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Prices for 2002 Jeep Liberty Announced

Posted by mike on 2001/3/25 23:00:00 (305) reads

DaimlerChrysler has announced the prices for the 2002 Jeep Liberty. Here's the official press release:

The Chrysler Group today announced that its all-new 2002 Jeep® Liberty will start in the U.S. market at just $17,035, which includes a $585 destination charge. Liberty will stand apart from the competition with its unrivaled combination of exceptional on- road refinement and legendary Jeep capability.
``With the all-new 2002 Liberty, the Jeep brand is delivering a unique combination of ruggedness, capability and on-road refinement, to set this vehicle apart from the competition, in true Jeep tradition,'' said Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Dieter Zetsche. ``Liberty combines the legendary Jeep capability that our customers have come to expect with a new level of on-road refinement -- all at an extremely competitive price to broaden our buyer base even further.''
The Jeep Liberty Sport features the 150-horsepower 2.4-liter Power Tech engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. All Sport models include driver and front passenger air bags, AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CD changer controls, unique 65/35 split rear seat with one-handed folding operation, patented rear flipper glass/swing gate system, center rear shoulder belt, user-ready child seat restraint anchorage system, P215/75R16 all-season tires and rear defroster and wiper/washer. Four-wheel drive Sport models start at $18,545 including destination.
The Limited Edition features the all-new 210-horsepower 3.7-liter Power Tech V-6 engine with a multi-speed automatic transmission. The 3.7-liter engine is optional on the Sport model with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a multi-speed automatic transmission. Both Sport and Limited Edition models are available in either two- or four-wheel drive.
The Limited Edition starts at $21,795 including destination, featuring the 3.7-liter V-6 engine and automatic transmission. In addition to the standard Liberty Sport features, the Limited Edition includes AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and CD changer controls, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, speed control, keyless entry, height adjustable steering column, fog lamps, cargo compartment cover, P235/70R16 all-season tires and 16`` aluminum wheels. Four-wheel drive Limited Editions start at $23,305 including destination.
Liberty is the first Jeep vehicle with available side air bag curtains. Available on all Jeep Liberty vehicles, side curtain air bags ($390) provide additional head protection for both front and rear outboard occupants.
The all-new Jeep Liberty was designed and developed to expand the breadth of the Jeep lineup and broaden the brand's international appeal. Not only for traditional Jeep buyers, this vehicle will also attract the new generation of sport-utility vehicle buyers, who value on-road refinement and ruggedness.
``The Jeep brand has always been known for its outstanding capability and ruggedness with vehicles such as Wrangler,'' said Tom Marinelli, Vice President Chrysler/Jeep Division Global Brand Center, DaimlerChrysler. ``Grand Cherokee melded this reputation with luxury and now the next great Jeep idea, Liberty, expands the depth and breadth of the Jeep brand even further.''
Liberty will be available early this summer, starting with the 3.7-liter V-6 automatic -- expected to be the most popular powertrain combination. The 2.4-liter engine will join the lineup at normal fall introduction.
Liberty was engineered by the Jeep Platform Team and is being built at the all-new, state-of-the-art Toledo (Ohio) North manufacturing facility. As DaimlerChrysler's newest assembly plant, the Toledo North Assembly Plant represents the culmination of best practices from the company's worldwide operations for lean, flexible, high-quality production.
Also in the Jeep lineup, Grand Cherokee continues production at the Jefferson North (Michigan) Assembly Plant and Wrangler at the Parkway (Ohio) Assembly Plant. As previously announced, Jeep Cherokee production will end mid-2001.
    Base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices by model                                            MSRP             Destination      Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2              $16,450                $585      Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4              $17,960                $585      Jeep Liberty Limited Edition 4x2    $21,210                $585      Jeep Liberty Limited Edition 4x4    $22,720                $585  

