2002 Jeep Liberty Review
List Price Estimate: | $2,581 - $4,340 |
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2002 Jeep Liberty Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Extremely capable off-road, creative interior design, still a Jeep at heart.
Cons
- Thirsty at the gas pump, not as "car-like" as most of its competitors.
What’s new
Finally replacing the boxy Cherokee that has been in production since 1984, the handsome all-new 2002 Jeep Liberty serves as the affordable SUV in Jeep's lineup. Borrowing styling cues from the 1997 Jeep Dakar and 1998 Jeepster concept vehicles, the Liberty is available in two trim levels with your choice of two- or four-wheel drive, a four- or six-cylinder engine and a manual or automatic transmission.
Edmunds says
Though a little pudgy (at nearly 4,000 pounds) and truckish, the 2002 Jeep Liberty is athletic both on- and off-road. In terms of refinement, ride comfort and overall performance, it's far ahead of the Cherokee.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.42 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$271/mo
Liberty Limited
vs
$189/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
The Liberty, like all Jeeps, is designed as a true off-roader with short front and rear overhangs and a full 8 inches of suspension travel. More serious climbers can opt for the Up Country suspension package, which provides for 10.1 inches of running ground clearance thanks in part to 16-inch wheels. Liberty also boasts "Uniframe" construction, which is said to be lighter and stronger than traditional body-on-frame designs.
But just because the Liberty is built to be competent off-road, don't think its on-road capability has been compromised. Liberty employs an all-new independent front suspension, the Grand Cherokee's coil-link rear suspension and rack-and-pinion steering, all designed to deliver compliant, precise handling on paved surfaces.
Liberty's new balance-shaft 3.7-liter SOHC V6, based on the 4.7-liter V8 in the Grand Cherokee, makes a stout 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 225 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. A 2.4-liter inline four is standard, and either motor can be mated to a five-speed manual or "multispeed" automatic transmission. The V6 with automatic can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Part-time Command-Trac 4WD is optional with either engine, while full-time Selec-Trac 4WD is optional only with the V6.
There's room for four inside (five in a pinch), with satin aluminum accents on the center stack and steering wheel and chrome-ringed black-on-white gauges. A-pillar grab handles are provided to assist entry and exit, and two handy power points are located in the dash. A full-size spare is hung on the nifty rear cargo door, which features a patented single-action swing-gate/flipper-glass system. The swing gate opens from the curb-side of the vehicle for safe, convenient loading. Some 31.2 cubic feet of cargo space is available behind the Liberty's 35/65 split-folding rear seat, 68.7 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded down. Tie-down hooks and grocery bag hooks are included.
Multi-stage front airbags that deploy according to seatbelt usage and crash severity come standard, and side-impact airbag head-and-torso curtains for both front and rear passengers are available. What's more, Liberty's roof strength has been engineered to exceed federal crush standards by up to 90 percent in case of a rollover accident. All models have antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Off-roaders will be pleased to know that the ABS system is automatically defeated when operating in the 4WD Low range, and is also designed to retard false activation on bumpy surfaces, such as those nasty washboard dirt and gravel roads.
Two trim levels are offered, Sport and Limited, for buyers who wish to play or just be pampered. But Jeep is adamant that this is not a "cute-ute" or "soft-roader" to merely dabble against the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4. Rather, Liberty is designed as a go-anywhere Jeep first and a suburban grocery-getter second.
With mini-SUVs getting more car-like all the time and losing off-road capability in the process, the Jeep seems the perfect choice for an affordable small SUV that can do it all, rain or shine. If the build quality is there and Liberty launches without multiple recalls or major component failures (unlike the '99 Grand Cherokee), it should prove a winner.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Jeep Liberty.
5 star(54%)
4 star(31%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
311 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Still have my 2002!
Gail,07/21/2015
2002 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
I bought this jeep when the 2002 hit the showroom floor. I absolutely love it. Currently has around 175,000 miles on it. Over the 13 years I've had it the first 11were awesome. The only problem was that the a/c compressor had to be replaced at about year 6 (80,000 miles or so). Regularly maintained. Recently had to replace the fan. Both rear doors/windows are problematic. One of the … doors won't open from the inside or out and the window won't open on the other. Minor considering the overall reliability.
She still looks good on the outside. Driver side carpet and upholstery are very worn, but that is to be expected. I want my next vehicle to be a Jeep, but hopefully that will be several years from now!
Update July 2016: I still have and love my Jeep.
Update July 2017: I still have and love this Jeep. It has been so reliable that I am about to give it to my grandson when he turns 16 in a couple of months.
Update January 2018: I gave the Jeep to my grandson for his 16th birthday in November. I trust the vehicle and he’s happy. I’ve bought another Jeep. If this one is just as good then I’ll give it to my other grandson in 10 years.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly Good
originalsteven,08/07/2013
2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
I bought the car used in august 2012, It had 150K+ miles on it I don't remember. At first I just needed a 4x4 in the winter in Spokane because the road can get bad. With no snow tires and basically all in part time 4x4 it handled flawlessly. Everything was perfect except for some creak in the driver door but hey. I didn't much care for the car but time and time again it blows me away. … Infinity speakers, roomy and stylish inside and out. and Reliable. I even took it off road and I was impressed. have 170k in a few weeks and still strong. Got 12mpg in city at first but with K&N stock filter upgrade, new spark plugs, oil change and Seafoam It went to 15 1/2 mpg and over 21 on the HWY!
