2002 JEEP LIBERTY SPORT

The Jeep Liberty is an all-new vehicle, built from scratch and with a new name. Initially, the
Liberty was to have been sold alongside the Cherokee, but today, its replacing it because
financial difficulties at Daimler/Chrysler have curtailed the simultaneous production of both
vehicles.
The Liberty is bigger than the Cherokee in every way, and it can be equipped with two new
engines, a 150-horsepower, 2.4 litre four cylinder, and a 210-horsepower 3.7-litre V-6. It also
features Jeeps first-ever independent front suspension. Jeep claims that the Liberty is as much at
home on the road as off.
A genuine Jeep
When you buy a Jeep its usually because you want a serious off- roader that can go where carbased 4x4 vehicles fear to tread. On the other hand, the vast majority of 4x4s rarely if ever get
off the pavement. With this in mind, Jeeps engineers designed what they claim is a vehicle that
is civilized on the highway yet still able to handle the toughest trails. With the stiffest frame in
the history of the brand, short front and rear overhang, 24.4-cm ground clearance, controlled
suspension travel and de-multiplied transfer case, the Liberty a real, go-anywhere Jeep.
While the Liberty knows how to assert itself off the road, it does a credible job on the road as
well. Not unexpectedly, the firm suspension bounces stiffly on many types of asperities but in
general, the ride is comfortable, for a 4x4, and at times, suspension reaction can even be
qualified as compliant. It is definitely better than the Cherokee in every way. With a tenacious
grip in corners, even on rough pavement, road holding is a pleasant surprise.
To reduce the wrench of steering reaction in off-road driving, the steering system has to be a bit
heavy at low speed. This is exactly what happens with the Liberty, and though the steering is
unpleasant in low-speed manoeuvres, it is very well weighted thereafter. A genuine 4x4 must be
able to depend on a tight turning circle, and this is certainly the case with the Liberty. Braking is
powerful and fade resistant.
The 3.7-litre V-6 is based on the Grand Cherokees 4.7-litre V-8. The V-6 develops
210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque, which is plenty enough for the Liberty. It only
feels a bit short winded when you tramp the pedal at above 80 km-h. Torque is sufficient to tow
up to 2,268 kg and to do very well off road thanks, here, to the efficient, easy shifting transfer
case. This V-6 can be just as thirsty as bigger engines with more displacement.
The four-speed automatic transmission is extremely smooth, with two gear ratios in second to
ease downshifting and to assist the engine when hauling a trailer.
An inspection at the CAA-Quebec Technical Inspection Centre showed that the Liberty is
generally well designed and sturdily built underneath. However, the front brakes are not shielded
and the electrical modules in the engine compartment are exposed to flying particles of all kinds.

Big and small

Inside, the Liberty is roomier than the Cherokee but some people, including the driver, may not
feel comfortable.
Drivers, especially if theyre heavily built, may feel hemmed in. Seating is just average because
the cushion is rather narrow, and a bit short. Not everyone will appreciate the degree of firmness,
or the absence of an adjustable lumbar support. Drivers may also feel confined by the closeness
of the dash. You cannot adjust the seat cushion angle, with the result that anyone of average
height and under may find that theyre seated too high, and have difficulty reaching the pedals.
The firm rear bench seats two adults in average comfort, with good leg room and excellent
headroom. However, because of the intrusion of the transmission tunnel, no adult should be
expected to ride in the middle, even for short distances. The seatback is split 65/35, practical to
transport cargo and still have a seat for a passenger.
The Liberty has a two-piece split rear door. Pull slightly on the door handle, and the glass section
flips up automatically. You dont want to be standing too close or you could get hit in the face;
tall people can hit their head on the latch. Pull the handle some more, and the lower section
swings open to the left, which is the proper side on our continent. The roomy cargo area has four
convenient tie-down bars.
The quality of materials and finish is good but we could hear a variety of cracking noises.
Soundproofing is adequate, except for wind noise.
The inside door handles are easy to locate but the A-pillar grab bars might be dangerous in a
collision. Except for a reasonably roomy centre console, storage spaces are cruelly lacking.
Instruments and controls are logically placed but the horn button in the middle of the steering
wheel is a bit small. The air conditioner is barely adequate when temperatures reach 25o .
Safety features include dual air bags, five lap-and-shoulder seat belts, and bright headlights.
There are four head restraints, but the front ones do not adjust high enough for tall people. Most
drivers get a very good view, on all sides. Some, however, may have their vision obstructed by
the A-pillars. The spare wheel is mounted low enough on the rear door to be out of the line of
sight.
Conclusion
The new Jeep Liberty is a highly capable off-road performer. Controls and handling have a
European feel but it cannot quite match the smooth ride of the car-based SUVs. Despite its
civilized road manners, the Liberty is first and foremost a Jeep.
HIGHS
Off-road capability
Manoeuvrability

LOWS
Wind noise
Steering heaviness at low speed

Visibility
Smooth automatic transmission
Road manners
Sturdy construction

Narrow front seat cushions

Inadequate storage
Front brakes not shielded
High fuel consumption
2002 JEEP LIBERTY

Engine: 16-valve,2.4-litre 4 cylinder;

12-valve,3.7-litreV-6
Torque: 167 lb.-ft. @ 4,000 rpm;
235 lb.-ft.@ 4,000 rpm
Suspension: independent/rigid axle
Length: 443cm
Height: 180.1 cm
Weight: 1,675 to 1,750 kg
Towing capacity: 2,268 kg

Horsepower: 150 h.p. @ 5,200 rpm;

210 h.p.@ 5,200 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual;
4-speed automatic
Brakes: disc/drum
Width: 181.9 cm
Wheelbase: 264.9 cm
Tires: P215/75R16; P235/70R16
Air bags: standard front (optional side curtains)

Fuel consumption:
Transport Canada rating: city: 14.8 L/100 km (19 mpg); highway: 11 L/100 km (26 mpg)
Test result: 15 L/100 (19 mpg)
Fuel tank capacity: 70 litres
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h: 9.5 seconds

60-100 km/ h: 7.2 seconds

Competition: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Mazda Tribute,
Nissan Xterra, Saturn Vue, Subaru Forester, Suzuki Grand Vitara and XL-7, Toyota RAV4
Maintenance (amount may vary from dealer to dealer):
Frequency:non-available ; total to 100,000 km: non-available
Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 3 years/60,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km
Surface corrosion: 3 years/60,000
Perforation damage: 5 years/160,000 km
Emissions control system: 3 years/60,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km (catalytic
converter, electronic control module
Factory replacement parts:
Rear bumper: $628
Brake pads: $183
Front fender: $178 (left); $186 (right)

Front brake disk: $149

Muffler: $308

Average insurance premium (Quebec City, replacement cost endorsement, claim-free

insurance record, female driver or male driver 30 to 40 years old): $626 to $1,223

Price according to trim line:

Sport 4 cylinder: $22,880

Sport V-6: $23,755

Main options:
Automatic transmission (Sport): $1,000
Curtain air bags: $450
Price as tested: $31,095
Freight and preparation: $820
Dealers: Qubec: 157; Canada: 595
CAA-Quebec,

September 2001

Limited: $28,680

Off-road package: $1,060

Anti-lock brakes: $640