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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  Home Run - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Porter - April 4 - 3:26 am

  Jeep hit a home run with the redesign of the Liberty. This is my 4th Jeep (99 Cherokee, 04 Liberty, 07 Wrangler Unlimited, 08 Liberty) and the best yet! The best on-road ride for an off-road SUV. The engine is sluggish on the on-ramp, but ample everywhere else. Tons of unexpected bells and whistles too. Sky-Slider Roof, Sirius Radio, UConnect, MyGig, etc... Very smart with the nooks and crannies too. The cargo area is adequate and smart. The console and glove compartment are quite large. Soft supple leather, heated seats...I am still finding new things every day. Back to the Sky-Slider Roof...Its like driving a comfortable Wrangler Unlimited at the touch of a button. Shall I go on?

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  I gotta Jeep!!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rrainy - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I test drove a Rav4, Honda CRV, Camry, Celica, Montero Sport, Wrangler and then saw the Jeep Liberty and thought cute but too big for me. Then I test drove it just to say I did. It was complete unexpected true love! Drove it home the next day. Been driving everywhere ever since. I used to panic at a snow forecast. Now I just smile.

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  Liberty 2005 Great Driving - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mona Furst - March 25 - 12:23 pm

  Very stable handling; drives as if youre in complete control of your driving. Has great lights for night driving - can see full vision with great side mirrors. We thought the Jeep dealer did a great job at explaining all about our new purchase. I think the exterior looks of this model is going to be a great seller for the baby boomers out there! Thank you.

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  Solid - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawny - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I did not expect the quality to be as good as it was but as the dealer told me . . . Benz eng. is starting to show in Jeep and Chrysler.

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  Great ride, but horrible on gas - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Vella - March 25 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a fantastic ride and very comforable. The fuel ecomony is poor on local roads even for an SUV. It does, however, improve greatly when on longer trips of 30 miles or more on the highway. I personally have a problem with the height of the panelling by the brakes. I have to position my right leg in such a manner as to not graze the panel. Thats a bit of hazard when having to brake suddenly. Drivers who are a smaller size may not have that problem. I happen to be 61. Those are my 2 major issues. I happen to enjoy my Jeep Liberty very much. The CD player and speakers are very good. The passenger seats are comfortable.

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  Jeep Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By KT - March 24 - 3:22 am

  PROS: The 08 redesign was MUCH needed. VERY comfortable and fun to drive. Feels solid like a tank on the highway. Suspension is remarkable. TONS of storage room, compartments for all your shtuff, the radio sounds like a dream, feels powerful and strong yet safe like an American vehicle should! CONS: Gas mileage isnt very good, but it has a very big gas tank so you dont need to refill as often. Also not very good at making quick sharp turns, feels like its gonna flip.

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  2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4. V6 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 2003libby - March 22 - 7:28 am

  I just bought this car in Jan. 2011, and I have owned it for 6 months now, I have already put in $800 for repairing. It has 204,000 miles on it but it was 95% highway miles. I guess this is why people leaning toward for foreign vehicles.

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  Windows all have now broken - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By ebrooks - March 20 - 8:33 pm

  Yes, you read it right. Another stinking Jeep Liberty whose windows have broken due to an obvious flaw of the manufacturer. Will they pay for it? Absolutely not! So then why should I ever want to deal with these morons ever again? They dont even stand behind their product. All I can say is dont ever buy a Jeep period. I sure the heck wont. If you insist on buying one, even though you have been warned, dont dare try and roll down the damn window or you will be out a lot of money.

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  Fun but would not do over again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By margie - March 19 - 5:06 pm

  Loved this jeep when I bought it. Live in major snowbelt and does great job in snow. In last year fuel injection blew, back window latch broke, and yesterday transmission died. Time to get rid of the thing. Was fun while it lasted. Customer service is terrible with jeep-their garage did a tire rotation and only tightened lugs to one tire completely. Drove away and then disaster happened. Chrysler headquarters did not want to hear from me on this incident and said it was between me and the dealership. That attitude and lack of concern would deter me from a jeep purchase in the future even if it was a well made product.

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  Excellent - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gretchen - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This has been a fun ride and it handles well. A bit costly in gas in the city, however good in highway.