4 out of 5 stars
Bring it back, Jeep, bring it back!
786mcqueen,09/16/2016
2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
We bought this used a while back for $5K it had 185K miles on it. It was a lot of fun to drive, gas mileage was pretty good, and it was great in the winter. It was comfortable and easy to get in and out of, although the cargo space is marginal at best. Ours had (as most do) a hitch receiver if you want to pull a utility trailer. The most annoying things about this car were the vibrating … bezel around the stereo unit, and the rear window freezing shut in the winter. Once it locked me out with the keys in the ignition, engine running! Mechanically, however, it was very reliable and the one time it needed a repair it was inexpensive. We sold it to a relative who somehow rolled it over, and then after setting it back on its wheels, drove it home, albeit worse for the wear. It is still running and has yet to have any significant mechanical trouble.
3.13 out of 5 stars
The non-addresses 2002 liberty engine issue
kurivial,08/30/2012
2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
am reporting review (138141727) (Jeep Engine Failures due to Valve Seats) because My daughter bought a 2002 Jeep Liberty 1 month ago. We changed the oil and I had her check it every two weeks since the vehicle was new to her. She did as I said for a couple weeks and said it used none. She is very diligent at watching her mileage to plan oil changes ever 3000 miles. She went to work and … the engine started to knock. She checked the oil and found it 3 quarts low and got no low oil warning. We took it to a shop and it needs a new engine. We found out no reputable salvage yard wants to sell the engine due to a known oil gear issue, so they will not even warranty one with low miles. A rebuilt motor with the oil gear issue fixed costs $3200.00. With labor my daughter is looking at $4500.00 to replace an engine with only 119000 miles. I searched the internet on 2002 Jeep Liberty 3.7 engine. I found many complaints regarding the blown motor. The average seems to be 96000 miles. Many people online said they contacted jeep and they said they were SOL. I don't expect a new engine for nothing, but when the average vehicle today does 250000 miles by most manufacturers and Toyota is at 400000. I would like to see an American company doing everything it can to create customer loyalty. Thank You, Steve
Features & Specs
- Base MSRP
- $16,885
- MPG & Fuel
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 18.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 150 hp @ 5,200 rpm
- Torque: 167 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 3 yr./ 36,000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 174.2 in. / Height: 70.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 71.1 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,648 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 29 cu.ft.
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestMarginal
More about the 2002 Jeep Liberty
More About This Model
It had just rained for three days straight and our fresh-off-the-truck 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited test vehicle was pointed directly at a deep mudhole. What would you do?
On sale since May 2001, the Liberty is Jeep's newest vehicle and the replacement for the aged Cherokee. It evolved from the Dakar and Jeepster concept vehicles ('97 and '98, respectively) and features design themes from each, such as a large greenhouse, short front and rear overhangs, high roofline, rear-mounted spare tire and 16-inch alloy wheels below pronounced wheel flares. It also borrows from the past. (A Jeep marketing rep told us the Liberty is a bloodline descendent of the original Jeep Willys, which helped to "liberate" hence the name Europe during the Second World War.) The Liberty carries the trademark Jeep grille with seven vertical rectangles as well as the traditional Jeep round headlamps.
The Liberty Limited is powered by a 3.7-liter V6, which produces an impressive 210 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. Combined with 225 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm, it's enough to rumble the small sport-ute over terrain ranging from a 300-foot muddy incline with a slope as steep as 45 degrees to an undulating quarter-mile trail set with large boulders.
On this last obstacle, which mimics the famous Rubicon Trail in northern California, we set the Liberty in four-wheel-drive low this feature alone distinguishes it from other small SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape which use permanent all-wheel-drive systems with no low-range gear.
The Liberty had no trouble navigating the hellish track. At one point, we stopped the Liberty while straddling a ditch. The right rear wheel rested on a large boulder. The left front tire sat on solid ground. The left rear wheel was hanging with enough empty air under it to erect a tent. We had to jump from our seats, as it was a good 3 feet to the ground. Viewed from the rear, the fully stressed axles formed a big X. When we clambered aboard and drove off, there was no hesitation, and the Liberty carried us safely to pavement. It was an impressive, if not sensational, demonstration of the Liberty's off-road abilities.
Having driven the Jeep Wrangler (one of the world's most capable off-road vehicles) on some gnarly trails, we think the Liberty possesses every bit as much off-road acumen. Its exceptional crawling ability is due, in large part, to its 3.7-liter V6.
Surprisingly, the Liberty's dirt-munching prowess doesn't result in a rigid, unforgiving and sluggish ride in the city. During a cruise on the freeway, we punched the accelerator while traveling 60 mph, and the Liberty took off with surprising verve. On city streets, we never needed to put our foot in it because the V6 provides adequate power to stay with, if not ahead, of traffic.