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: DILLINGER Jerry C. It's a hefty ticket to purchase the Rover...but it's the only route that Jeep has left me. As for being a wussy... Well, I've wheeled a CJ-8 for several years..in the Guardian. Familiar with that? I have wheeled in N.M. rocks, Califormia sand, Maryland/Va. mud and as many truckpulls in past years(street class). I've been wheeling for 20 years, and into rockcrawling long before there was an ARCA, or it was fashionable to take a vehicle out to crush it's rockers for bragging rights. That's how I know it won't get out of it's own way....experience! Daimler simply gave me no choice.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: XJKen Great pricing ! Now if they can avoid the same problems with supply that has hampered the PT in its first year, I think its going to be a hit. However DC should not count on me to be a KJ buyer. Sure, I'll test drive one when it hits the dealers just to see what its like but, I'am an XJ guy . Sorry DC . I do not want the newest , I enjoy owning the original, the legend, the Cherokee. I revel in the fact that the Cherokee was introduced by AMC in 1984 and that it was without a doubt their greatest design ever. That's why my '99 Sport proudly wears a couple small AMC decals on the rear side windows in tribute to the people who designed this classic. I guess by todays standards it is quite crude, noisy, unrefined and just plain old, but what the hell, so am I.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Griff OH WAIT!! I hope every model gets the really low front differential like the one at the auto shows has had. That would be so cool!!! Right... Well at least I know when I buy my Limited Liberty I get the cool almost white leather like the pictures show. Maybe I can put some gold spinners on 12 inch wire wheels, lower it, and make the grill gold too. Man if i got a fur coat and a cane I would be the perfect Las Vegas Pimp. ...This truck is a joke. I really hope everyone enjoys this vehicle but you are setting yourself up for a big let down when all the DC parts bin crap starts falling off of the KJ. But atleast you know you aren't paying as much for it. I see they weren't stupid enough to price it as high as orginally intended because any smart person would know that its isn't worth the money. LONG LIVE THE SOLID AXLE!!! Griff

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Paul Tucek I'm glad they at least priced it reasonably. Since it's a bit smaller than the Cherokee, I thought it should be priced less. I had heard that prices we going to be about $10,000 more than they announced yesterday. That would have put it close to Grand Cherokee turf. At these prices, it should be able to compete well against XTerra, V, etc.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: rob Here are some differences between the KJ, and vehicles like the RAV4 and V. Contrary to rumor, the Liberty WAS conceived and developed from the ground up as a Jeep vehicle, the V is based on the Civic, and the RAV4 on the Celica/Camery platform. The KJ platform is in no way based on any car. The V6 engine in the KJ was developed as a truck engine, the car based vehicles have car engines. The I4 is also used in the PT Cruiser. The Liberty has a Jeep 4wd system, not a car based AWD setup. The IFS was developed especially for Jeep, and has traversed the Rubicon as a bone stock vehicle. (imagine what bigger, beefier tires, and some after market suspention tweaks would do.) If AM General devloped a good IFS, I have faith that Jeep has done the same. Some improvements over the XJ: The Liberty is 7.2 inches longer, 2.2 inches wider, and 6.7" taller. The new Jeep has a 2.9" increase in wheel base, and 2" wider track. The Cherokee does have a 1 inch advantage in ground clearence, HOWEVER, the approch, break over, and departure angles are all better with the Liberty. The spare tire no longer hogs up interior space. Cargo volume is up by 2.7 cubic feet. (and the Cherokee cargo volume measurement included the space taken by the spare tire) There is a 20 horse power increase between the KJ V6, and the XJ I6. The 4 cylinder has a similar improvement. Both KJ power plants are also much more refined than those found in the XJ. There is more, but I'll stop here. As for styling, I wish Jeep has stuck more to the Dakar concept vehicle. The Liberty is just a bit too cute. (Although it has grown on me a bit since I researched the vehicle...Also, I'm hoping for some great third party fender and bumper parts.) If you are wondering where I got my facts, here are some links: http://www.car-truck.com/chryed/feature/liberty.htm http://www.jeepunpaved.com/cherokee/specs/feature2.html http://www.jeepunpaved.com/liberty/specs/feature2.html http://www.jpmagazine.com/ OK, I've donned my asbestos suit, flame away! Rob, Jeep TJ owner

