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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  Highly recommend - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By give me liberty - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed my Jeep Liberty from the very start. I bought it in June 0f 2001. I had literally one of the very first on the street. It got a lot of looks and many great comments. I have just turned 30K. I have had a few very minor concerns, nothing even worth mentioning.

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  I love it! - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Jessie - October 31 - 1:06 am

  We just took delivery of the car yesterday, so I cant address the reliability issues people state, but I know people that have the car and have had no problems. My husbands lease was up on his 07 Grand Cherokee, which was our third Jeep, all with no problems. I convinced him to get the Liberty for me, and Im thrilled with it! Im a nurse and I have to get to work, regardless of the weather, and the Jeeps have never let us down. They go through everything! And Im sure this one will too. The car pros and Consumer Reports all give these cars a bad rap, but since having a Jeep in the family since 1997 and never having a problem, I dont know where they get their information from.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By hoffdog - October 30 - 3:12 am

  I bought this car off a 3-year lease in March 2005, so Ive had it for 7 years. Its been a great vehicle! Ive put little to no money into it, just your normal oil changes, tires, tuneups, ect. The only issues Ive had with it is the AC and the rear window defogger. The AC hasnt worked since about 2007, Ive tried fixing it numerous times with no luck. Same thing with the rear window defogger, no luck fixing it. It has never broken down on me. My only major complaint I have is the gas mileage, I can only get about 17-19 on the highway. But, I knew that when I bought it so I shouldnt complain.

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  Window Regulator Problems Liberty 2007 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By JM - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Window regulator, window regulator, window regulator, at about $500 a piece, w/ the possibility of replacing all 4, not good, not good at all. What can I say, I expected more from Chrysler on a problem that seems to be very very common. Acknowledgment and reimbursement is probably a good idea, if not, Chrysler will probably lose many future customers.

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  Good little SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bharvey67 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats could be a lot more comfortable but other than that this is a good SUV.

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  I love my Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gaston - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I changed from a Cherokee Limited to the Liberty Limited and I am amazed at the change and the increase in drinving pleasure as well as comfort. The quality of the Liberty definitely has a German flair in the craftmanship not equaled in the previous models. It is certainly a bonus. The handling and road holding ability of the Liberty outperforms that of my old (1999) Cherokee. I am very happy with that SUV.

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  Repair Rebuilt - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepguy - October 21 - 6:56 am

  After 200,000 here is the rundown of what has been repair/replaced on my 03. I have essentially rebuilt this SUV, after I "gambled" on the transmission at 160,000 hoping not much else would happen and I could not afford a new car payment. Heads(machined)/Head Gasket and all supplementary gaskets for top of engine Cooling System, hoses, and Radiator AC Compressor Fan and Interior Temp Relay Serpentine Belt (twice) Battery (twice) Regulator Water Pump Transmission Front Transaxle Shocks Rear V Stabilizer Front Ball Joints (recall) Front Control Arm Never mind the brakes, rotors, and tires and I still like the car, sort of.

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  A+++ - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By sapfly - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for nearly a year now and currently turned 17,000 plus miles. During that time Ive been able to put it through some extremes to include towing in 100+ temps, extended road trips and winter driving hell: - 20 degrees at over 10,000 elevation. The Liberty performed flawlessly in all respects. For such a capable vehicle the sacrifice for good gas mileage is worth it. The build quality is A++, the engine extremely powerful, sound system rocks - I give the Liberty two thumbs up

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  Pleased - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick - October 16 - 12:10 am

  My wife and I are very pleased with this Liberty Limited. It has all the options including sun roof. The MyGig Infotainment w/Nav and the Sirius system make this fun to drive. Evic lets you check tire pressures to keep them equal, which is important with an SUV. The chrome on the exterior makes the Black look sharp. Its not to big and handles and rides beautifully. We are very glad to own it. It will be one year old next month. A vehicle without MyGig Gps, siruis etc. and Evic sure would be dull.

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  Jeep Liberty vs Jeep Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Strayhan - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I had previously owned a Jeep Cherokee and the sales person talked me into the Liberty. I do not like it compared to the Cherokee and the gas mileage in the the Liberty is poor. I wish I had purchased the Cherokee like I desired.