In the fall of 2001, Jeep will offer a Liberty with a 2.4L inline four-cylinder engine that produces 148 hp and 158 foot-pounds of torque. It will only be sold with a five-speed manual transmission. We expected the four-banger to be a dog in the somewhat porky Liberty (at 3,857 pounds, the Liberty is more than 700 pounds heavier than the nearly identically sized Ford Escape), but with a little stirring of the gearbox, it has fairly peppy performance. It's certainly enough thrust for drivers who rarely drive outside the city. And since the V6 engine is an $850 option and the automatic transmission costs $825, it's a substantial savings. Likewise, drivers who live in warm, dry climates probably don't need four-wheel drive. It costs $1,510.
In addition to speedy performance, the Liberty's independent front suspension, coil-link rear suspension (borrowed from the Grand Cherokee) and more than 8 inches of suspension travel combine to provide a supple and quiet ride that is truly impressive. The smoothness with which the Liberty conveys itself is also aided by its portly weight and its stiff uniframe construction, which combine to dampen vibration, reduce flex and imbue a confidence-inspiring feeling of substance and solidity. The Limited's large P235/70R16 tires also help to cushion the ride. During a drive on rippled pavement, the Liberty floated over every bump, relaying almost no bouncing and rattling to the cabin. When we struck a large pothole, the 8 inches of suspension travel absorbed the shock before it reached our kidneys.
Though forgiving, the suspension also delivers plenty of road feel and precise handling. Sometimes vehicles engineered to provide a comfortable ride have vague feel and mushy steering. However, the Liberty's rack-and-pinion steering system, independent front suspension and beefy control arms convey a solid feel for the road and provide immediate response to driver input with minimal roll in tight corners. The result is a vehicle that's a pleasure to pilot around the city and in which to cruise on extended road trips.
Also, the large greenhouse, forward-sloping hood and elevated driving position (ground clearance is 10.1 inches a RAV4 is only 6.7 inches) enhance visibility. Parking is also a snap because, at 174.7 inches, the Liberty isn't long.
The newest Jeep also includes one of the niftiest cargo gate innovations we've seen. When you pull on the rear latch, the glass flips up and the gate swings open all in one motion. This eliminates the need to have two hands free to access the rear cargo area, meaning you won't have to put your groceries on the ground while you struggle with the gate. There's 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats up and 69.5 with them folded down. (Standard capacities for a small SUV.) The rear seats are 60/40 split and fold nearly flat via a single release lever. The cargo area features several recessed tie-down hooks, and the Limited includes a cargo cover.
We also like what Jeep has done inside the Liberty. Our top-of-the-line Limited test vehicle was loaded with leather-faced, heated, six-way power low-back bucket seats with adjustable headrests. Though it's nice to have leather, we found it a little slippery. While navigating a long corner, our legs were scrambling for support. Conversely, the attractive and high-quality cloth upholstery that comes standard on the Limited held us in place more firmly. The base and Sport models have high-back cloth seats that are also comfortable, but not as figure-hugging as those in the Limited.
Window controls are mounted on the center console, which also contains two large cupholders. The center stack is a new design for the Liberty and features large, simple climate control switchgear and an easy-to-operate stereo.
Spheres are a recurring motif in the Liberty's design. Outside, the head- and taillights are round, as is the fuel door. Inside, air vents, gauges, stereo and climate controls, speaker covers and the door handle are also spherical. The whole cabin has a sculpted, modern look. In the Limited, the Liberty's contemporary flair is emphasized by the brushed-chrome trim around the center stack, floor-mounted gear lever, door locks and ivory-colored instrument gauges. Also, the round, brushed-chrome door pulls remind us of details found in the cockpit of the Audi TT, a design tour de force.
The top-of-the-line Liberty Limited with 4X4, upgraded stereo, fog lamps, color-coded exterior, chrome interior details, bucket leather seats and other goodies is $25,625. The entry-level Sport 4WD model includes power windows, locks and doors; air conditioning; tilt steering; and keyless entry and costs $21,890. When it arrives in the fall of 2001, the base two-wheel-drive Liberty will start at $17,035. (All prices include $585 destination charge.)
So, did we splash through the mudhole? Of course. The Liberty is a Jeep, after all.
Used 2002 Jeep Liberty Overview
The Used 2002 Jeep Liberty is offered in the following submodels: Liberty SUV. Available styles include Limited 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A), Sport 4dr 2WD SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M), Limited 4dr 2WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A), Renegade 4dr 4WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M), Renegade 4dr 2WD SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M), and Sport 4dr 4WD SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Jeep Liberty models are available with a 3.7 L-liter gas engine or a 2.4 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 210 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2002 Jeep Liberty comes with four wheel drive, and rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2002 Jeep Liberty?
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Which used 2002 Jeep Liberties are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 2002 Jeep Liberty?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Jeep lease specials
Check out Jeep Liberty lease specials
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