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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  Happily Surprised - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By FirstTimeJeep - November 15 - 3:13 am

  American car companies make the best SUVs and the Jeep Liberty fits the bill.The tires are a little slippery on wet roads and the gas mileage could be improved. This attractive model has great interior design and spacing for a small SUV. I know a lot of people complain about the position of the window switches, but I have adjusted ok. Ive only received one recall to date. Of course the true test will be how well it runs after its paid off.

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  Lacking interior details - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathi - November 12 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep, first Liberty Ltd. Performance is great, poor gas mileage, but is good locally or on the highway. Better comfort in back seat than prior Jeep Cherokee Ltd. or Grand Cherokee Ltd.

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  2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 3.7 4x4 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By benjeep3 - November 12 - 9:05 am

  I have had this Jeep for over a year and traded up from older jeep Cherokee. replaced tires, battery and switch to AC in dash. Usual maint. costs. The only bad thing is the Gas MPG, but it is an SUV four wheel drive and that is why I got it. Wife has Toyota which gets around 38 MPG so makes up for my Jeep. I did research on this vehicle before I got it with history and previous repairs. Got great deal on it last year. No tow package but can get one installed for around 150.00. Fun to drive in summer and winter. Hate to fill it up but love the reliability and will have it paid of in about another year and a half. Wife drives it too sometimes.

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  Good Choice - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By scooter17 - November 12 - 4:33 am

  My husband and I wanted a new SUV, we wanted the 4x4. we searched and found that the Nissan wanted to charge more for the 210hp calling it super charged while the Liberty comes ready with 210hp. The Ford kinda lagged at the start while the Liberty didnt. After we drove the Liberty we were hooked. Nothing compared after that. Best buy we ever made.

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  Nice Job! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ridarc - November 11 - 2:33 pm

  Jeep did a great job with the do over of the liberty. The liberty feels solid, has a great ride. The looks of the Liberty caught my eye.

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  Havin a good time - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Kneedles - November 7 - 10:00 am

  July is 1st year anniv. for 1st time UTE/Jeep owner. Ive enjoyed driving my Jeep very much. Tranny downshift during deceleration was pretty jerky. Dealership put it on the computer to "re-learn" which seemed to have taken care of the problem for the most part. Still not as smooth as others have reported. Love the stiffer suspension and knowing that this puppy will be able to handle anything that crosses my path. Very responsive vehicle - am quite content w/the power of the V6.

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  Another Great Creation From JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By johnnyca7 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WOW. I feel like Im a teenager again!

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  Tranny feels crummy - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By robc - October 31 - 4:06 pm

  Overall I love my Jeep, I have never liked the feel of the transmission (4 speed auto). Shifts hard. Tows nice, cargo space somewhat limited though. My wife has a 2002 Escape, and my Liberty is quieter, feels more solid, has better build quality and rides a lot smoother.

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  Jeep troubles - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep problems - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I havent even had my 2003 Jeep Liberty for a year and Ive had it back to the dealer multiple times because of issues with the transmission. Its hard shifting when it slow to a certain speed. No one seems to be able to figure it out.

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  Buy One Before They Go Up In Price! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JKS - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 540i BMW for this wonderful Jeep Liberty Limited Edition! The leather interior is outstanding and reliability super! Buy one now before Jeep realizes what a super vehicle they have produced!