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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  Excellent 4wd SUV! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By wasabi - September 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is my 4th Jeep Liberty. Every one that I have owned have run excellently, very reliable and safe. Never had any issues. Ive had my 08 Liberty Limited for only 4 months. Last week a woman ran a red light at 45 miles/hr and hit the front drivers side of me. My airbags (front & side curtain) went off and they saved me from very serious injury. The Jeep is a total loss, but I can tell you it did excellently in the accident. I feel very safe with the Libertys. I am in the process of buying another one as I type this! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a safe and reliable 4wd SUV.

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  diesel power - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By danny brandle - September 9 - 6:20 pm

  My Jeep Liberty is the coolest car I have ever owned. It is fun to drive, and looks good. I havenÂ’t done much offloading YET, but plan to some. It only has 3200 miles so I want to break it in slow.

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  Slider roof noisy - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ahck123 - September 6 - 2:46 pm

  Do not buy with slider roof. Purchased vehicle on 1/1/09. During test drive I asked about the roof noise & was told it would be a minor adjustment that could be done the next day. As rebates were expiring that day I purchased the car. The next day they couldnt fix in a day and I would have to leave the vehicle. After a week, the dist mgr, and 2 serv reps drove the car all agreed the noise was excessive. A week later they replaced a part and have declared it fixed. The noise is unchanged. I have paperwork showing that a Chrysler engineer said the repair they were going to do would not fix the problem. Chrysler will not buy the car back and have said it is normal noise.

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  Get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pokefan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have less than 19,000 miles on this jeep and it just got towed to the dealership again. First at 13,000 the waterpump went out and the serpentine belt broke while going 70 on a 2 lane road. Very Scary. Then at 18,000 the heat went out, took it in a got some recall item fixed at the same time. Diamler-Chrysler sucks. Maybe I am spoiled by Hondas. Had 3 w/ 250,000+ miles w/ 0 problems. Last Jeep I ever buy. Let you know my recent prob. later.

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  Complete and total adoration - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By brookelee968 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutley LOVE this vehicle.The Jeep Liberty is the only vehicle I have ever owned that has as smooth a ride on road as off.The interior is spacious enough that five people can be seated comfortably, and still have plenty of space for your cargo.The Liberty is so wonderful, after taking a ride in mine three of my friends went out and purchased one of their own.

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  I didnt think I would enjoy a truck! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By GPJ - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I didnt think that I would ever enjoy driving a truck, even if it was a Jeep Liberty Limited, but I do! Im still new to this and so is the SUV.

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  Dont waste your money - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Daniel - September 5 - 8:30 am

  Ride quality is really bouncy, which I expected from owning Jeeps my whole life. Interior is cheap. Had in shop under warranty 6 times, 4 times for the windows falling down. Dealer said was a problem in all 2006 Libertys. They wouldnt replace the regulators or the windows until they fell, which was usually when it was raining. Now have rattle in the back end at 12,000 miles. Gas mileage is really bad. Seats in my 65th Anv addition stain really easy and dont come clean. I loved the Cherokees even though the electronics suck, but at least it was sound and took abuse. I got a Patriot for loaner and dash came loose. Jeep lost me as customer.

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  Everything I was looking for and more - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Charryl - September 3 - 3:30 pm

  I traded in my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with regret, but with 160K miles! I wanted a smaller SUV but with big SUV features. The Liberty has it all. I live at high altitude with big hills. My biggest concern was performance. The Liberty never loses a beat on the climb. Toys and features were the next concern and Liberty met that challenge, too. The combined nav system, sound system, satellite radio, bluetooth, 20 GB memory for capturing CDs (no more books of CDs to carry around!), customized photo display, etc., etc. makes the road experience nothing but a big smile. Interior room with my third concern. Plenty of storage--both for passengers and everything they carry.

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  Fun, Small but Stains wont come out! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Whopper - September 3 - 4:20 am

  I wanted a Jeep Liberty for a couple years before I finally bought one! I traded in my Honda Civic when I became pregnant, thinking it would provide more much needed room! It didnt! Very little room for any passengers once you get a car seat in there! And the seats stain EASILY from anything! Especially any kind of liquid! If your drink sweats, dont let it touch the seat! The stains look horrible and nothing gets them out!!!

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  Third Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - September 1 - 8:16 pm

  I like the performance overall, but acceleration from a stop is sluggish. Also lacks oomph passing on upgrades. I do like the 6-spd manual. I like the looks inside and out (vast improvement over 2003-2007). I hate the instrument panel and controls. Those little lights are difficult to see in bright sun. The radio controls are complicated and poorly positioned, including the Set button next to the first station button. Station buttons dont always work correctly. I hate that "Change Oil" message thats based on time and mileage and unrelated to actual oil changes. The vehicle seems rugged enough, but the springs squeak, even when you just get in or out.