The
2002 Jeep Liberty sport-utility vehicle is a radical change from its predecessor, the Cherokee. Thank goodness for that, because the Cherokee debuted in 1984, and is almost a classic.
However, the Cherokee was the first user-friendly four-door sport-utility and is widely credited with starting the sport-utility trend. It enhanced the Jeep reputation for off-road prowess and will be sold for several more months.
Unlike the boxy Cherokee, the taller, wider, longer and roomier Liberty looks ultramodern, with design features from DaimlerChrysler auto show concept vehicles. Some think its cute, wide-eyed front look with prominent round headlights is unsuitable for a Jeep, but the Liberty generally looks slick.
The Liberty also is good at rugged off-road driving because that's part of the Jeep mystique. Ruggedness is a strong selling point even for those who never venture off pavement. Popular car-based rivals such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 are too fragile for demanding off-road motoring.
However, Jeep made the four-door Liberty more comfortable for on-road driving because it wants the new sport-ute to draw a larger number of buyers than the Cherokee. The Liberty thus gets a carlike independent coil-spring front suspension and features such as sharper steering and a more supple ride.
Executives at DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes division fear Chrysler division vehicles, such as the Jeep, will hurt the reputation of Mercedes vehicles. But--surprise!--the Liberty looks, feels and generally drives better than the $35,800 Mercedes ML320 sport-utility.
A 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 derived from the Jeep Grand Cherokee V-8 replaces the Cherokee's venerable 4-liter, 190-horsepower inline six-cylinder. A 2.5-liter, 150-horsepower four-cylinder engine also will be offered beginning this fall, but only with a five-speed manual transmission.
The Liberty comes with rear or four-wheel drive and in Sport and upscale Limited Edition models. The standard four-wheel-drive system is a part-time unit not for use on dry roads, but a $395 full-time unit is offered.
Base prices of the Sport range from $16,450 to $17,960. The Limited Edition costs from $21,210 to $22,720 and has a monochromatic exterior and show-car interior with such items as satin chrome highlights.
Major options include $390 side air bags, $600 anti-lock brakes and $700 power sunroof. The Limited Edition offers $550 power heated front seats.
The Liberty has heavy, but quick, power steering, good handling helped by big 16-inch wheels and a comfortable ride. Braking is good, with nice pedal feel.
A low floor makes it easy to get in and out, although rear door openings are rather narrow. Four 6-footers easily fit in the quiet interior, which has supportive, properly angled seats and an inviting design. But power window controls are awkwardly placed near the rear of the front console.
The cargo area is roomy with the rear seat in place and impressive with the entire seat folded forward--although seatback cushions don't lie flat enough.
Nifty touch: Pull the handle to open the tailgate and the flip-up glass window opens automatically. And rear windows roll all the way down.
The smooth V-6 is the best engine for the Liberty because it weighs about 400 pounds more than the Cherokee--or about 4,000 pounds with the V-6. The V-6 adds $825 to $850 to the price of a Sport. Base prices for the Sport are for that model with the four-cylinder.
DaimlerChrysler spokeswoman Kelley Enright said 85 percent of Liberty buyers are expected to opt for the V-6 and automatic.
Economy is an estimated 16 mpg in the city and 20-21 on highways with the V-6 and 19 and 23 with the four-cylinder. Only 87-octane fuel is required.
The Liberty has a lot going for it, including the magical Jeep nameplate. Let's just hope it doesn't take 17 years for its successor to arrive.