Jeep has a lot riding on 2002 Liberty.

Byline: Jim Mateja

CHICAGO _ The 2002 Liberty is the little Jeep that better.

It better help people forget the 18-year-old Jeep Cherokee it replaces, not to mention forget about the rivals in the compact sport-utility segment, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Initially, Liberty was to be a companion for the aged and boxy Cherokee. But then as a cost-cutting measure DaimlerChrysler opted to drop Cherokee and go with only Liberty.

Can't say that we'll miss the Cherokee moniker. For years consumers had difficulty distinguishing Cherokee from the larger and more expensive Grand Cherokee.

"There was confusion," said Rick Kukucka, Liberty product planner. "People would say Cherokee when referring to either Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and that's one reason for the name change."

To avoid confusion between Liberty and Grand Cherokee, Liberty styling leans toward that of the even littler Wrangler, sharing the same round headlamps flanking what D/C refers to as its "trademark" seven-slot Jeep grille.

Liberty is built on a 3-inch-longer wheelbase than the old Cherokee to improve ride and a 2-inch-wider track to improve handling. And Liberty is 2 inches wider upfront, 3 inches wider in the rear to provide a more comfortable cabin.

Yet, Liberty is 2 inches shorter than Cherokee, inches saved in the engine compartment because a V-6 replaces the inline 6.

Liberty is offered as a base Sport with gray plastic bumpers or top-of-the-line Limited with body-colored plastic bumpers. You have the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. D/C expects 70 percent will opt for 4WD.

We tested the Limited 4x4 that comes with a transfer-case lever to engage four-wheel high or low. D/C emphasizes that RAV4 and CR-V are basically station wagons with 4WD added so they aren't meant for off-roading riskier than pulling onto the shoulder to get to your mailbox. Liberty, D/C insists, is an on-road or off-road machine.

There's a choice of a 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 derived from D/C's 4.7-liter V-8, and a 2.4-liter, 150-h.p. 4-cylinder, same offered in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Initially, however, only the V-6 is available and only with automatic. A 5-speed manual will be added in the fall, accompanied by the 4-cylinder.

D/C offers a 2.5-liter, 140-h.p., diesel 4-cylinder, but only for export because, Kukucka said, diesel fuel in the United States isn't as clean as that in Europe and to burn U.S. diesel would mean changing engine calibrations that would offset mileage gains.

"Even when we test the vehicle here, we import diesel fuel from Europe," Kukucka said.

The United States will get around to cleaner-burning diesel in `06-`07, Kukucka said, and maybe then a high-mileage diesel would be added here.

Fuel economy is a Liberty shortcoming. Small SUVs are supposed to be an alternative to gas-gulping big SUVs. The Liberty V-6 is rated at a disappointing 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. with automatic; the 4-cylinder with manual is rated at 19/23. Kukucka said the larger dimensions along with the weight added to come up with a more rigid body to reduce noise, vibration and harshness increased pounds that kept mileage down.

While keeping noise, vibration and harshness down, you'll find ride and handling more along the lines of a firm Ford Escape than the softer, carlike RAV4 or CR-V.

Liberty has an independent front suspension whereas Cherokee had a solid axle. The independent front suspension was designed to soften ride on the road while giving Liberty up to 8 inches of suspension travel to track over bumps more easily when off-roading.

"Car-based SUVs are fine for the road, but can't hack it off-road since most don't allow 8 inches of suspension travel. Liberty is a dual-purpose SUV for on- or off-road," Kukucka said.

Liberty also has 16-inch all-season radials as standard; Cherokee came with 15-inch only. You can upgrade to a wider-profile radial for better road handling as well as a wider footprint for off-road grip.

How many will take Liberty off-road? Maybe a handful, but D/C wanted bragging rights.

When it came to design, interior and exterior stylists sat next to each other in the Liberty studios for the first time, rather than the common practice of them being separated by at least one floor, Kukucka said.

So, the rounded head and taillamps theme is carried inside to the rounded air ducts in the dash and rounded satin-finished chrome release handles on the doors. Minor point, but it looks good.

Noteworthy items include second-row seats whose bottoms slide forward and backs fold down in one motion after pulling the lever, rather than flip-and-fold second-row seats common in many SUVs. One drawback to the one-motion slide and fold is that the seat back cushions don't lie flat so you have to put up with an incline when hauling cargo.

You'll also find an ample numbers of cupholders (built into the doors for rear-seat occupants) as well as coat hangers built into the ceiling grab handles; water-tight fog lamps; rear side windows that motor all the way into the doors; map pouches in the backs of the front seats; and plastic grocery bag holders built into the backs of the second-row seats.

You can open the rear window on its own or open it together with the door to load or unload cargo. The full-size spare is mounted on the rear door. You have a choice of dealer-installed soft or hard plastic spare-tire covers.

Couple of gripes. Power steering takes too much effort, making the simple task of turning and parking more of a chore than it should be. Also, there's massive headroom front and rear, but very narrow rear-door openings so you will rub against the rear wheelwell moldings when you get in or out. And to capitalize on the added cabin width, D/C moved power-window buttons off the door armrests and onto the center console, where they take some getting used to.

DaimlerChrysler plans to build 200,000 compact Liberty SUVs annually, 160,000 for the United States and the rest for export. Just wishful thinking, but take a long, hard look at the Liberty profile and imagine replacing the rear cabin or maybe part of it with a pickup bed for a niche entry to vie with some car/truck, SUV/truck hybrids coming to market.

Base price of the 4WD Limited we tested is $22,720.

Standard equipment includes dual, depowered air bags; air conditioning; power windows/door locks; power, foldaway mirrors; AM/FM radio with CD player; tilt steering column; power outlets front and rear; rear-window wiper/washer/defroster; cruise control; front and rear floor mats; roof rack; fog lamps; and remote keyless entry.

The option package that brings leather seats, tinted glass, power driver/passenger seats, power heated mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and a variety of dress-up items runs $2,945.

But you can be comfortable with just anti-lock brakes at $600, air curtains at $390 for front and rear occupant protection in a side collision and power sunroof at $700.

x x x

2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches

Length: 174.4 inches

Engine: 3.7-liter, 210-h.p. V-6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $22,720

Price as tested: $27,280. Includes $2,945 for preferred package with leather seats (power driver/passenger), AM/FM with cassette/CD player/steering-wheel controls, tinted glass, trip computer, garage-door opener and power heated foldaway mirrors; $245 for towing group with trailer hitch and wiring adapter; $520 for off-road group with locking differential, 16-inch all-terrain tires, skid plate shields for fuel tank/transfer case, tow hooks and heavy-duty engine cooling; $600 for ABS; and $250 for heated front seats. Add $585 for freight.

Pluses: Welcome relief from the aged and boxy Cherokee it replaces. Longer wheelbase, wider tracking and more width than Cherokee for better ride and handling as well as added cabin room. Optional side-curtain air bags.

Minuses: Big SUV mileage in small SUV package. The 2.4-liter 4 gets 19/23 but won't be offered until fall and only with manual.

x x x

Q. About a month ago I bought a new Dodge Grand Caravan for my wife. We had looked at the Honda Odyssey and really wanted the Odyssey, but the monthly payment would have been around $400 so we got the Caravan at around $280 per month, which I thought was pretty good.

The salesman drove the car to my house after the sale and I followed. Once home I noticed some problems with the van _ no luggage rack, no floor mats and no heat. I told the salesman to drive the van back to the dealer because I wasn't taking it.

The dealer called to say he had fixed the heat and added mats for free, but I said no, I wanted a luggage rack. He called back to say he had a van with a luggage rack in stock but with a light interior.

Everything then seemed fine but after a week the check-engine light went on the new van with the light interior. After several days the dealer fixed the light, but I told the dealer I didn't want the van back. The dealer said I had to take the van back and return the loaner.

My questions are: Do you think my wife will get a new van? Do I deserve an upgrade? Do I make payments? Can I get my money back and get another van?

_M.H., Chicago

A. Will the wife get a new van? Not unless she buys another one. Do you deserve an upgrade? Not unless you are willing to pay for one. Do you make payments? Absolutely. You bought the van, you make payments or the dealer will sue you for nonpayment or repossess the van and you will have lost all the money you put into it.

Can you get your money back and get another van? Money back for what? You wanted a Honda Odyssey and didn't get one and now you are looking for every way you can to get out of the Dodge and into the Odyssey _ including, your letter says, filing a claim under the Illinois Lemon Law.

The lemon law requires that if there is a problem, the dealer and/or manufacturer are obligated to make a fix or repair and if they can't, then you qualify for a claim. But the dealer fixed the problems, threw in a set of floor mats, and then threw in another van with the luggage rack you wanted in the first place.

You bought a van. And how could you have bought a van not noticing it didn't have a luggage rack and carpets, which are fairly visible items, or have heat, which would have become obvious had you test-driven it before buying?

Q. I feel your saying the BMW Z3 coupe is "ugly" is somewhat unfair. Give credit to BMW for trying something different. Even the Z3 roadster has begun to blend into the landscape with all the other ragtop two-seaters. When I see a Z3 coupe, I turn to look because I'm seeing something different that looks fast, and recalls an earlier day when cars looked different from each other. Also, the fastback has an advantage in utility (holding golf bags, luggage) over the roadster. If I were in the market for a car in this segment (which, unfortunately, I'm not), the Z3 coupe would be high on my list, but the Z3 roadster would never make the cut.

_J.B., Watertown, Conn.

A. Somewhat unfair? OK, the Z3 coupe is only somewhat ugly. Feel better?

Q. Has there been any discussion among car and aftermarket electronics equipment manufacturers to come up with a new, smaller, 12-volt receptacle in cars to plug phones into rather than using the cigarette lighter? Something like the phone jack in your home would take less space, allow multiple ports and provide a better electrical contact than the bulky and loose-fitting cigarette-lighter outlet. I constantly have to wiggle the lighter plug to get a good electrical connection. There ought to be a better design.

_R.P, Chicago

A. Multiple ports? Most folks on the road can't talk on the phone and drive at the same time and you want them to talk on the phone, watch TV, browse the Web and plug in a microwave to enjoy popcorn on the ride home? Rather than more and better outlets, it's more likely you will be seeing more hands-free operation to get motorists back doing what they should _ having both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.

Q. I'm a college student with a research paper I seem to getting no where with. Its about the Automobile industry. Its on Imported cars Vs Domestic cars. Thier plus's and minus's. Its an informative paper to inform people which is sort of better my popular views. But I have check on the web, books but not getting any real important help, Do you know of any special place to get help?

_M.W., Chicago

A. Yes! Run down to the university registrar and ask _ no, demand _ to be enrolled in an English class.

X X X

(Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 135, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1523, or send e-mail, including name and hometown, to jmateja(AT)tribune.com.)

X X X

(c) 2001, Chicago Tribune.

Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at http://www.chicago.tribune.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

Jeep has a lot riding on 2002 Liberty.

Byline: Jim Mateja

CHICAGO _ The 2002 Liberty is the little Jeep that better.

It better help people forget the 18-year-old Jeep Cherokee it replaces, not to mention forget about the rivals in the compact sport-utility segment, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Initially, Liberty was to be a companion for the aged and boxy Cherokee. But then as a cost-cutting measure DaimlerChrysler opted to drop Cherokee and go with only Liberty.

Can't say that we'll miss the Cherokee moniker. For years consumers had difficulty distinguishing Cherokee from the larger and more expensive Grand Cherokee.

"There was confusion," said Rick Kukucka, Liberty product planner. "People would say Cherokee when referring to either Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and that's one reason for the name change."

To avoid confusion between Liberty and Grand Cherokee, Liberty styling leans toward that of the even littler Wrangler, sharing the same round headlamps flanking what D/C refers to as its "trademark" seven-slot Jeep grille.

Liberty is built on a 3-inch-longer wheelbase than the old Cherokee to improve ride and a 2-inch-wider track to improve handling. And Liberty is 2 inches wider upfront, 3 inches wider in the rear to provide a more comfortable cabin.

Yet, Liberty is 2 inches shorter than Cherokee, inches saved in the engine compartment because a V-6 replaces the inline 6.

Liberty is offered as a base Sport with gray plastic bumpers or top-of-the-line Limited with body-colored plastic bumpers. You have the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. D/C expects 70 percent will opt for 4WD.

We tested the Limited 4x4 that comes with a transfer-case lever to engage four-wheel high or low. D/C emphasizes that RAV4 and CR-V are basically station wagons with 4WD added so they aren't meant for off-roading riskier than pulling onto the shoulder to get to your mailbox. Liberty, D/C insists, is an on-road or off-road machine.

There's a choice of a 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 derived from D/C's 4.7-liter V-8, and a 2.4-liter, 150-h.p. 4-cylinder, same offered in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Initially, however, only the V-6 is available and only with automatic. A 5-speed manual will be added in the fall, accompanied by the 4-cylinder.

D/C offers a 2.5-liter, 140-h.p., diesel 4-cylinder, but only for export because, Kukucka said, diesel fuel in the United States isn't as clean as that in Europe and to burn U.S. diesel would mean changing engine calibrations that would offset mileage gains.

"Even when we test the vehicle here, we import diesel fuel from Europe," Kukucka said.

The United States will get around to cleaner-burning diesel in `06-`07, Kukucka said, and maybe then a high-mileage diesel would be added here.

Fuel economy is a Liberty shortcoming. Small SUVs are supposed to be an alternative to gas-gulping big SUVs. The Liberty V-6 is rated at a disappointing 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. with automatic; the 4-cylinder with manual is rated at 19/23. Kukucka said the larger dimensions along with the weight added to come up with a more rigid body to reduce noise, vibration and harshness increased pounds that kept mileage down.

While keeping noise, vibration and harshness down, you'll find ride and handling more along the lines of a firm Ford Escape than the softer, carlike RAV4 or CR-V.

Liberty has an independent front suspension whereas Cherokee had a solid axle. The independent front suspension was designed to soften ride on the road while giving Liberty up to 8 inches of suspension travel to track over bumps more easily when off-roading.

"Car-based SUVs are fine for the road, but can't hack it off-road since most don't allow 8 inches of suspension travel. Liberty is a dual-purpose SUV for on- or off-road," Kukucka said.

Liberty also has 16-inch all-season radials as standard; Cherokee came with 15-inch only. You can upgrade to a wider-profile radial for better road handling as well as a wider footprint for off-road grip.

How many will take Liberty off-road? Maybe a handful, but D/C wanted bragging rights.

When it came to design, interior and exterior stylists sat next to each other in the Liberty studios for the first time, rather than the common practice of them being separated by at least one floor, Kukucka said.

So, the rounded head and taillamps theme is carried inside to the rounded air ducts in the dash and rounded satin-finished chrome release handles on the doors. Minor point, but it looks good.

Noteworthy items include second-row seats whose bottoms slide forward and backs fold down in one motion after pulling the lever, rather than flip-and-fold second-row seats common in many SUVs. One drawback to the one-motion slide and fold is that the seat back cushions don't lie flat so you have to put up with an incline when hauling cargo.

You'll also find an ample numbers of cupholders (built into the doors for rear-seat occupants) as well as coat hangers built into the ceiling grab handles; water-tight fog lamps; rear side windows that motor all the way into the doors; map pouches in the backs of the front seats; and plastic grocery bag holders built into the backs of the second-row seats.

You can open the rear window on its own or open it together with the door to load or unload cargo. The full-size spare is mounted on the rear door. You have a choice of dealer-installed soft or hard plastic spare-tire covers.

Couple of gripes. Power steering takes too much effort, making the simple task of turning and parking more of a chore than it should be. Also, there's massive headroom front and rear, but very narrow rear-door openings so you will rub against the rear wheelwell moldings when you get in or out. And to capitalize on the added cabin width, D/C moved power-window buttons off the door armrests and onto the center console, where they take some getting used to.

DaimlerChrysler plans to build 200,000 compact Liberty SUVs annually, 160,000 for the United States and the rest for export. Just wishful thinking, but take a long, hard look at the Liberty profile and imagine replacing the rear cabin or maybe part of it with a pickup bed for a niche entry to vie with some car/truck, SUV/truck hybrids coming to market.

Base price of the 4WD Limited we tested is $22,720.

Standard equipment includes dual, depowered air bags; air conditioning; power windows/door locks; power, foldaway mirrors; AM/FM radio with CD player; tilt steering column; power outlets front and rear; rear-window wiper/washer/defroster; cruise control; front and rear floor mats; roof rack; fog lamps; and remote keyless entry.