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: DILLINGER Jerry C. I concur on Shrimp boy. But also need to inform you....what you described as what you don't want to see....is coming. The Grand Cherokee is scheduled to lose it's lowrange in a year or two at most.. Jeeps are being rumoured to be thought of building them on a Mitsubishi platform as well as the Dodge and MB SUV's...so they can share all parts. This is only the beginning! If you see a brick falling at you, do you wait for it to hit before you expect it to hurt? I'll give you my URL. I've investigated alot of this, and what I can't sustantiate, I've said so...right on the pages. Go to www.widowmakeronline.homestead.com/liberty.html b

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Jerry C. Dillinger-- no offense was intended in my earlier post, it's just that I felt as if you might think that I was just someone dropping by and saying "newer is better". I am and always will be die-hard Jeep fan. What DaimlerChrysler needs to do is get rid of that Juergen Shrempp idiot (C.E.O.) Hell, I could market a vehicle better than he can. As long as Jeep NEVER builds an ALL-wheel drive truck(or car), we're O.K. AT least the Liberty has been Rubicon tested, or so they say. And it does have a decent low range ratio in the T-case. I'm only 25 years old , but I bought my first Jeep when I was twelve for $300. This Cherokee that I'm driving now is great, except for the 2.5 liter engine(Power -Tec, they call it- ha!) I got a great deal on it , and it's just the way I need it. Power nothing, 2-door, 5- speed, removed rear seat, 30x9.50s, Ranchos, PIAA foglights. Simple inexpensive, and something I can drive every day. As to the trails that you've driven, I can't say I've done any 'wheeling out west, but I can agree with you on the VA and MD mud. (I live in VA). One last note-- This idiot I know decided to go wheeling after drinking approximately 18 beers at 2:30 in the morning about a month ago. He didn't have his vehicle with him, so he rode with another (equally intoxicated) driver in a Wrangler. The Appalachian mountains are pretty steep in some places here, and the other guy was kiled probably 10 minutes later when the Jeep flipped( at the end of his own drive way) and crushed his head open with its rollbar( no seatbelt). My idiot friend saw this guy literally die in front of him, and I have't seen him since, but the dumbass STILL drinks and drives every weekend. Just thought I'd share that with you all.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Sammi I want one now!

