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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  the best suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By christian cuesta - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I have driven all suvs. I use to own a valet company and i have tested all the cars you can think of. For the price range the liberty takes the prize. The only vehicle in its class that can get close to it when it comes to ride and handling would be the x5. At a greater price. I love that car and when its time to get a new car ill buy another Liberty. I own four cars a 4x4 f150 1999 a Extera 04 a van and my jeep. And i will always treasure my Jeep. Great job these guys did a great job!

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  WISH IT HAD A BIGGER MOTOR - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By KILEY - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY LIKE THE JEEP LIBERTY THAT I BOUGHT. I HAVE THE FREEDOM EDITION AND MAN IT LOOKS SHARP. I LIKE THE 17" TIRES AND RIMS, LOVE THE HALF CLOTH AND LEATHER FEATURE. THE ONLY DRAW BACK IS THAT I STEPPED OUT OF A 5.7 LITER V8 CHEVY INTO A 3.7 LITER V6 AND MAN DO I MISS THE POWER WHEN IT COMES TO PASSING PEOPLE AT 70 PLUS MILES PER HOUR. BUT HEY I DID HEAR A RUMOR THAT THEY PLAN ON BUILDING A NEWER MODEL WITH A 2 DOOR BODY AND A BIGGER ENGINE. ITS THATS TRUE I MAY HAVE TO UPGRADE FOR THAT ONE. I WOULD BUY THIS ONE IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A SPORTY BUT PRACTICAL SPORT UTILITY... ENJOY YOURS LIKE I HAVE..

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  Dont Think Twice - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad - May 23 - 11:13 pm

  I have owned Jeeps for years - the CRD is #4. I traded in my 02 Grand Cherokee V8 (even though I loved it) because of poor gas mileage. I was reluctant to get a Liberty when they came out because I thought I needed more space, and the 3.7L didnt get that much worse mileage than a V8 anyway. Ive only put 1,000 miles on the CRD, but so far Im in love with it. Its efficient, has a cool rumble because of the diesel, the build quality is great, and the Limited 28G package makes it feel like a Lexus inside. Jeep really did it right.

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  4WD, Necessary? - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Southpaw - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a review of a 2002 Liberty Sport 4wd, automatic. The car has gusto, powerful engine. The ride is bumpy and uncomfortable on long hauls. Just drove from NY to Florida and got body aches to prove it. The gas milage is poor at best. The rear seats dont fold flat which I didnt think would be a big deal...until I had the thing fully loaded, at that point I was very annoyed with the difficulty of loading the rear on an angle. This Jeep is about utility, it was great in the NY snow storms of this past winter and it does have plenty of room to make the rounds at the local stores and trips to Home Depot. In a word a utilitarian SUV.

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  A bit disillusioned with gas mileage - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jfzdad - May 21 - 1:50 am

  Ow, I came from a Nissan Altima with a 4 cylinder, 5 speed, 155 hp, getting about 30 MPG around town. At 2,200 miles, and no different driving, getting about 15 with this unit. I am looking forward to doing some off-roading in Moab, if I can afford to leave the city driving this. Additionally, 2 recalls since I purchased 7 weeks ago.

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  Great Jeep, Trail Rated is everything! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Quatumron - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Sahara, wanted more comfort. And I recieved it, with the knowledge I could go where my Sahara preformed, and it did very well. Best move this year. Had sports cars but the road is your domain, this you can go almost anywhere. Love to ride in style and go off road as well in style. Best of both worlds. You can not lose with this small SUV.

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  Great Little SUV - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Sparky - May 15 - 4:03 am

  Excellent purchase - nice styling, fun to drive. Liked it when first came out. Gas mileage could be better. Dependability is yet to be tested, only have 1000 miles on it.

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  Finally back in the SUV saddle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lazybear - May 9 - 7:30 pm

  Ive had my Renegade for about 2 weeks now and couldnt be happier! My Liberty drives like a tank and I love it. Ive always been an SUV girl at heart, first car was a Blazer Tahoe. Ive been a sedan driver for the past 10 years and felt it was time to go back to an SUV. Having this truck makes me glad I did!

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JMBNY - May 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for 3 weeks. I love the car. The power is good and it handle very well during a snow blizzard. Also the wierdest thing happen to me today. I was in park waiting for someone and the car stalled on me.

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  Great buy even for a big guy - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jkain - May 6 - 6:10 pm

  In a sea of poor decisions I make a good one. Best thing Ive done. Rides great, has power, very nimble and great for any necessary off-roading that may come up. Not to mention Im saving over a hundred bucks a month. I have a small family and it works for them too. Very stylish interior and the chrome accents really round of the exterior. Jeep had me at honk-honk