2002 Jeep Liberty

Slotting neatly between the CJ-spawned Wrangler—the icon of the Jeep brand—and the Grand Cherokee, the all-new Jeep Liberty replaces the original and now-dated Cherokee. With a new 210-bhp, 3.7-liter V-6, an independent front suspension (a first for a Jeep), and an optional full-time transfer case, this deceivingly roomy, compact four-door (the only available configuration) is surprisingly capable. Jeep factory testers flogged prototype Libertys over Northern California's infamous Rubicon Trail and reported that the newcomer more than held its own.


Message for Jeep loyalists: the new Liberty is worth the wait. It's longer, wider and somewhat roomier than the old Cherokee. Length is 174.4 inches, including the outside spare, width is 71.6 inches, the Liberty is 73.2 inches tall (including the roof rack), and it rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase. We drove early-production-model Libertys through streams and rock-strewn fields near rural Charlottesville, Virginia. We also logged time on highways and byways. The Liberty was surprisingly smooth-riding on pavement. With its quick—but predictable—steering, classy demeanor and sure-footed ABS brakes, you could easily live with a Liberty as an everyday companion. Ski trips will be a delight; you'll look for foul weather for joy rides.


And for off-roaders, the real proof comes on rugged terrain. Here the Liberty lives up to the vaunted Jeep badge. We tumbled down riverbanks, clawed our way up and over boulders, tiptoed through ruts and never faltered. Although the Liberty is an inch lower than the Cherokee it replaces, we never high-centered. Thanks to eight inches of suspension travel, the Liberty cheerfully traversed deeply rutted trails and rock-strewn hillsides.

Jeep purists might cringe at the thought of an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. Benefits include a smooth ride and tight turning circle.

Jeep engineered its own independent front (specifically designed for the Liberty but akin to the company's Dodge Dakota/Durango and 2002 Ram 1500) and link-coil rear suspension (very similar to the Grand Cherokee's). Rugged control arms—cast-iron lowers and forged-steel uppers—are coupled to a hefty cast-iron steering knuckle by permanently lubricated ball joints. Dual-rate control-arm bushings deliver crisp on-road handling with minimal harshness and road feedback. Concentric coil springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers mount above the upper control arms for maximum off-road hazard clearance and a tight turning circle. The Liberty is the first Jeep vehicle to offer car-like rack-and-pinion steering. It's a peach: quick, firm but not too hard to use, with a solid, on-center feel at highway speeds.

To maximize cargo area, the spare tire is attached to the swing-out rear door. The "flipper glass" hatch window is easy to operate and eases access to the gear zone.

Inspired by the 1997 Dakar and 1998 Jeepster showcars, the Liberty has some of the marque's traditional styling/personality cues, yet it offers surprising room and quiet operation inside. Short front and rear overhangs allow impressive approach and departure angles for off-roading. An externally mounted spare, a swing-out rear door and a unique "flipper glass" pop-up rear window allow plenty of inside space along with enhanced loading capability. A pull-type latch system permits opening the flipper-glass rear window and rear swing gate with an intuitive single motion. Alternately, the rear can be opened by pressing the cargo-door button on the keyless-entry transmitter, pulling the release handle or simply turning the key in the swing-gate lock.