My wife and I have owned two Liberty's; A 2003 and currently a 2007. Mileage has been pretty much as predicted. The 2003 did get between 21-22 consistently on the highway. We've not taken the '07 on the road yet. Local mileage is consistently between 17-18.
I cannot speak about the '02 models, but there have been a couple noticeable changes between the '03 and '07, both positive. The first is in the driver seat position. The '03 seemed to lift the driver forward as if you were canted toward the windshield. The '07 position is an appropriate, comfortable position. Second, regards the transmission. The '03 didn't know what gear it wanted to stay in at around the town speeds. Not so with the '07. The transmissions on both models shift smoothly and strong. The engine has more than enough power for probably any circumstance. Merging into traffic is a breeze. Rolling at far above the posted limit would not be an issue. Torque is plentiful.
No complaints with anything else. Both Liberty's were/are nice vehicles. The '03 was traded for the '07 because we had the chance to upgrade to a newer model with 0 % financing. We know that the mother of a mechanic at the dealer bought the '03. We see him at service intervals and he reports that his mom enjoys the '03 and has had no problems.
Last summer we considered purchasing a small camper. We learned that the Liberty with the 3.7 and auto trans has a higher towing capacity than our Ranger 4X4 or Explorer, both with 4.0's and auto trans.
