Overview & Reviews

Sold from 2002-'12, the Jeep Liberty was the successor to one of America's original compact SUVs, the Cherokee (which returned in 2014). True to its tough, capable Jeep lineage, the Liberty has considerable off-road capability, thanks to steep approach and departure angles and exceptional suspension travel and articulation. The Liberty was also rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds, a robust figure for its class. These are qualities not found in most other small utility vehicles from this time period, which saw the rise of crossover SUVs optimized for the suburban lifestyle.

Demerits for the Jeep Liberty include a weak engine lineup, with sluggish acceleration and dismal fuel economy from both the four-cylinder and V6 engines offered over the years (the first generation's briefly optional diesel engine is impressively fuel-efficient, however). Interior quality and comfort are also lacking, and by today's standards, the Liberty's general lack of refinement leaves much to be desired.

User Reviews:

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  unhappy sound check - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By j jacome - August 11 - 12:20 pm

  The Jeep is nice to ride. Its the radio that is the Bad one! I had to replace it 4 times; the first time was because the CDs got stuck and the other 3 times was because the units cut off/on with an explosive noise. i have called Chrysler and all the say is we are not responsible for this. and they will not upgrade unless I pay for it! It is a brand new car, I shouldnt have to be paying for upgrades in a radio that since the beginning was defective. Its a 2005 and it should be upgraded for the future.

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  Love my Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dennis Williams - August 9 - 1:10 pm

  I have owned 3 other jeeps in the passed 15 years. I rank this jeep as the best yet. I really enjoy driving this car and I was pleasantly surprised with the fuel economy. I average 22.8 mpg on the highway and 19.5 in town. The only thing that I would change about this car is the shocks. The ride is a little stiff for a top of the line vehicle and would be better served if they were not so stiff

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  First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Frank - August 7 - 7:13 pm

  Not bad, going on my 3rd year with it and still no problems. Lots of power, goes well in the snow. My next vehicle - will be another Jeep.

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  All American Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gregg Schoof - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  Initially, I had some doubts about an SUV, but the Jeep Liberty has convinced me otherwise. It is a very solid, reliable vehicle. Great in the snow. Nice seating position. Nice feature content. Needs a bit more refinement of materials and ergonomics on the inside. Hidden compartment in trunk area would be nice addition.

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  after a long line a jeeps, finally one. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim S - July 25 - 4:00 pm

  Generally, I love my jeep. Its my 3rd, having had a 1991 Cherokee and a 1995 Grand Cherokee. I was initially sold only because of the warranty and features (the previous 2 had a lot of problems). Now, Im really happy with it. It rides well off roads, is amazing in snow and mud, and drives reasonably on the road. Its been reliable, even compared to more "reliable" cars a few of my friends purchased at about the same time. The gas mileage seems to be about the same as my 5.2L V8 Grand Cherokee while being a good bit smaller. Also, the ground clearance is limited compared to my previous jeeps. which are my only complaints. Some complain about window controls, but Ive had BMWs-same place :)

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  Jury still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By JimWalker - July 24 - 9:06 pm

  I have submitted an earlier rating, "My Jury is still out". That was with 1000 miles. My main concern was MPG in my new Diesel, about 20. Its gotten worse after 3000 miles, 18. I am a very conservative driver with 80% of of my driving highway. I am returning the car to the dealer with instructions to check out the engine and transmission. In order to shift into the top gear I have to run the car up to 65 and then coast back to the desired speed. I spend more time watching the tach than the speedo. I hope the dealer can do something because I enjoy driving the car. The main reason for me purchasing the diesel was for the fuel economy.

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  Great Rebuild - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeper - July 24 - 1:56 pm

  This is a great SUV. I have had this for a little over a month and decided to get the SUV despite the gas prices because every time I started looking at another car I would always come back to this one. The gas mileage isnt really that bad, get about 18-19 on avg. This vehicle is so much fun to drive. Instead of dodging potholes, I am aiming for them because the tight suspension takes large potholes with ease. Very comfortable seats and love how much higher i sit. I really liked the old liberties too, but this one is so much improved from the last one. A must have!

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  Jeep Lib Ltd 02 -review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Nocky54 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent first year production vehicle. Very German in feeling, esp steering. Quick response times both turning and accelerating. Has more power accelerating than braking, but brakes are very good when used hard- if the need arises. Comfortable interior. Great for long trips and fine around windy local New England roads as well. Requires some effort to jump up and into seat, esp with a skirt on- optional running boards would probably help solve that.

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  Liberty not Liberating - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Schisler - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy this Jeep. It is THE most uncomfortable car I have EVER driven. It gulps gas. It has been back to the shop with transmission and engine problems twice. I chose the liberty over the escape for looks...shouldnt have been so shallow...I think the escape is a better ride.

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  Jeep to the core - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Countsparkula - July 21 - 8:43 pm

  I wasnt exactly sure what to expect from the Liberty, but from the moment I pulled it out of the lot on my test drive, I was impressed. This is a Jeep all the way! Nothing short of awesome. Although it does like to chug a little gas, the V6 is very responsive. This car is solid and extremely well built. Instantly you can tell it was made to be taken off road. Great interior design, great exterior style, couldnt be more fun to drive!