2002 Jeep Liberty: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Replacing the 18-year old Cherokee is a roomier new SUV with a more-sophisticated suspension and available curtain side airbags. Liberty retains unibody construction, but is about three inches longer in wheelbase and seven inches longer overall than Cherokee. It's taller, wider, and about 400 lb heavier, too. The only body is a 4-dr wagon. Its tailgate swings opens to the left and carries the outside-mounted spare tire. Liberty's coil-spring suspension is independent in front and replaces Cherokee's solid-axle, leaf-spring setup. Two models are offered. The Sport has contrasting-color body cladding. The Limited Edition has monochromatic exterior and brushed-metallic interior trim. Sport comes with a 150-hp 4-cyl engine. Optional on Sport and standard on Limited is a new 210-hp 3.7-liter V6. The 4 cyl uses manual transmission, the V6 gets manual or automatic. Liberty offers rear-wheel drive, Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement, or Jeep's Selec-Trac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement; 4x4s include low-range gearing. Liberty's 5000-lb towing capacity is tops among compact SUVs. ABS and curtain side airbags are optional. Standard are 16-inch wheels and a 65/35 split folding rear seat. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof are available. Added midyear was the Renegade version with unique appearance features, including a roof light bar, "bolt-on-look" fender arches, and special alloy wheels. Renegade uses the V6 and is available with 2WD or 4WD and with either transmission. Also at midyear, ride height on all models was lowered by about one inch, a change Jeep says is intended to improve stability in turns.

COMPETITION

Ignored in the past, compact SUVs are now some of the hottest-selling vehicles around. Though our Best Buys, the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class.

Another car-based mini-SUV, the Subaru Forester, is our Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling.