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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  1 year and still going! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave In Snohomish - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a review on the 2003 Limited. I have been extremely pleased with the overall reliability of the Liberty. It has not had any mechanical problems to speak of yet. It handled great in the snow on forrest service roads this past winter. The highway ride is a little bouncy, but that should be expected in an off road vehicle. The mileage averages around 18 normal driving, and 21 at 70 miles an hour on the highway. A very fun ride with excellent exceleration. A very nice combination of ruggedness, and refinement!

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  1000 miles and climbing - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepin - November 30 - 3:36 am

  This is my second jeep liberty. First was 05 Liberty Diesel. The best way I can describe the difference is that in 08 they have taken the "Jeep" out of this model. It is completely different. It rides more car like and tracts on the highway much better. The ride is smooth and quiet! This makes for more comfort, but it is at the expense of less feed back when 4 wheeling off the road. I use mine for both 1 - 2 hour trips and then short drives off road on almost a daily basis. This model fines a fair balance between on road and off road. So far gas mileage has been a little better than expected. 18 average and as high as 24 on the highway.

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  Loving It! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By discod - November 28 - 12:01 pm

  I traded in my little Mazda for the Jeep Liberty Limited and am loving it! I was worried about handling and parking a bigger SUV, but it maneuvers just as easily as a small car. Great styling, a very attractive, no-nonsense Jeep. I have the leather interior with the sunroof, and its beautiful. Still looks like new and feels solid. Im so happy with it and cant wait to take it up to the snow.

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  Electronic Problems & Gas Hog - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Toby - November 24 - 8:03 pm

  Doing it over again, I wouldnt buy a Liberty. It is a gas hog; I get about 15 miles per gallon. Plus, I experience chronic electronic problems. For instance, I pulled over for a failed left turn and brake lamp. I got home, and the light worked fine. The dome light goes on and off, and the turn signal occasionally turns on and wont go off without stopping and restarting the engine. There is also a slip in the transmission. When I brake, it down-shifts violently. I take it in, they hook it to a computer, and it works fine for a few months. Then, it gradually comes on again.

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  ? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By dj v - November 24 - 4:36 pm

  Jeep Liberty is GREAT! Awesome turning radius & pick up. One thing they DONT tell you - if you get the foglights installed aftermarket, they dont work the same as factory. They dont go on when you just have the parking lights on, even though it is the same part, and the dash indicators say they are on.

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  Love my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By empirecat - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the top competeing model against this vehcile. Although it was a little bigger the ride and comfort was not nearly as good. I love this vehicle.

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  what I think - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By smith jones - November 21 - 10:00 am

  It is great I think I handles fine on the roads

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  Liberty Limited - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Thor - November 18 - 5:30 pm

  Compared to other small Utes, the Liberty Limited has them beat. Little things, such as: Memory Seating, easy exit, remote start. Put this rig above the rest. The V-6 is lack-luster and it doesnt get great mileage in town, but I got 23 MPG on a 2000 mile trip. The seats are very comfortable and even though the foot wells seem crowded, there is plenty of room and Im a big Norwegian. I had a 4x4 Escape before and thought that was a great car, but the features, such as: 4 wheel disk brakes and real 4x4 put he Escape to shame. The Jeep didnt even cost any more than the Ford. It rides well and runs great. Looks good too!

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  thumpy/non economic - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By king - November 18 - 5:33 am

  A great looking vehicle, reliable, sturdy. Comfort in city driving is very thumpy. Fuel economy with this 03 Liberty is poor city driving-reasonable on the highway for driving. Rear seat is uncomfortable, while the front seats are great for comfort and support. The auto transmission shifts hesitatingly and I am on the second transmission. The first one shifted up and down like a yo yo. I am certain I would not purchase a Liberty again in an auto transmission.

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  Look out at 75,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad - November 15 - 7:50 am

  This was the best vehicle we ever owned until we hit 75,000. AC compressor, transmission replacement (ouch)...new radiator. It is amazing how the truck knew the final payment had been made. If you are under 70,000 consider a change fast