our Jeeps.

;-)

mad0865

Congrats on your new ride, best of luck with it. From what I gather, the towing package includes a Tranny cooler, not sure of a regular oil cooler tho'.

pazzy

Hello all. My wife and I tested 4 cars recently (Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, 2003 Sub. Forester X, & Jeep Liberty Sport)

I must admit the decision to narrow it down to 2 was easy (Forester and Liberty) however, now its almost impossible to decide.
The SUV's are so different but they have great things about them both.
I am sort of leaning towards the Forester only because of better gas mileage and fewer horror stories in regards to quality.

Does anyone have an idea what the comparitive costs of the two are in regards to insurance and parts/labor?

thanks

pazzy

I was offered $20,300 including option 27B (+ 7yr warranty) for a 2002 Liberty Sport (w/automatic)..does anyone think this is a good deal? It seems much higher than invoice price

rsholland

How are you going to use the vehicle? Will you be going off road, or doing any heavy towing? If so, the Liberty is the clear winner. If however, it's going to be a "daily driver," that sees little heavy-duty usage, the Forester is the clear winner. It'll run circles around the Liberty on a twisty road, get better gas mileage, and has a proven track record in terms of reliability. We have an '01 Forester S Premium (with the huge moonroof) with almost 30K on it, and haven't regretted it for one moment.

The other thing that weighs quite favorably towards the Forester, is the high level of "standard" content. ABS, full-time 4WD (AWD), and a host of other features are standard; some of which aren't even available on the Liberty. As I said, it just depends on what you needs are.

Bob

pazzy

well, it won't be used for off road or heavy towing...were having a baby and want a decent amount of space in the car to carry the baby and accessories around, along w/something that drives well in the snow and rain...(NJ) she'll be driving it mostly.

I do agree w/you about all the forester's features and if I had to choose I'd pick the forester. This is not an easy choice though...

thanks for the info