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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  Run from it as fast as you can! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 1hotrod - January 10 - 12:49 pm

  We bought our 2002 Liberty fall 2009. Fixes in 2 1/2 years ...Water pump and radiator $800.00+, Rear Deferential seal and door hinge $300.00+, Front struts and rear shocks $600.00+ and i did the labor myself, a rocker arm fell off and caused engine damage (a common problem in all Libertys still!) $2100.00+, Eats front brakes and rotors, Interior lights come on and go off by themselves, Lower ball joints break (factory recall) Fuel mileage sucks. Tranny does a goofy shifting thing going down the interstate at cruising speeds. (I dont know the cause of the shifting issue.) All this before or by the time it was a 10 year old vehicle that was well maintained. My first and LAST Jeep/Chrysler!

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  My Experience - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Limited Edition - January 4 - 5:36 am

  Ive owned this truck for just about one year and i love it.The only one problem i had was the a/c compressor went out. Thats it. Other than that its been great Great gas mileage. My average between hwy. and town is 20.5. i say a little above average. My family and i love it.

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  The BOMB!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jumbo - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My personal opinion is the Jeep Liberty is way better than the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyndai Santa Fe. I have owned a 93 Jeep Cherokee. It is a "Classic" and in good condition.

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  I was surprised - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By The Devil - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I had the Renegade in "Extreme" Off- Road conditions, and it performed above and beyond what I expected. Most of the time I didnt even need to use the 4- Wheel Drive system. Heres a hint though:In the owners manual , it tells you to remove the side step/running boards. You best do it !!They knew what they were talking about.

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  whats going on with my car!? please help - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By mcvallee91 - December 27 - 12:14 pm

  Ive owned my 2007 Jeep Liberty Sport 4dr rwd for six months now, previously was used as lease and rental vehicle. since purchasing the vehicle, I have replaced the brake light housing, front right window, and motor and regulator to front driver side window. Just this evening my vehicle stalled on me. It is an automatic vehicle and I always change the oil just shy of 3,000 miles using mid grade oil. Anyone having similar problems? why is my car stalling?

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  Gas Milage Grippers - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Cozz - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for a little over a year and its a great SUV. Im really tired of reading all the grips about gas milage. If you want better gas milage you should have bought something else. If you want to improve your milage, use Mobile 1 or a similar synthetic oil. It improve mine by almost 3 GPM on the road. I added a chrome grill and it really makes the front end look a lot better.

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  Euro Jeep CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By CJ - December 23 - 3:40 pm

  Its a Jeep to the core but with the Detroit Diesel 4 cylinder turbodiesel built for Mercedes (I havent quite wrapped my brain around that), its got that European feel and not the bad quality part. It is extremely smooth and torquey (new word). I find myself after 2 Wranglers in the past 7 years really amazed at the smoothness. I have been guilty of daydreaming on the interstate and speeding without knowing it. Wife bought me a radar detector, she was so happy to have another four door car in the family, good thing. I am a Jeep guy all the way (who else out there thought the Jeep transformer was the coolest of the group?) but I am really amazed at the power, gas mileage, and smoothness.

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  All time high - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Lover - December 23 - 5:06 am

  I really enjoy driving the Jeep Liberty. I wanted one years ago and finaly was able to afford one.I recently purchased my Jeep 2006 in June 2009. I just love it! I have already taken it on the road and can`t believe how smooth the drive actually is.Since the models style doesn`t change much, people think it is a newer model.I get nothing but compliments on the Liberty`s looks.If I ever trade in this model.... 2009 Liberty ranks very high on my list.

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  Best on all surfaces! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By wyrless - December 21 - 9:40 am

  My liberty is a workhorse, that cleans up for an elegant night on the town. Her size, turning radius, handeling, and acceleration beats most sedans, making city driving a dream. Her rear end does not stick out of any standard parking spot, like so many other SUVs. She can hold her own in the deep sand of the Outer Banks or any mountain trail in the Rockies. Ive been on the road after hurricanes and during ice storms, and blizzards, each time arriving home safely. The Liberty does it all, work and play, reliably, for a fabulous price. If you want a vehicle that rides like a sedan, buy a sedan.

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  Always a jeep owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By SEEKAUFF - December 19 - 6:46 am

  80,000 miles on the first set of tires. Love the selec trac transmission. Absolutely no problems so far only routine maintenance. Love the heated seats and moonroof. Lots of storage space inside. Heater will cook you and A/C will freeze you. Had an 89 cherokee that I sold at 265,000 miles. Hoping to make this one last as long too.