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:

• 

  my first jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wil m - September 1 - 10:00 am

  2 weeks after purchase, made it thru 2 feet of snow xmas morning NO PROBLEM! Great in central NY winters. Easily goes off road to favorite fishing spots, and fits 4 dogs to boot. Mileage could be better, window controls takes getting used to and the glove box is to small. Overall, I love my jeep!

• 

  Love at First Drive - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dee - August 29 - 6:43 am

  An SUV with all the needs. I love it. Better than a Wrangler because its not only providing the ruggedness in performance and in looks it can also be souped up with some classy features. it rides pretty smooth for a Jeep that can perform on some extreme trails.

• 

  Poor Quality - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Not Happy - August 29 - 6:20 am

  This is the first US built car weve purchased in the last 10 years (all others have been Japanese, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi). The Jeep build quality is poor. Both power windows on the drivers side have already failed in less than 9 months (the rear gets virtually no use, so why it failed is pure poor quality). The engine idles rough and the dealer can find nothing wrong with it. We will not buy another Chrysler product again. Putting products like this on the market its no wonder US car makers are losing to imports. I have a 2004 Mitsubishi (3 years old and over 50,000 miles) and its has only had routine maintenance, no build quality problems.

• 

  Quite Happy with Our Surprise Purchase - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Happy in Western PA - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My then finace (now husband) suggested we test drive a Jeep Liberty. I had been shopping around for a Ford Escape for the past 2 weeks. We traded in our Pathfinder that day! Believe it or not, we get between 20-21 MPG on the highway. Cruise control contributes to this. City, well, anywhere between 10 and 15MPG. Even though this vehicle has less cargo volume than the 95 Pathfinder, because its taller, we have been able to haul more than we ever could with the 95 Pathfinder. And 4WD has come in handy this season as weve been getting hit with snow storms here.

• 

  TOUGH LITTLE TRUCK - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TRAVELING SALESMAN - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE OCT 1, 2002 AND SO FAR HAVE RACKED UP 7500 TROUBLE FREE MILES ON THE ODOMETER. EVERYTING ON THIS VEHICLE WORKS WELL. I TRAVEL TO THROUGH THE SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF NEW MEXCIO, COLORADO AND UTAH ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAVENT COME CLOSE YET TO GETTING STUCK. THE ENGINEERS AT JEEP DID THEIR HOMEWORK WHEN THEY DESIGNED THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE OWNED FORD EXPLORERS AND TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS AND THIS VEHCILE DEFINITELY PROVIDES THE BEST VALUE FOR THE BUCK. I DEFINITELY RECOMEND THIS VEHICLE.

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By cyclone2164 - August 23 - 1:40 am

  My wife & I just returned an 06 Pacific and picked up a black Liberty Sport w/ the Sky-Slider roof. I have an 06 Liberty and the difference is incredible! The ride is much more car- like and the interior is a bit a lot more comfortable. Love the interior spare tire too and the cargo compartment under the read deck. My wife has been driving it now for the past few days and shes had the roof open every time that Ive seen her. For the extra $1200, get the sky- Slider!

• 

  A REAL CHAMP - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By PROUD JEEP OWNER - August 16 - 5:46 am

  I was looking for a small SUV that would give me good fuel mileage; the turbo diesel answered. Jeep did it right - it is a lot of fun to drive. The ride is a little stiff. If I wanted a silky smooth ride I would have bought a car. This is the 3rd Jeep I have owned and by far the best.

• 

  GREAT CAR FEW PROBLEMS - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JBNYC - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my liberty after doing a lot of research. I already knew about the gas milage but I was willing to compromise. It had everything I wanted at the right price. I have had just one problem. Since I have had the car its staled on me 3 times while parking.

• 

  its a jeep! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By starrdog - August 10 - 3:01 am

  bought the car with 74000 miles. the ride is a bit rough compared to other suvs. comfortable but the drivers seat should be better. pretty nice interior and exterior. power is good so is the torque. i think it would feel better including the steering feel with wider tires. its a jeep so the ruggedness is there. i like it because an suv should drive and feel like an suv. it shouldnt drive like a car thats how you can drive beyond the capacity of your vehicle and make mistakes like an accident. i dont think you will be disappointed with this suv. the seat do stain so be careful . outside of that its a very cool very good suv that does everything pretty good.

• 

  Jeep owner for life - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Amanda - August 5 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Jeep. I had a Cherokee and loved it too and when it came time to retire her, I needed another. Sadly, she went extinct and was replaced with the Liberty. I dont love the curved styling and wish they would have stuck with the "Traditional Jeep" style but its still a Jeep and it acts like one. Back seat not so comfy. Fun to drive. Great storage. Gas mileage sucks- about 15 mpg. No problems with reliability. Only maintenance performed so far- I dont expect anything major till about 100k. I would definitely buy another IF gas werent such an issue. I am going to possibly trade her in, but it will be for her gas friendly sibling the Patriot. Its a Jeep thing and we know it!