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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  Should Have Done it Sooner! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry Clifton - August 8 - 1:13 pm

  I had a Suburban that had close to 200k. I had been looking for something smaller, yet could tow 3000 lbs. I was really not considering Jeep. I went to the dealer on a whim and was pleasantly surprised by the Liberty. I have towed 3500 with it so far, and it is smoother that the Suburban! It will seat five average perosns comfortably.

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  LEMON - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bob - August 7 - 3:16 pm

  17.75 MPG in 2wd. No willing or capable dealer service in Alaska. EGR problems that have to occur 3 times before lemon law kicks in. Lousy expensive tech manual. High beams light the ditch but not the road. Too many computers and idiot lights enforcing a relationship with greedy dishonest dealers. NO help from Jeep Daimler Chrysler Dodge. All brands I wont buy again. As lousy as this thing is under warranty and as lousy as dealer service is I wont be able to afford to own the fixing on this thing post warranty and Im locked out of tuning it through the computers anyway. This is not transportation.

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  Worth the Money! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  It seems like a lot of people who write reviews on the Jeep Liberty do nothing but complain- about the ride, about the poor gas mileage. It will never be confused with a BMW or Mercedes SUV, but neither of those vehicles will ever perform the double duty of driving to a concert on Friday night and then hitting the trail on the weekend. That is where the Jeep Liberty excels- being a little bit of everything. Sure, the interior is plastic, the seats are rock hard and the 3.7l six cylinder engine is sluggish and a gas guzzler. But, the Liberty looks stylish enough to be an "adult" vehicle and provides enough performance to get you to any destination your heart desires.

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  05 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By caz_mn - August 2 - 11:46 am

  Excellent vehicle. I like the size, maneuverability over other slightly larger SUVs (Envoy, Explorer) and I think the engine is a good match for the vehicle. In the Jeep forum the 4-speed auto tranny is beat up some, but I think it does a good job. It shifts quickly, and is fairly smart. You can confuse it, but that seems to be true for most autos Ive driven lately. The interior is well put together and looks very high end. The seats are on the very firm side, but I like that.

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  Glad we bought it, love the Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  Three recalls but normal for a new model. Now have over 40,000 miles and no problems at all with it. Fuel consumption is good for the amount of power (16-22) and handles really well in snow. Comfortable for driver and front seat, rear a little tight for large passengers. Watch out for dealers servicing, 3 of them have tried to rip us off on regular maintenance service.

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  The best vehicle I have ever purchased - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By dealer7 - July 26 - 2:24 pm

  Being 55 years old I have purchased many, many vehicles the Jeep Liberty is by far the best most logical I have ever purchased. The MPG is alot better than advertised, the ride is alot smoother than I expected ,the exterior and interior styling is great. This Jeep is built to last it will most likely last me the rest of my life. I test drove every mid size SUV on the market and found that no other manufacturer comes close to the Jeep Liberty. I let some friends take it for a trip they loved it and are now in the market for one. The Liberty was a great surprise and I am very happy I bought one.

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  Best Secret on the Road - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - July 26 - 6:26 am

  If you need an SUV that can handle rough roads and give you a smooth ride there is no questions this is the best. I test drove every other SUV in this size range and above and kept coming back to the Liberty. I own one and have just ordered a second. It is great on the highway, tight cornering in the city and just tackles the rough roads like nobodys business. Ive had my first one through 7, count em, 7 hurricanes in Florida. Deep flooded areas. Into the Everglades, down to the beach. Great to drive, no let me correct that FUN to drive. Ive got over 120,000 miles and just getting another before they change the body style.

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  Liberty is a good all rounder - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - July 25 - 6:20 am

  We bought this Jeep when it was a year old with under 20,000 on the clock. We initially had problems where the speedometer stopped working; this was fixed under warranty after the 3rd attempt. Since then the Jeep has been very reliable and is now approaching 40,000 miles. Its been excellent in the winter with the snow and is a true SUV. The engine is smooth and quiet and its nice to drive on long trips. My major complaint is the gas mileage is poor. If Toyota/Lexus can manage to produce excellent mileage from the Highlander/RX330 from a 6 cylinder engine then surely Jeep could improve in this area!

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  So Disappointed - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By rhondajones - July 20 - 5:50 pm

  I traded my 2004 Jeep Cherokee for my new 2010 Jeep Liberty hoping for better gas mileage. The back hatch sensor has been replaced, the hood sensor has been replaced which caused the remote car start to fail. And now at 42,000 miles my heat and a/c is stuck on defrost even when the a/c and heat is completely shut off. The "auto" light position on the headlights is broke now (after warranty is up of course) and the dash reads "Low Spare Tire" which Ive had checked numerous times and the spare is not low. So that sensor is faulty. Im told the computer software needs to be updated, but cant afford to take into a dealer.

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  where do we start? - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pacdltpa - July 19 - 1:41 am

  electrical problems, rear passenger window fell down inside door by itself, a.c. system replaced, valve cover gaskets replaced, head lamp flashes on and off by itself, battery died (twice),radiator failed, lower coolant hose failed, hydraulic lift supports for both hood and rear window failed , radio volume control does not work, recall for front suspension bushings replaced, recall (now) for dangerous gas tank must take to dealer to install tow hitch to protect gas tank, 92,000 miles young. most of this has taken place in the four years we have owned the vehicle. bought it with 38,000 miles. the larger problems have been address in th elast 6 months.gas mileage ridiculous.