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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  1st Impression 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By JD59 - October 11 - 4:10 am

  Just picked up a new 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited with leather, sunroof, remote start, tow pkg, & heated seats. All I can say is wow, this is a nice Jeep. I had a 2004 Wrangler Unlimited that I loved, but the lease was up, and it was time to trade again. I went with the Liberty Limited, since it had so many standard safety features, and slightly better gas mileage then the new Wranglers, plus the incentives were better for the Liberty.

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  Bought My Second Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RJLOHIO - October 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Liberty for my daughters use and loved it so much I bought a 2005 for my use. The updated style and appearance are really well done and it totally fun to drive.

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  Like my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Eaglehawk6 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I have found it to be one of the most enjoyable vehicles to drive I have ever owned. It has plenty of power - plenty of options-have all but CD changer and moon roof. Have heated seats - mirrors - power everything - excellent sound system. Only complaint I have is that is is a bit rough on bad roads or city streets. On open highways it ride just fine. Gas could be a bit better and may improve after time. 19mpg during summer and about 17mpg in winter so far. Will really get up and go if you need it.

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  Its A Jeep Thing - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy from Cato - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I live in CNY and went through a rough winter of almost 200 inches of snow and ice. 4000 lbs and sure grip on the road, being able to switch from 2WD to part time and full time 4WD is absolutely wonderful. That Jeep took the heavy snow on the roads wonderfully. It is great on the highway. Very comfortable. I love to run errands with my Jeep. The size is wonderful! The Jeep is tall enough to not feel intimdiated by the big trucks out there. The Jeep is 110 percent wonderful. The summer was great with it too! (The true test of a Jeep is how it handles the bad stuff too!) It is a truly wonderul vehicle.

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  Jeep? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MJW - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Driven and owned Jeeps for twelve years, and bought this for the wife last year. To be honest, its a fine vehicle for what it is but doesnt have the utility of its Jeep ancestors. Shouldnt be used for anything beyond a gravel road. I wish the engine had a bit more useable torque lower on the RPM gradient (making it more suitable for towing and thus more utilitarian) and had more true cargo room. If you ignore the expectations that the Jeep logo engenders, this is the perfect vehicle for a lot of people, but the off-road enthusiasts and those looking to load it with plywood for the weekend project will be disappointed.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By _II_ - September 29 - 5:16 am

  Purchased new in early Jan. 30k miles later Jeep went to dealership only once for mud blockage in condenser (not under warranty). Air vents do not close, window switches located on middle console. Other than that, its of great quality. No problems at all, except there could be improvements on minor details.

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  08 liberty rules - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jd - September 28 - 1:26 pm

  the ride is nice, even at high speeds i have no probs with wind sound and i have the skyslider. works awesomely in the rain and snow in 4 wheel drive. if anyone else says otherwise, then they dont know how to drive :P

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  Cant get enough - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Crazy Girl - September 18 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this Liberty 1 week ago but I owned an 03 a few years ago and liked it so much I bought another one. I love this Jeep. Its so fun to drive and they are awesome in the mud. I can get through stuff that the big trucks cant. One thing I dont like on this one that I didnt notice on my other one is the get up and go. It seems to stall a little before taking off. I really dont like how my chrome wheels are plastic, I didnt notice this until I got home and was very unhappy.

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  Liberty Sport 6 cyl. of off road fun. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jermac - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent off road vehicle.I drive it at least twice a week on the beach.It handle well and nothing slows it down.It is a BLAST to drive.The jeep also handles well in the snow and heavy rain.I would reccomend it to anyone who plans on using the vehicle for occasional serious off road use.I have driven other small SUVs off road and their is no comparision.

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  DONT BUY THE JEEP LIBERTY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By PATTI PATTERSON - September 13 - 2:00 am

  MULTIPLE BRAKE PROBLEMS, SEVERE GRINDING AND CLUNKING NOISES. IN AND OUT OF THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS PROBLEM. SEVERAL DEALERSHIP VISITS "COULD NOT REPEAT NOISE". ENTIRE BRAKES REPLACED TWICE. NOW A STB HAS STATED THAT A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WILL NECESSITATE ROTOR REPLACEMENT, WHEN THE PARTS COME IN, HA! ALSO, HAD THE TRANSMISSION SEAL REPLACED. I HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE BALL JOINT RECALL, BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM JEEP CONCERNING THIS MATTER.