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:

• 

  best decision Ive made - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BOB NOLAN - August 2 - 8:40 am

  Well, this is truly fun to drive, with a stiffer but comfortable ride. Interior is well designed. The cloth seats are of excellent quality, appearance, and comfort. This is the first 4WD I have had and its GREAT. Gets through snow and ice covered roads deliciously. Have about 700 miles on it, and I am getting better than 18mpg; not bad. My wife and I battle over who gets to drive it. (I win most of the time, Im the boss and she said I could say that. PS: good power with the 3.7l!

• 

  I like the Liberty BUT have 2nd thoughts - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By rettaman - July 30 - 3:46 am

  I purchased my 2006 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4 in December of 2006 when my 2001 "Lemony Olds" Alero GLS (thats another review for another time) decided to die on me...and this particular Jeep Liberty with an awesome rebate caught my attention! Time for an SUV, huh? Anyway, within a couple of weeks of owning the Liberty, the left rear windows regulator went out and I had to get it replaced. The "new" regulator on the same door went out while on a road trip to Florida in January 2008. The gas mileage is not something to be thrilled about. Im almost wanting to purchase another vehicle, but cant due to poor trade-in value of the Liberty. I like the Liberty, but there are second thoughts.

• 

  Jeep Liberty Limited 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By warrantcwo - July 29 - 7:26 pm

  Fun to drive. Informative, useful console info (tire pressure, average gas mileage, miles to empty, etc.). Heated leather seats are great and comfortable.

• 

  A true Off Roader for everyday - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Driven1 - July 26 - 10:26 pm

  I love my jeep. I put All terrain tires on it and there hasnt been much I cant get through. I have even done off-road courses with about 200 Wranglers, and I kept up with them. They all gave me high fives that I was using it off-road. It is also my daily driver. I have a Limited so it looks good and is a comfortable ride. IT has been my most favorite vehicle. Dont complain about the gas mileage, the vehicle weighs 4500 lbs and is built like a tank. I love the power it has and I have pulled about 10 people that were stuck this winter alone. Even a big 15 passenger van. This is not an Escalade, it is a great everyday, comfortable driver that can handle anything you throw at it.

• 

  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By redlemon - July 26 - 12:23 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It is better than expected off road. It turns sharper than any car I have ever owned. Pulls as good or better than the full size Chevrolet I replaced. Big complaint is fuel economy. You would expect better out of such a little Jeep, but that is the price you pay for having the strength to pull like a half ton.

• 

  too many problems/bad gas mileage - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Katymaeflower - July 25 - 9:56 pm

  I bought this Jeep used. Ive had it for 2 yrs. Its fun to drive but gets terrible gas mileage...15 city/20 hwy if youre lucky! Ive had to replace 2 window regulators so far. It is in the shop now for an electrical problem where it keeps blowing fuses. The bill so far is $800 plus a towing charge! Before the windows and electrical issues, my only complaint was the bad gas mileage. I agree with the one person who said we should start a class action suit against Chrysler but would it do any good since they are going out of business? I owned a 1996 Grand Cherokee before this and loved it...no problems. I sure miss it!

• 

  New jeep owner very satisfied - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By corybomberx - July 24 - 9:46 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for a few days but to tell you the truth I absolutely love this jeep. This is not my first jeep and I have never had any serious issues, I dont believe I will either. The new jeep liberty feels very good with on road manners to brag about. I feel a lot of these reviews are based off other vehicles and compared to my 500hp turbo diesel this truck is a dream. It is very smooth and the seats are so comfortable. I feel the interior is made pretty well considering its not a 50,000 dollar suv. It is a little noisy but then again its really quiet compared to my old truck. I feel that I got what I paid for and dont think I would have been as happy with anything else

• 

  Tough and Fun - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Sherri - July 23 - 8:50 am

  I have taken this on really bad roads from sea level to over 8,000 feet in the same day. Been crawling over rocks. Used every off road feature and always came through. Wish it had better mpg, but this baby is tough, yet plenty fast with good braking. Had to ditch the Goodyears that came with it...had Discount Tire boost me up one size and I put on Yokohamas for an instant and huge improvement in handling, ride quality and quietness. JEEP needs to discontinue the Goodyears..I had to replace 3 of them within months. Thankfully, Discount Tire treated my prior two purchases as if I was coming in to buy only 2 more...not the 4 Yokos I was buying. So JEEP...great vehicle, but needs better tires.

• 

  BEST CAR EVER OWNED!!! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeeplib0545 - July 21 - 11:53 am

  I bought my jeep in 2009 with only 33,000 miles on it. I havent had a single problem with it since the day Ive gotten it, and I love it so much! Ive had cars in the past that were awful, and my jeep is truly dependable and reliable. My family has owned jeeps, and will never own anything but Jeeps! If you are looking for value for your dollar, the Jeep Liberty Sport is worth every penny!

• 

  no complaints here - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Butch - July 19 - 10:00 am

  No problems with my Limited. It seems the 4WD has more problems than 2WD. We bought a later model 2002, to get the bugs out. Ill admit, this thing is thirsty!!!! I owned a honda civic before this, and my insurance cost decreased. This vehicle cost twice as much!