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Jerry C. Griff- look at the Toyota pickup--it has IFS , and probably the toughest IFS system out there. This is an example of a vehcle that' s affordable and extremely competent off-road. And for anyone who STILL thinks that Japanese vehicles are crap, I had an '89 base model DX 4WD Toyota, and it's running great today.I sold it to my neighbor with 247,000 miles on the engine. (I'm looking at it right now as I type this). It got 28 mpg, NEVER broke down, towed trailers that it shouldn't have been able to, and the suspension never let out a whimper. Griff, I do, in fact, like Rovers. It's just that I feel they're extremely overpriced. If a person is going to spend that kind of money, why not a Grand Cherokee(38k) or a Land Cruiser(52k). I know a lady who bought a Discovery (1999 model), and the (rear)door FELL OFF the truck in the middle of the driveway. This is true. After the laughter and the volley of curses were over , she decided she'd been had. Even in the Disco, price range , a 4Runner,Cherokee,Grand Cherokee, or (GOD FORBID) a Chevrolet Tahoe would be a much bettter buy. However, I respect your opinion and think that, for the money , the XJ is about the best deal going today, hands down.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Griff Hey Jerry C. while your trashing Land Rover why don't you go take a look at everything a stock one can do. They take bone stock brand new 70 grand Range Rovers on the company sponsered trail rides in the Himalayas, Africa, and other middle of no where places and they perform real nicely. And about those Buick V8's they are have low horses on the Disco but the torque numbers are what matters and the V8 does fine there. But of course you knew that because any fan of big V8's or any engines knows that its torque that pulls the car not horses. Also when your trail riding your not trying to see how fast you can go, your trying to creep over rocks, thats where the torque comes in. And for your beloved KJ, look at its torque numbers... THEY SUCK!!! They are lower than the XJ's, But hey you've got that good ole 200 horses in the KJ. With less than 300 bucks in mods for the XJ you can have over 200 horses, Just telling you because you seem to be obsessed with the numbers that matter least when trail riding. And still you are a fan of IFS I see from your trashing of LR Solid Axle. If anything you make yourself look ignorant trashing LR's axle and the Solid Axle in general. The WJ has it, the Range Rover has it, and the Disco has it, and all of those about as soft a ride as you can get. Also its much cheaper to modify and work on. Look at lift kits for Silverados with IFS and then check out old GM trucks with a solid axle, which lift kit is cheaper. There are benifits of both, but when its in a Jeep the benifits of the solid axle should out weigh the IFS benifits because of the name plate thats on the hood. I'll also disregard patricks comment because when I owned both of those they were the nice capable vehicles. The wood paneling looks weird now but lets remember what cars looked like when both the Wagoneer and Honcho were new. There were K-5 Blazers with wood paneling, everything had graphics, and about every car had a vinal roof. I'd say compared with alot of vehicles out then those 2 were mighty attractive. SOLID AXLE FOREVER!!! Griff

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Jerry C. Dillinger-how funny!- you criticized me for daring to say that I liked the Liberty, and you're exactly the type I'm talking about--yuppie! I'll bet you have them(your vehicles) detailed every time you take it out with your supermom wife and "go off roading". And I'll bet you've bought everyhting out of that silly "Jeep Provisions" catalog, you damn sissy! So now it's a Land Rover , eh? I wish I had 45 big ones to drop one one as a status symbol. And seven vehicles at 23 grand a pop, you're obviously loaded. Nothing wrong with that at all. It's just that you critize the latest addition to the Jeep family, NEVER HAVING DRIVEN IT, yet you get all huffy and declare Land Rover as your latest love. Yeah they're a real bargain-- Ancient Buick-derived engine with only 188 horses(BMW engines don't come in till 2002), solid axles, less-than-stellar Britsh craftmanship, sqeaks and rattles. Money to burn , no problem. It's O.K, really. You're old and rich and ready to tell young guys like me to go to hell for saying that the Liberty Is A real Jeep. If you remember, when the Cherokee came out, there were bumper stickers that said "real Jeeps have round headlights". Well, this one does. When you quit counting your money, go test drive one (2nd week in May is what I hear the on-sale date is), and then we'll talk more about it.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: DILLINGER When they were handing out common sense, A lot of people missed out.... If Daimler effectively nueters the Jeep line up, the game is over. Where they used to stand head and shoulders over other 4x4's they'll be below, now... These new buyers won't be loyal. Jeepers are a rare breed, and part of their makeup is that they are (were) extremely loyal to the brand. DC's gonna need all the newblood they can muster, cause they've pissed off the masses. I'm about to drop 45 large on a Discovery while I still can. That was to have been a 2001 Cherokee, originally folks....till DC showed me what was up their sleeve. Face it, it should have been brought out as a Dodge(so DC still made the bucks).... Instead , they "whored" the Jeep name for all it was worth. I'm finished with DC till they see the light. I'm withholding my 7 purchases of $23K-35K (my family has bought heavily Jeep) from them. It's a small amount to them, but it is "my" part.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Patrick Griff: You think the new Liberty is too ugly for your taste... where was that logic when you drove a Honcho pickup and woodgrain Wagoneer.... those horrific graphic package are as bad as a IFS.... less info would have made for a better defense.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: CrazyJeep It (Liberty) could never be as much of a loaf (performance wise) as the Land Rover Discovery. The Discovery weights over 5500 lbs with 180 HP 4.0L V8. Thank god for the speedy Grand Cherokee, with a real AMERICAN brute V8!. STILL THE QUICKEST SPORT-UTE IN THE WORLD!