The option package that brings leather seats, tinted glass, power driver/passenger seats, power heated mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and a variety of dress-up items runs $2,945.

But you can be comfortable with just anti-lock brakes at $600, air curtains at $390 for front and rear occupant protection in a side collision and power sunroof at $700.

x x x

2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches

Length: 174.4 inches

Engine: 3.7-liter, 210-h.p. V-6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $22,720

Price as tested: $27,280. Includes $2,945 for preferred package with leather seats (power driver/passenger), AM/FM with cassette/CD player/steering-wheel controls, tinted glass, trip computer, garage-door opener and power heated foldaway mirrors; $245 for towing group with trailer hitch and wiring adapter; $520 for off-road group with locking differential, 16-inch all-terrain tires, skid plate shields for fuel tank/transfer case, tow hooks and heavy-duty engine cooling; $600 for ABS; and $250 for heated front seats. Add $585 for freight.

Pluses: Welcome relief from the aged and boxy Cherokee it replaces. Longer wheelbase, wider tracking and more width than Cherokee for better ride and handling as well as added cabin room. Optional side-curtain air bags.

Minuses: Big SUV mileage in small SUV package. The 2.4-liter 4 gets 19/23 but won't be offered until fall and only with manual.

x x x

Q. About a month ago I bought a new Dodge Grand Caravan for my wife. We had looked at the Honda Odyssey and really wanted the Odyssey, but the monthly payment would have been around $400 so we got the Caravan at around $280 per month, which I thought was pretty good.

The salesman drove the car to my house after the sale and I followed. Once home I noticed some problems with the van _ no luggage rack, no floor mats and no heat. I told the salesman to drive the van back to the dealer because I wasn't taking it.

The dealer called to say he had fixed the heat and added mats for free, but I said no, I wanted a luggage rack. He called back to say he had a van with a luggage rack in stock but with a light interior.

Everything then seemed fine but after a week the check-engine light went on the new van with the light interior. After several days the dealer fixed the light, but I told the dealer I didn't want the van back. The dealer said I had to take the van back and return the loaner.

My questions are: Do you think my wife will get a new van? Do I deserve an upgrade? Do I make payments? Can I get my money back and get another van?

_M.H., Chicago

A. Will the wife get a new van? Not unless she buys another one. Do you deserve an upgrade? Not unless you are willing to pay for one. Do you make payments? Absolutely. You bought the van, you make payments or the dealer will sue you for nonpayment or repossess the van and you will have lost all the money you put into it.

Can you get your money back and get another van? Money back for what? You wanted a Honda Odyssey and didn't get one and now you are looking for every way you can to get out of the Dodge and into the Odyssey _ including, your letter says, filing a claim under the Illinois Lemon Law.

The lemon law requires that if there is a problem, the dealer and/or manufacturer are obligated to make a fix or repair and if they can't, then you qualify for a claim. But the dealer fixed the problems, threw in a set of floor mats, and then threw in another van with the luggage rack you wanted in the first place.

You bought a van. And how could you have bought a van not noticing it didn't have a luggage rack and carpets, which are fairly visible items, or have heat, which would have become obvious had you test-driven it before buying?

Q. I feel your saying the BMW Z3 coupe is "ugly" is somewhat unfair. Give credit to BMW for trying something different. Even the Z3 roadster has begun to blend into the landscape with all the other ragtop two-seaters. When I see a Z3 coupe, I turn to look because I'm seeing something different that looks fast, and recalls an earlier day when cars looked different from each other. Also, the fastback has an advantage in utility (holding golf bags, luggage) over the roadster. If I were in the market for a car in this segment (which, unfortunately, I'm not), the Z3 coupe would be high on my list, but the Z3 roadster would never make the cut.

_J.B., Watertown, Conn.

A. Somewhat unfair? OK, the Z3 coupe is only somewhat ugly. Feel better?

Q. Has there been any discussion among car and aftermarket electronics equipment manufacturers to come up with a new, smaller, 12-volt receptacle in cars to plug phones into rather than using the cigarette lighter? Something like the phone jack in your home would take less space, allow multiple ports and provide a better electrical contact than the bulky and loose-fitting cigarette-lighter outlet. I constantly have to wiggle the lighter plug to get a good electrical connection. There ought to be a better design.

