4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: 2002 Jeep Liberty 4X4 horrible in snow, damlier chrysler, jeep libertys

Question
About a month ago, I traded in a 1999 Dodge ram 4x4 pickup. It was great in snow, but was going through alot of gas. I told the salesman at the dealership I was looking for a vehicle that was good in snow, got better gas milage, and had air conditioning. On his recommendation, I got a 2002 Jeep Liberty. This vehicle has Mastercraft Courser AWT tires that appear to have an agressive tread pattern. This past weekend was the first time that there has been any snow on the road, and I was horrified at this vehicles performance.
When in 4X4, the truck tends to fishtail alot. IF I were to tap the gas pedal to straighten out of the fishtail, this vehicle spins like a top. The first time, I was going less than 20MPG, started to fishtail in 4x4, and tapped the gas to straighten out. I spun around 4 times and hit a curb. The second time, I was going 15 MPH in a grocery store parking lot and turned to go down a parking isle. Again, it spun around like a top, and almost hit a light post.
Is this level of performance standard for this model ? I expected ALOT more from something that says JEEP on it. The only way I can tell if the 4 weel drive is engaged is that it goes through gas faster, I really cant tell otherwise. Im really aprehensive to get behind the wheel of this accident waiting to happen. What do you suggest ?


Answer
Hi Marty and thanks for your question.  My suggestion to you would be to send a letter to the manufacturer with a copy to the dealer spelling out your conclusions.  I have no experience with either snow or Jeep Liberty as I live in Central Florida but you are entitled to satisfactory performance in a vehicle you purchase.  If this is a warranty fault the dealer should fix it.  If this is a design fault and is common in all Jeep Libertys this would be an engineering/design error by the Damlier/Chrysler Corporation and should either be corrected or you should have a vehicle that meets your reasonable needs.  If you feel that this is a serious problem and could effect other consumers I suggest you go to your local Better Business Bureau and explain the circumstances to them.  Getting a resolution out of a factory is a long, tedious and often unrewarding experience but one which should be pursued.  Please keep me informed as to your progress.  If you would like you may certainly print my answer and attach it to your letter to the dealer and factory.  I will be glad to help in any way I can.  Bud Ford