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: D I know this isn't as much of a concern to some of you, but I was wondering if anyone has heard of any performance numbers? The WJ is blazingly fast, but the KJ seems pretty heavy and relatively underpowered.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: JeepWorker The rumor around the plant is that the order numbers are very BIG, has anyone heard anything that reliably confirms this?

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: JeepMedic Hey 'Wheelers, You gotta let it go. Face the facts: Kaiser bought Jeep because his crappy cars wouldn't sell, but the tough Jeep would. AMC bought Jeep 'cause it was a tough brand truck, and they didn't have trucks, and their crappy cars wouldn't sell. Chrysler bought Jeep (AMC) 'cause they got a killer deal and they wanted the Jeep Brand Name. They dropped the pick-up line 'cause it would have been competition for the good selling Dodge pickup, and face it, the Mopar cars of the 80's were crappy too, and wouldn't sell. Daimler Chrysler is in the same boat. But they still have the Jeep name in their stable and they want to make money with it. They have to compete with the Cute SUV's, wanna-be's and the nect knew idea around the corner. But the VW crowd has shown that if you stick with something long enough, they bring it back because the customers will want it back. The Wrangler (aka the CJ) is a fifty year old body style, and those Euro-types like to change things. But in the end, they will go back to what works. Tough it out. There will still be plenty of old Jeep ron to play with until they return to their senses,

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Griff Good Good... I was worried that there weren't anymore heated postings on here but i am wrong and boy am I about to throw in my two cents... GET OVER THE HUMMER HAVING IFS!!!!! This is in response to Jerry C. and every other, Hummer is the nectar of the gods, fan out there. The Hummer's IFS is purpose built. Jeeps are the best off roaders out there but they in no way have IFS comparable to the Hummer. Think of it this way Jeeps are damn good but the Hummer was built on a contract that was for some thing to replace the Jeep for the military. I remember back in the early 80's when this was being done and the rigs that were sent in from different manufacturers were down right scary. The two ones chrysler built to try to get the contract looked like the old Dodge Ram's on bucket fulls of seriods. But anyways the Jeeps IFS is in no way comparable to the Hummers because the Jeeps is made for a car like ride. I doubt the Hummer was a replacement for all the CJ Jeeps because it provided a more car like ride for the military. The hummer will go back wards up a hill in 6 ft of water if it wanted to, the KJ will be sitting at the bottom of that hill with a flooded engine spinning its Goodyear A/T's waiting for a XJ with a lift, a mean set of mud terrains, and winch to come pull its sorry rear out, but hey they had a car like ride getting there, right? I agree that Jeep needed some forward movement in the design of the cherokee, but most of the problems were so minor that they didn't need a whole new platform to fix. Get a more comfy back seat, stretch it a inch or two, and maybe bump that I-6 up to 200 horses. The looks of the XJ was fine, if you think its dated, come back to the KJ in 5 or 6 years and tell me it hasn't aged horribly. The XJ design was classic, the KJ (Kute Jeep) will not age well and it will need that constant every 5 year redesign. I won't buy one now because of the looks, in 17 years I wouldn't want one for the same reasons. But look at all the posting from people that have bought XJ's two and three times 5 or 6 years apart, that won't ever happen with this pansy cute ute. Also, Yes I have never driven one but looks say alot about a vehicle. It may have the reputation of a Jeep but thats only because of the name plate thats on the hood. Look at how low the front differential is. Very low. All that bubbly cladding, take that out on the trail. The thing has those body panels where if you mess up one real bad you have to replace the whole front end. If thats forward thinking and design then count me out, I don't like hiting things then having to spend half a grand replacing the whole front end because of one scratch. LR uses solid axles and I am getting to the point where I would argue that in 10 years, if the TJ gets IFS and we know the WJ will, that they will be the dominant offroad nameplate. They may be expensive but they are equal if not better in some areas. They have that nice cushy ride that all you KJ lovers like but you know they can off road 10 times better. But anyways thats about it. And Jerry C. I own 2 XJ's (right now a 01 sport, and a 91 limited with 6 inches and 33 swampers) I have owned 2 other ones over the years, I also own a CJ-8 with 7.5 inches and 35 swampers, I have owned CJ-7's and 5's, A SJ Cherokee, a SJ Wagoneer, a 97 ZJ, and a Honcho and those were what Jeeps should be. The KJ on the other hand might as well be a PT Cruiser because its all about being trendy. LONG LIVE THE SOLID AXLE!!!

