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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  Best SUV to own - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joseph - November 3 - 9:16 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a wonderful SUV to dirve. Have not had to do anything but routine maintenance. Have had no trouble with the vehicle at all. I ready to buy another so my lucky son will have his mountain goat to get him to the slopes.

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  Bad tranny - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike B - November 2 - 8:23 pm

  I maintained my Liberty as per manufacturer specs (ALL services were performed), yet at 101,000 miles the transmission went out. It failed to shift back into first gear, and would stick between 2nd - 3rd. This is the automatic transmission. $2850 to get it rebuilt. transmission shop says "Chryslers are known for weak transmissions, especially in their vans". Never had a problem like this with Hondas/Toyotas (I keep them to 200,000 miles). I think this will be my last American car.

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  1 big disappointment, sky slider roof - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By PT - October 31 - 10:40 am

  When I first seen my liberty on the lot, I had to have it. I loved the looks. Even though it was totally loaded, it didnt need to be. I just wanted the style, so I got it. One of the many features was the sky slider roof. I wasnt interested in the roof style, but it came with the car. What they didnt bother telling me at the dealership is that when you travel at a faster speed limit, like 70-75 on the turnpike or I-95 the roof leaks air so loud you cant hear the radio or hear yourself or anyone talking! Sometimes its not as loud but is still irritating. Not looking forward to a long driving trip with my new Jeep!

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  Cute Ute? are you CRAZY? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kjmike - October 30 - 2:00 am

  So far, I have found the Liberty to be an EXCELLENT vehicle because of its overall build quality, terrific handling, and solid JEEP like feel.

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  Think twice about buying Jeep Liberty Diesel. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By antijeepster - October 29 - 12:46 pm

  Bought a 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD with 31,000 miles on it, two years ago. Since I bought it, I have had nothing but problems. Have had to replace the water/fuel seperator twice and the alternator once. Turbo blew at 49,000 miles and again at 80,000. Have had all the work done at the Jeep dealership I brought it from. After the second turbo was replaced had to bring it back twice to get hoses inside the turbo replaced. That was another $1000 on top of the cost of the turbo ($5,500) each time. Three weeks after I got it back from the dealer the motor blew. Chrysler and Dealership are blaming one another and refusing to help. If you are looking for reliablity and value, look elsewhere.

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  2002 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By tom nevins - October 27 - 1:06 pm

  The Liberty is a lot of fun to drive and is a rock solid vehicle. Very quiet at highway speed and a smooth ride. The handling is responsive but could use a little more get up and go when you hit the gas to pass someone ... probably because its a heavy vehicle. Interior is well thought out, practical and finished nicely.

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  First Time Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jimS from PGH - October 23 - 4:56 pm

  It is definitely a different experience. After owning a Plymouth Laser and 2 Dodge Intrepids in the last 14 years, it has taken some time to get used to my Jeep. I do love sitting up higher and dont have to worry about bottoming out (plenty of ground clearance). Overall build, function and finish of the vehicle is solid.

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  my jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By onenottaken - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I was pleasently suprised with all aspects of my Jeep Liberty.After testing several entry SUVs my Wife And I were unanimous in our decision to purcase it.It has an eye catching design, comfortable and roomy interior, and handles very well. From the interstate to the red clay back roads of Georgia , it has been a great vehicle.

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  Not my first choice...but ok - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By rpsims82 - October 19 - 3:49 am

  We got a good deal on it, first off. Bought it new with only 29 miles on it, and $5k less than book. Good running vehicle, but its gutless, really. The 4x4 and traction control system are amazing! Ive never had a vehicle with such an awesome system.....when they work. Weve got 40k miles on it, and the transfer case control module has issues. The steering rack sprung a leak, rear tire pressure sensor went out causing everything to shut down. Couldnt use 4x4 with that out, and the rear hatch light comes on with the dome light at times. Rides like a rock, but turns on a dime. There is only a few inches of suspention travel, so dont get too crazy off road becuase it is not forgiving

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  All my window regulators have failed .. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By reggio - October 13 - 11:06 am

  I purchased the diesel model to get better mileage, am happy with the vehicle with the exception of the window mechanism. Each window regulator has failed at least once and had been replaced while still under warranty. The driver side rear modulator has been replaced twice and now failed for the 3rd time (now no longer under warranty). This is crazy, these regulators are way overdue for a recall, shame on you Jeep! This is my third jeep in in the last 10 years, and probably my last.