We've had several readers send in their reviews of the 2002 Jeep Liberty. First up is a long time reader of mike's totally free jeep news, Bob:
Drove a new Liberty Limited with the "G" package, which is the top package
offered on the Liberty. The only other option included were heated seats. It
stickered just above $25.8K, which includes the package discount. Still, it
lacked ABS, tow package, off-road package, moonroof. You would think (hope)
the top-of-the-line Liberty would come standard with ABS and a moonroof.
I have to tell you, it was the best steering Jeep I've ever driven. The
vehicle felt tight as a drum. Quality appeared to be excellent. The rear
seating is very comfortable and quite roomy—light years better than the
Cherokee. All-in-all, it drove very nice, although it was a tad bumpy in
ride. It handled quite well, but it's no match for our Subaru Forester on a
windy road.
I was very impressed. Jeep is going to do great with this vehicle. I just
wish there was more "content" to the vehicle, and less "nickle-and-diming" in
terms of options. Again, the Forester is way ahead of the Liberty in this
area. The Forester is a "complete" vehicle as it stands. You need to add very
few, if any options to make it desirable.
I make reference to the Forester because 1) we own one [I know the vehicle
well], and 2) other cute-ute customers may be cross-shopping the new Jeep
with the Forester.
Here are some prices for various options:
Off-Road package: Sport = $765.00, Limited = $520.00
Tow package: Sport & Limited = $325.00
Tow package (if you order Off-Road package too): Sport & Limited = $245.00
Alloy wheels: Sport $310.00
Sunroof: Sport & Limited = $700.00
The dealer indicated that, according to his order book, you can only get A/T
tires on the Sport if you order the Off-Road package. A/T tires are a
no-charge option on the Limited.
Also, looking under the hood, there's a lot of space between the radiator and
the front of the engine. Looks like the 4.7L V8 might fit... Now there's a
thought!
I am a salesman at (name deleted) in the Twin cities, and have been
for the last 9 years. Yesterday (5-24-01) we got our first four Liberty's
in. We have over 100 in process(in shipping, or in production, or scheduled
for production). The Liberty is a sweet vehicle. The 3.7 liter V-6 is very
snappy. The 5-speed automatic transaction is very smooth and you cannot
even feel the shift points. The Liberty is extremely nice riding. I drive a
Grand Cherokee and have been driving Jeeps for 15 plus years. I have to have
one!
In addition to these reviews, be sure to check out the Readers Reactions from the previous Liberty articles. If anyone has driven the Liberty and has had a negative reaction to it, please email us at jeepnews@OneToMany.com and let us know!
