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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  Happy w/ Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob - September 8 - 8:33 pm

  Except for squeaky rear brakes at startup for about a week, our 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD has operated fine. We get 24-25 mpg, regardless of speed, which I guess is due to the fact that the difference between 70 and 80 mph is about 3500 rpm. This Jeep pulls our 17 ft boat better than our V-8 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited did. Both vehicles are 4WD, but the Libertys torque is more useful for towing, as it is in the lower rpms. Time will tell if the Liberty proves more reliable than the 1999 Grand Cherokee, which constantly wore out brakes and wore out its transmission at 80,000 miles. The Liberty is not nearly as stable in corners as the Grand Cherokee was, but it beats getting 16 mpg!

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  At least Daimler Benz is involved. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Imnochoirboy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first domestic auto Ive ever owned, and after 9 months Im still happy. Its only the second year for the Liberty, and unfortunately theyre still working out the bugs. Something behind my passenger airbag rattled until I made the dealership find it. Jeep service is pathetic, and will call all noises and rattles "normal." But it is a solid vehicle. I was surprised how well designed and built it was. Other than the pathetic gas milage (16mpg for a V6???), the Jeep is great.

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  Good value, good off-road qualities - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Garland Courts - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Liberty is fun to drive, stylish exterior, great engine layout and can go anywhere with a family. Great value for the price.

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  DONT EVER BUY ONE!!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By kandi wollenzein - September 7 - 5:42 am

  i bought this car for my son it seemed to be perfect but once i got it off the dealer it started going down hill quickly. first it was the gas cap ok no problem than not more than a month the water pump went out now wait for this....... brakes, battery, window repairs, re wiring the whole car, brake lights new tires and having to replace engine that only had 137,000 on it! replace the engine and two weeks later we find out the car came out of the factory bad!!! this new engine is already giving us problems!! stalls and dies and it takes two to three times to get it started again!! this is unacceptable!!! so for the love of god do not purchase a 2007 jeep liberty sport!! now i have to pay 150.00 a month for an extended warranty so my son is safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Diesel version good, too many problems - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD - September 7 - 3:06 am

  Every month there has been a recall on some part with the Liberty CRD. The accesory Plugs pop a fuse at the slightest amount of draw. Electronics lighting went haywire after towing a trailer. Great solid body for taking offroad; however needs severe improvement in the electronics and power supplies. Dont recommend if you plan to use accessory plugs with anything bigger than a cellphone. Wiring for towing also seems poorly insulated and subject to shorts.

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  Look before you leap. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - September 4 - 1:03 pm

  This was my first American-made auto purchase in many years. Decided to go for an SUV and spent many weeks walking dealer lots, test driving, and reading reviews. Finally went for the Jeep, based on price comparison, features available, and overall ride. Goes without saying that you never know your ride until youve ridden awhile. True in this case. Some nice bells and whistles. But for a guy with long legs, the drivers side compartment seems small. Gas mileage is awful. Cant say much for the power available when you push the pedal. Having said that, Im still pleased with my purchase. Certainly has the WOW! factor. Great feel for the road.

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  2003 Jeep Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By maxum255 - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This Liberty is a nice little truck. It has a great 210 HP V6 engine with good acceleration, a nice design, and a good ride for a truck. Ive been to the dealer once with a "transmission problem", but it was fixed and it runs great now.

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  Reasonable vehicle for reasonable price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Chocrame - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have done a lot of highway driving in my Liberty and it has performed pretty well--the Check engine light has come on several times and it difficult to get to stay off. Gas mileage isnt the best. Front seats are quite comfortable however the back seat is quite uncomfortable and crammed. I like having the spare tire so convenient. These Jeeps work great on bumpy roads although the ride is a little rough and noisy. Even in 4wheel high, my warning is not to drive it on the highway in any slippery road conditions. I have gone off the road a few times on the ice at . Thank God the vehicle never has rolled over!Over all its a cute little guy but do not expect to get out of a muddy ditch!

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  Another love my Jeep person - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By cometdog - August 29 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had my Jeep for 8 months, and love it! The rack and pinion steering and the power are fun. The suspension rules, for an on or off road vehicle (done both). This is the first vehicle Ive owned that cheers me up to drive after a rotten day at work. So far no mechanical bugs, I would recommend the Liberty to anyone considering a "cute ute". Its not a soccer mom thing, and the name Sport is appropriate

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  Great for Parking.....terrible ride! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gypsy532 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the design of the Liberty...its great to park and drive around town. I find that its a bumpy ride and the drivers seat cuts off my leg circulation! The gas mileage is terrible and I find it very disappointing! Wish I had my 4Runner back! Its also very noisy when driving on the interstate....noise around the windshield and wiperblades bounce. The transmission is real jerky...when you put it into drive. Also not enough cargo space...when I put my stroller in nothing else can go!