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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  JEEP CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By patentguy - July 21 - 1:30 am

  This Jeep has been outstanding. Great power and excellent mileage. Hard to beat in off-road ability. I needed a vehicle that was small enough to park easily, had good mileage, could tow and launch small boats, and was capable off-road. This vehicle gets high marks in all those categories. The diesel engine really outperforms any gas engine I have used in the past.

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  Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Brent - July 17 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned my Liberty since April of 2007 (used of course). Purchased with about 51,000 miles. The only complaints that I have about it is that the stock tires on it are terrible even when the ground is just slightly wet. It is very dangerous and I think Chrysler shouldnt and should never again sell any of their cars with these tires. Im having the tires replaced with Bridgestones, a much better tire than the Goodyears that come on it. In addition, when you are coming to a stop it is almost as if the car sputters or clunks Im not too sure how to describe it. Im thinking it is coming from the transmission and I hope this isnt going to turn into a problem. Overall a very stable vehicle.

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  Hawaiian4x4 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TommyA808 - July 17 - 6:53 am

  Im averaging almost 23MPG (sometimes over!) and am pleased with the engine power, quality of exterior & interior appointments. I HATE the power window buttons on the center front of the console compartment (almost like an afterthought); on the doors would be much better! At just over 14k with no problems and varied use, Im pleased with "Herbie". Nice style, comfortable ride & drive below 70MPH, steady & predictable in 4WD as expected from a Jeep. Yes, Id likely buy another one ... a CRD next time!

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  Windows Suck - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepmadness - July 16 - 12:49 pm

  I bought a used one with 10,000 miles. I immediatley started having trouble with the windows. I paid a $100 deductable six times to have this problem fixed, and it has never been fully resolved. My back drivers side window is now being held up this a suction cup purchased at harbor freight for 5.99. The 5.99 suction cup has served me much better then anyone at Jeff Wyler, Ft. Thomas. I have yet to be reimbursed from Chrysler for my previous expenses and Jeff Wyler wants to charge me $80 to look at the problem to see if it will be covered by the extended warranty now offered due to the problem. Every window part should be included for this car due to the inconvenience. Dont buy the 2006!

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  The good and the bad - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By dean8868 - July 13 - 4:26 am

  Bought in 2007 because we wanted a larger vehicle. Needed something to drive in the winter in case I got rid of my wrangler with 200,000 miles on it, and a rebuilt motor. Think we bought it because of four wheel drive and it looked nice. Gas mileage is decent. You will get pissed because it is not very comfortable (didnt expect my wrangler to be) this is because the seats are cheaply designed, and will stain if a rain drop comes through the window or youre drinking a bottled water. Good luck if you have kids. Until I wrote this review I didnt know that the power Windows were a problem. I had the back regulator replaced on the drivers side. This window was hardly ever used. Air con drain tube leak at shop now.

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  Stick with Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scott - July 11 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my black 2002 Jeep Liberty Limited only about 6 months ago. The SUV had around 78,000 miles on it, which worried me a bit. Im now up to 86,000 miles and havent had a problem! I absolutely love this truck, especially in the snow!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Sharon - July 11 - 12:40 am

  Front the day purchased there has been a problem with a vibration in the front end, tires have been rotated, replaced - still vibrates. Brakes had to be replaced in first month. Still have vibration. It gets maybe 16mpg on any type roads, country or highway. I would trade it in in a heart beat but the value dropped so fast even the dealer wont take it back for what we owe. The interior is very limited, less than my PT Cruiser had.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By PJChloe - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 6months and I love it!! Its a great "looker" and rides good too. More room inside than I thought at first. When I laid the seats down, I was able to fit a recliner in there. It has great pick up when pulling out into traffic and can turn on a dime.

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  Outstanding! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By curtpenn - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for almost 1 year and 14,000 miles now. Only been in the shop once soon after we got it to adjust a few things (rear windshield latch needed to be tightened). I got about 13-14 mpg until around 7,000 miles (in town driving). Now always get 17+ around town. Love the design, rock-solid feel, and nimble handling. I have 2 kids near driving age and will strongly consider getting a used one for them in a couple of years. Couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Great Concept - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Doctor - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Most of our driving is in the outskirts of a major city, so the restricted side view was hard to get used to. 16K plus in the last year, its a terrific vehicle to drive. Two long road trips, both very comfortable. Off road in the Virginia mountains- Excellent performance. Not challenged at all by National Forrest trails. Replace the standard 16 tires ASAP with lower profile/wider skins- DRAMATIC improvement in all on/off road driving characteristics and stability. Thinking of buying another in a couple of years.