_R.P, Chicago

A. Multiple ports? Most folks on the road can't talk on the phone and drive at the same time and you want them to talk on the phone, watch TV, browse the Web and plug in a microwave to enjoy popcorn on the ride home? Rather than more and better outlets, it's more likely you will be seeing more hands-free operation to get motorists back doing what they should _ having both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.

Q. I'm a college student with a research paper I seem to getting no where with. Its about the Automobile industry. Its on Imported cars Vs Domestic cars. Thier plus's and minus's. Its an informative paper to inform people which is sort of better my popular views. But I have check on the web, books but not getting any real important help, Do you know of any special place to get help?

_M.W., Chicago

A. Yes! Run down to the university registrar and ask _ no, demand _ to be enrolled in an English class.

X X X

(Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 135, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1523, or send e-mail, including name and hometown, to jmateja(AT)tribune.com.)

X X X

(c) 2001, Chicago Tribune.

Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at http://www.chicago.tribune.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.

Jeep has a lot riding on 2002 Liberty.

Byline: Jim Mateja

CHICAGO _ The 2002 Liberty is the little Jeep that better.

It better help people forget the 18-year-old Jeep Cherokee it replaces, not to mention forget about the rivals in the compact sport-utility segment, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape.

Initially, Liberty was to be a companion for the aged and boxy Cherokee. But then as a cost-cutting measure DaimlerChrysler opted to drop Cherokee and go with only Liberty.

Can't say that we'll miss the Cherokee moniker. For years consumers had difficulty distinguishing Cherokee from the larger and more expensive Grand Cherokee.

"There was confusion," said Rick Kukucka, Liberty product planner. "People would say Cherokee when referring to either Cherokee or Grand Cherokee and that's one reason for the name change."

To avoid confusion between Liberty and Grand Cherokee, Liberty styling leans toward that of the even littler Wrangler, sharing the same round headlamps flanking what D/C refers to as its "trademark" seven-slot Jeep grille.

Liberty is built on a 3-inch-longer wheelbase than the old Cherokee to improve ride and a 2-inch-wider track to improve handling. And Liberty is 2 inches wider upfront, 3 inches wider in the rear to provide a more comfortable cabin.

Yet, Liberty is 2 inches shorter than Cherokee, inches saved in the engine compartment because a V-6 replaces the inline 6.

Liberty is offered as a base Sport with gray plastic bumpers or top-of-the-line Limited with body-colored plastic bumpers. You have the choice of two- or four-wheel-drive. D/C expects 70 percent will opt for 4WD.

We tested the Limited 4x4 that comes with a transfer-case lever to engage four-wheel high or low. D/C emphasizes that RAV4 and CR-V are basically station wagons with 4WD added so they aren't meant for off-roading riskier than pulling onto the shoulder to get to your mailbox. Liberty, D/C insists, is an on-road or off-road machine.

There's a choice of a 3.7-liter, 210-horsepower V-6 derived from D/C's 4.7-liter V-8, and a 2.4-liter, 150-h.p. 4-cylinder, same offered in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Initially, however, only the V-6 is available and only with automatic. A 5-speed manual will be added in the fall, accompanied by the 4-cylinder.

D/C offers a 2.5-liter, 140-h.p., diesel 4-cylinder, but only for export because, Kukucka said, diesel fuel in the United States isn't as clean as that in Europe and to burn U.S. diesel would mean changing engine calibrations that would offset mileage gains.

"Even when we test the vehicle here, we import diesel fuel from Europe," Kukucka said.

The United States will get around to cleaner-burning diesel in `06-`07, Kukucka said, and maybe then a high-mileage diesel would be added here.

Fuel economy is a Liberty shortcoming. Small SUVs are supposed to be an alternative to gas-gulping big SUVs. The Liberty V-6 is rated at a disappointing 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. with automatic; the 4-cylinder with manual is rated at 19/23. Kukucka said the larger dimensions along with the weight added to come up with a more rigid body to reduce noise, vibration and harshness increased pounds that kept mileage down.