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: CrazyJeep Many of you should listen to your own banter! If Jeep was the first in SUV’s (and they were), why can’t they be the first to build a stout IFS? I too wish Jeep had gone with the Dakar styling, they would have blown the doors off the European Rovers and the like! Maybe the Dakar could be the next full size Jeep?? Who knows, maybe the Wrangler will go the way of the Dakar!! (I’ll probably get shot of that remark!) Many great innovations have come to improve our lifestyles in the past century! Many of those innovations came with as much, if not more, criticism. Whenever something is new or different it will always come with it cynics and critics!! There is a lot of people here loading their guns for a fight based on a vehicle that they have ONLY SEEN!! Those who have driven the Liberty seem to tell a different story from those who have not! Never hurts to stop and listen!! Long live Jeep!

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: OR. Bruce here is my comment: Once I get used to the styling, I think the KJ will be for me. I'm on my third XJ, and I'll miss the classic styling. I first went to the Cherokee to explore the back country of Oregon, and have always loved the capabilities that leave Explorers and such scraping and banging. I've never done modifications. I just need good articulation and the ability to crawl the rockers over a 1' rock or so, plus mud, snow, an occasional steep hill. I need room for camping gear and a canoe up top. I've leased my last two XJs, because my old '86 AMC-built got to be a hassle as it aged. I hope the new model has better quality due to a fresh start and new tooling. Our trips usually start with 1 1/2-7 hours on pavement each way, and more seat room and better steering would be a plus. I'll still miss the XJ, though. Perfect SUV styling, and lots of great memories.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: XJKEN The whole SUV segment is completely out of control. It seems that every hour a new ute is born, you know the world has gone crazy when Buick makes an SUV. We are very quickly reaching the point of saturation, if we have not already done so. Most of the new comers are nothing more than AWD station wagons and I would not be suprised if many of them disappear within the next five years ( Volvo, Audi, Acura to name a few). We all know that Jeep invented this whole segment 60 years ago, and it has taken the rest of the world that long to catch up. While its a well known fact that I am an XJ fan, unlike some I believe the Liberty is a good design. However, on the down side it would not have been my choice for the next Jeep. I think they missed the boat when they passed on the Dakar as a replacement for the Cherokee. I do think that the Liberty and the Dakar are different enough that they could thrive side by side in the showrooms. The management of DC seems to think that there is only room for three Jeep models, so the chances of seeing the Dakar, Scrambler or even a pickup seem remote in the near future. Even though I am a fan of the Cherokee I am not going to rule out purchasing a Liberty some where down the road. It may end up with a more loyal following than the XJ, time will tell.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Jerry C. All I'm saying is that Chrysler must keep up with what the majority of customers want. They can use new designs to do that while maintaining reliability, and use the latest technolgy while maintaining off-road ability. The Mercedes-Benz Unimog uses portal axles and has for years. The Humvee uses semi-independant suspension. Both of these are just as reliable as the 'ol Dana 44 or 35, whatever the case may be . How heavy-duty do you need? In my opinion, both the leaf spring and the solid axle will go the way of the covered wagon in the next 10 years(except for heavy duty applications, of course). The (majority)load -bearing axle is the only one that needs to be solid on the Liberty. I agree with you that(1) cute-utes that are basically cars suck hard, and (2)the Grand is the best of the best. But I'm sure the Jeep people beat the heck out of that front-end while testing it because their image , if nothing else, is on the line with every redesign or intro of a new vehicle. I say to the yuppies-- if you don't need off-road ability, but a car. If you need to go off-road and haul and tow, buy a Jeep. As to the fact that I don't "realize" that Jeep is the toughest four letter word out there, I guarantee that I've raised every bit as much hell in mud, on cliffs, in sand,clay, etc, as anyone on the this site. I've knocked myself out when I jumped a motorcyle jump in my J-4000. I'll go ahead and admit that was stupid, but I'm just illustrating that I'm not some damn rich guy who's fallen for the flavor of the week. And piss on Volvos.