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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  Everything is great except the engine - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By aftershock973 - December 13 - 9:56 am

  Ive had my Liberty Sport now for about 3 months. I was first drawn to its rugged good looks and 4x4 reputation. I have to say it the interior is extremely comfortable and the seats are very supportive. Acceleration from a stop is very good, but highway passing... forget it. The V6 feels so sluggish that you have to jam your foot on the gas pedal to get the transmission to downshift into 3rd gear. Everything on this Jeep is great, but they should have revamped the engine and transmission instead of using the version from the old Liberty.

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  Renegade Rocks - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By G Wilkins - December 12 - 2:00 am

  All I can really say is BUY IT. If you want a jeep and want good value for your money, This is the one.

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  Bad to the Bone - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick - December 10 - 10:10 pm

  Reminds me of the driving properties of my 1970 Triumph TR-250. This is an exciting car to drive, with more driver leg room then my previous Ford F-350 had. Manual four wheel drive shifts effortlessly. Able to achieve 22MPG with a new motor which I expect to improve after break in period.

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  Another Very Capable Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scorphitman - December 10 - 2:33 pm

  I purchased this Limited as a lease return. The vehicle has been a very reliable SUV. I had previously owned a classic Cherokee Limited. The Liberty makes the old Cherokee look like a hay wagon. A very comfortable ride and roomy interior. I am 63" and 250 lbs and dont feel pinched in the drivers seat. Ive put 40k+ miles on it in 2 years and it has never left me stranded on the roadside. Very good off-road performance on some nasty rocky trails in the Sierra. Pretty good in the snow. Driven it in 50 knot winds with rain and the part-time 4WD works just great. Instruments are straight forward without the "gimmicks" of the Japanese SUVs. Room enough in the back for my 100 lb. Golden Retriever.

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  Horrible design - who thunk this one up? - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By tcars1 - December 9 - 12:08 pm

  First I am 510" male and weight about 185 pounds, pretty average. We have this SUV as a rental for 1 week, it had 4980 miles on it and now has about 5200 miles. It is a 2011 and I am still stuck with it for 3 more days. Never again. Sit back as I tell you every reason not to buy this car. Opening the door and you are greeted with 1980s push button door handles. Uncomfortable to use, ugly, large and seem to be completely made of plastic. Sitting in the car and you are instantly ingested in plastic. Everything is plastic. There is no upper dashboard and the windshield is about 2 feet from your face. There is almost no were to put anything in the car. We found the seats hard to adjust and

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  Jeep Specifics - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JBemery - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 ltd is quite masterful on sloppy roadways (mud, snow, rocks, debris in general) HOWEVER.. I would recommend purchasing and utilizing the "Full-Time" 4WD option in any rainy conditions. I have found the notable weight and high center-of-gravity can easily cause a slide on curves at "reasonable" speeds when in 2WD mode. My only other issue was at around 1800 miles a speed sensor fried and intermittently would totally screw up the transmissions functioning. This took 3 trips to a dealership and the involvement of a Chrysler Tech.(via phone) out of Mich. to run down the proper diagnostics. Everything’s been cool since the new sensor though.

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  Fun & Reliable Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Trafdlo - November 29 - 4:53 am

  I loved the retro Liberty style and bought it in spite of my fears about Jeeps "not so good" reliability record. I have been pleasantly surprised. The interior and exterior designs are unique and done exceptionally well. Ive owned sports cars mostly so comfort and handling is exactly where I want it. Reliability has been the real surprise. Ive replace the ignition key cylinder and thats been the only issue; really minor based on what other vehicles have. I have been completely satisfied and will probably purchase another one next year.

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  Rear window regulators - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Adrienne - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep new. Although I love it overall, the rear window regulators are a pain. Mine have broken 3 times. I finally took off the door cover and propped up the window with a 1x1 stick. I operate on the theory, no one sits back there in my car. My brother has the same model and his broke. My nephew also has a Jeep and his broke. If they are not going to do a recall. they could at least make the part available. They dont. That makes you hostage to the dealer. I can buy the motor, but not the regulator.

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  Brakes N Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By hawaiiansnikers - November 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Jeep with 17,000 miles. At about 21,000 I had to replace the drivers side brakes. Two months later I had to replace the other side. My window broke when I was driving cross county. OMG the stains on the seats, simply from water?! The worst car I ever owned. I am happy I sold it last week.

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  Hate It - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Hate It - November 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Jeep and because of all the headaches of this one, I cant say I ever want to buy another one again! The gears give me problems, the clock is constantly losing time (although its been repaired), the drivers floor vents are directed at the wall and not at my feet, and the list goes on! Im now dealing with Corporate to get the car off my hands because I absolutely hate it!