Jeep Liberty

Name: 2002 Jeep Liberty
Brand: Jeep

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 18 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

While the Liberty was a step forward for Jeep, it didn't break new ground for the category. Acceleration is good and braking is sound, but the ride is jittery and fuel economy is poor. Off-roading is the Liberty's strong suit.

2002 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Jeep vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Jeep vs. Other New Car Brands

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Jeep vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Marginal

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2002 Compact SUVs Ratings

2002 Jeep Liberty

$3,000 - $3,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Escape

$2,925 - $3,125

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda CR-V

$3,925 - $4,400

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Jeep Wrangler

$4,950 - $7,125

EPA MPG 16 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Sportage

$2,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mazda Tribute

$2,975 - $3,350

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Nissan Xterra

$3,175 - $4,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Pontiac Aztek

$2,775 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Saturn Vue

$2,775 - $2,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Forester

$3,125 - $3,375

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota RAV4

$3,925 - $4,650

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.4-liter 4 (150 hp)
3.7-liter V6 (210 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2008-2012

2008 Redesign Year

The boxier looking 2008 redesign brought little improvement in driving dynamics. It also remained noisy and cramped. In fact, we ranked this version of the Liberty lower than its predecessor and it is the lowest-rated vehicle in its category for the time. Ride quality is unsettled, handling is clumsy and the noisy engine uses too much fuel. The interior is too small, uncomfortable and fit and finish are poor. On the other hand, the Jeep tows well and offroad terrain is handled masterfully. A full-time four-wheel drive system was an option. The 2012 models were the last for the Liberty.

2002-2007

2002 Redesign Year

Launched in 2002, the somewhat revolutionary looking Jeep Liberty boasted an independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion steering. However ride quality is jittery. Further, the cockpit is narrow and a bit hard to access. Handling was clumsy, but ultimately secure. Off-roading is the Liberty's strong suit. The noisy 3.7-liter V6 is lethargic and thirsty. Stability control and ABS were made standard for 2006. A slow and noisy diesel version was briefly offered, but it returned just 18 mpg overall in our tests and was dropped in 2007.