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: DILLINGER I don't know where you learned about progress, but I was taught it is a forward movement, not a backtracking one... Just because it's new, doesn't mean it's better. I'm ashamed that you have owned so many Jeeps, and still never learned that Jeep WAS the toughest 4 letter word in 4WD....and not much longer at that. It has effectively been nuetered. I understand the desire for a better ride, but if the Grand Cherokee's current suspension does not fit the need (it beat out 7 other IFS equipped cute-ute's for that bragging right in 4wd magazine), then go buy a friggin Volvo and leave our Jeeps niche intact.... You'd never settle for a 4 cylinder Vette, ....or would you? Jeezus...some people are so easy.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: Jerry C. here is my comment-- I don't see what the big fuss is about this basically "next generation Cherokee". Guys-- that is what the engineers(should) do- they make something better so that here ARE NO compromises. Better off- road abilty AND better ride aerodynamics, etc. If the frame/unibody is stronger, it rides better, it's still functional, has a low range transfer case and the pricing is held down, WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?!! I will trade my '95 Cherokee in simply because this Liberty (stupid name though) is vastly superior and more comfortable to drive> I doubt anyone here drive off-road better than 75 percent of the time, so the solid axle can go adios. I've owned six Jeeps , so I know what I'm talking about- '69 J4000, '48 Willys pickup, '79 CJ-7, '66 CJ-5, '53 Willys wagon, and the prev. mentioned 95' Cherokee 2-dr. For a daily driver, I doubt it can be beat! The 3.7 liter six is an excellent engine, too. If you just like the XJ styling better, that's fine, but until you've driven the thing, don't knock progress.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: DILLINGER In response to the parties that think the pricing looked attractive....You will prbably be very happy with the 2WD, 4 Cylinder , entry level trim that 18,000 dollars represents. Also be aware that after two years run, these prices are out the flippin window. They'll jack 'em to the original 28K really fast after the initial 2 year (let's see what breaks)run. XJKen- hit me with an e-mail brother. I keep AMC emblems on my Jeeps as well! Too cool.

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: jeef here is my comment KJ is looking better all the time. The pricing takes dead aim at all the toy SUV's, and looks to offer a genuine off-road capable vehicle for about what the AWD station wagons will cost you. The only sad part of this article is the line at the end; "Cherokee production will end in mid-2001". I guess I'm with XJKen. Get 'em while you can, I'm glad I did! When my 2001 Limited wears out, I'll look at the Liberty, if they're still making it. I bet they will be, and the day I'm convinced it's a better vehicle and it's at least as reliable, I'm there. Go Jeep!

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: D In response to the first 2 questions: -the Liberty is larger than the Cherokee -the V6 will be available with a 5-speed only in the Sport, and not on the Limited which comes standard with an automatic

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Anonymous	Posted: 1969/12/31 18:00 Updated: 1969/12/31 18:00
	Originally posted by: CrazyJeep I see no mention of the 5-Speed mated to the V6! They had better make that option available! PLEASE!! Good prices otherwise!! I too, am impressed!


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