While keeping noise, vibration and harshness down, you'll find ride and handling more along the lines of a firm Ford Escape than the softer, carlike RAV4 or CR-V.

Liberty has an independent front suspension whereas Cherokee had a solid axle. The independent front suspension was designed to soften ride on the road while giving Liberty up to 8 inches of suspension travel to track over bumps more easily when off-roading.

"Car-based SUVs are fine for the road, but can't hack it off-road since most don't allow 8 inches of suspension travel. Liberty is a dual-purpose SUV for on- or off-road," Kukucka said.

Liberty also has 16-inch all-season radials as standard; Cherokee came with 15-inch only. You can upgrade to a wider-profile radial for better road handling as well as a wider footprint for off-road grip.

How many will take Liberty off-road? Maybe a handful, but D/C wanted bragging rights.

When it came to design, interior and exterior stylists sat next to each other in the Liberty studios for the first time, rather than the common practice of them being separated by at least one floor, Kukucka said.

So, the rounded head and taillamps theme is carried inside to the rounded air ducts in the dash and rounded satin-finished chrome release handles on the doors. Minor point, but it looks good.

Noteworthy items include second-row seats whose bottoms slide forward and backs fold down in one motion after pulling the lever, rather than flip-and-fold second-row seats common in many SUVs. One drawback to the one-motion slide and fold is that the seat back cushions don't lie flat so you have to put up with an incline when hauling cargo.

You'll also find an ample numbers of cupholders (built into the doors for rear-seat occupants) as well as coat hangers built into the ceiling grab handles; water-tight fog lamps; rear side windows that motor all the way into the doors; map pouches in the backs of the front seats; and plastic grocery bag holders built into the backs of the second-row seats.

You can open the rear window on its own or open it together with the door to load or unload cargo. The full-size spare is mounted on the rear door. You have a choice of dealer-installed soft or hard plastic spare-tire covers.

Couple of gripes. Power steering takes too much effort, making the simple task of turning and parking more of a chore than it should be. Also, there's massive headroom front and rear, but very narrow rear-door openings so you will rub against the rear wheelwell moldings when you get in or out. And to capitalize on the added cabin width, D/C moved power-window buttons off the door armrests and onto the center console, where they take some getting used to.

DaimlerChrysler plans to build 200,000 compact Liberty SUVs annually, 160,000 for the United States and the rest for export. Just wishful thinking, but take a long, hard look at the Liberty profile and imagine replacing the rear cabin or maybe part of it with a pickup bed for a niche entry to vie with some car/truck, SUV/truck hybrids coming to market.

Base price of the 4WD Limited we tested is $22,720.

Standard equipment includes dual, depowered air bags; air conditioning; power windows/door locks; power, foldaway mirrors; AM/FM radio with CD player; tilt steering column; power outlets front and rear; rear-window wiper/washer/defroster; cruise control; front and rear floor mats; roof rack; fog lamps; and remote keyless entry.

The option package that brings leather seats, tinted glass, power driver/passenger seats, power heated mirrors, steering-wheel audio controls and a variety of dress-up items runs $2,945.

But you can be comfortable with just anti-lock brakes at $600, air curtains at $390 for front and rear occupant protection in a side collision and power sunroof at $700.

x x x

2002 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD

Wheelbase: 104.3 inches

Length: 174.4 inches

Engine: 3.7-liter, 210-h.p. V-6

Transmission: 4-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 16 m.p.g. city/20 m.p.g. highway

Base price: $22,720

Price as tested: $27,280. Includes $2,945 for preferred package with leather seats (power driver/passenger), AM/FM with cassette/CD player/steering-wheel controls, tinted glass, trip computer, garage-door opener and power heated foldaway mirrors; $245 for towing group with trailer hitch and wiring adapter; $520 for off-road group with locking differential, 16-inch all-terrain tires, skid plate shields for fuel tank/transfer case, tow hooks and heavy-duty engine cooling; $600 for ABS; and $250 for heated front seats. Add $585 for freight.

Pluses: Welcome relief from the aged and boxy Cherokee it replaces. Longer wheelbase, wider tracking and more width than Cherokee for better ride and handling as well as added cabin room. Optional side-curtain air bags.

