X2. when you ask for an opinion, you're leaving yourself wide open. otherwise you would have to ask, "what do people who ONLY like libertys, think of libertys?"

btw, being a dude, i would drive a liberty before an escape, only because i'm partial to jeeps...just my opinion.

 

Here are a couple threads comparing the two vehicles fwiw. Best bet is probably to test drive both and thoroughly research the decision. Don't let idiots like myself posting smartass remarks sway your opinion

http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=137784

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r265...s.-Ford-Escape

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...Number=2388950

 

See! I'm proud! That was a much more useful post!


I came really close to buying a Mercury Mariner once. They seem really nice and look to be a bit nicer quality compared to the Escape. Tho, the last time I looked at them was around 2008.

 

I've owned a 2004 Liberty since January of '04.

Anyone who says you can't wheel them is just wrong. Check out LOST KJ's forum. Admittedly, they are modified, but with a 3" lift 31" tires, rock rails, skids, winch, lockers, etc, etc, I have run many trails at Moab rated in the 7 range and many of the other club members run 8's, but they are less concerned about body damage than I am.

A group of us were on Jenny Creek, here in Colorado, a couple of summers ago, and passed a group of TJ's, who were amazed that we were there.

The IFS, and D30a can be tricky. Have to be careful about being on the gas when the tires make contact again, but as long as you're careful, they are pretty durable.

I don't know much about the KK's though.

Just mt 2 cents.

 

My parents have owned three Mazda Tributes (Mazda Tribute = Ford Escape = Mercury Mariner) and absolutely loved them. 4-banger 5 speeds. They have gotten between 28-31 on the highway and the first had 141000 trouble free miles on it when it was totaled. (She's totaled two of them, the second was a rollover. They're pretty goddamn safe, too.)

 

Why don't you just wait for the new Liberty !?!? The 2014 !? Oh wait......