Minuses: Big SUV mileage in small SUV package. The 2.4-liter 4 gets 19/23 but won't be offered until fall and only with manual.

x x x

Q. About a month ago I bought a new Dodge Grand Caravan for my wife. We had looked at the Honda Odyssey and really wanted the Odyssey, but the monthly payment would have been around $400 so we got the Caravan at around $280 per month, which I thought was pretty good.

The salesman drove the car to my house after the sale and I followed. Once home I noticed some problems with the van _ no luggage rack, no floor mats and no heat. I told the salesman to drive the van back to the dealer because I wasn't taking it.

The dealer called to say he had fixed the heat and added mats for free, but I said no, I wanted a luggage rack. He called back to say he had a van with a luggage rack in stock but with a light interior.

Everything then seemed fine but after a week the check-engine light went on the new van with the light interior. After several days the dealer fixed the light, but I told the dealer I didn't want the van back. The dealer said I had to take the van back and return the loaner.

My questions are: Do you think my wife will get a new van? Do I deserve an upgrade? Do I make payments? Can I get my money back and get another van?

_M.H., Chicago

A. Will the wife get a new van? Not unless she buys another one. Do you deserve an upgrade? Not unless you are willing to pay for one. Do you make payments? Absolutely. You bought the van, you make payments or the dealer will sue you for nonpayment or repossess the van and you will have lost all the money you put into it.

Can you get your money back and get another van? Money back for what? You wanted a Honda Odyssey and didn't get one and now you are looking for every way you can to get out of the Dodge and into the Odyssey _ including, your letter says, filing a claim under the Illinois Lemon Law.

The lemon law requires that if there is a problem, the dealer and/or manufacturer are obligated to make a fix or repair and if they can't, then you qualify for a claim. But the dealer fixed the problems, threw in a set of floor mats, and then threw in another van with the luggage rack you wanted in the first place.

You bought a van. And how could you have bought a van not noticing it didn't have a luggage rack and carpets, which are fairly visible items, or have heat, which would have become obvious had you test-driven it before buying?

Q. I feel your saying the BMW Z3 coupe is "ugly" is somewhat unfair. Give credit to BMW for trying something different. Even the Z3 roadster has begun to blend into the landscape with all the other ragtop two-seaters. When I see a Z3 coupe, I turn to look because I'm seeing something different that looks fast, and recalls an earlier day when cars looked different from each other. Also, the fastback has an advantage in utility (holding golf bags, luggage) over the roadster. If I were in the market for a car in this segment (which, unfortunately, I'm not), the Z3 coupe would be high on my list, but the Z3 roadster would never make the cut.

_J.B., Watertown, Conn.

A. Somewhat unfair? OK, the Z3 coupe is only somewhat ugly. Feel better?

Q. Has there been any discussion among car and aftermarket electronics equipment manufacturers to come up with a new, smaller, 12-volt receptacle in cars to plug phones into rather than using the cigarette lighter? Something like the phone jack in your home would take less space, allow multiple ports and provide a better electrical contact than the bulky and loose-fitting cigarette-lighter outlet. I constantly have to wiggle the lighter plug to get a good electrical connection. There ought to be a better design.

_R.P, Chicago

A. Multiple ports? Most folks on the road can't talk on the phone and drive at the same time and you want them to talk on the phone, watch TV, browse the Web and plug in a microwave to enjoy popcorn on the ride home? Rather than more and better outlets, it's more likely you will be seeing more hands-free operation to get motorists back doing what they should _ having both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road.

Q. I'm a college student with a research paper I seem to getting no where with. Its about the Automobile industry. Its on Imported cars Vs Domestic cars. Thier plus's and minus's. Its an informative paper to inform people which is sort of better my popular views. But I have check on the web, books but not getting any real important help, Do you know of any special place to get help?

_M.W., Chicago

A. Yes! Run down to the university registrar and ask _ no, demand _ to be enrolled in an English class.

X X X

(Send questions about cars and trucks to Jim Mateja, Chicago Tribune, 700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 135, Vernon Hills, IL 60061-1523, or send e-mail, including name and hometown, to jmateja(AT)tribune.com.)

X X X

(c) 2001, Chicago Tribune.

Visit the Chicago Tribune on the Internet at http://www.chicago.tribune.com/

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.