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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  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!

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  Fun for a car..I mean Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By James R - July 18 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car with the intention of making small modifications to improve the offroad work, like wheels and lights, only to find out later that the modifications shown in the catalog will not be produced by Jeep Chrysler, and the dealership gave me the heave-ho when I went back after discovering this false advertising

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  All but the gas - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers Creepers - July 17 - 11:03 pm

  If youre looking for good gas mileage, look elsewhere - all other car makers can put their small SUV mileage at an average of 20 MPG. The Liberty is at around 16 MPG. I love the vehicle otherwise; it epitomizes the Jeep philosophy, but the mileage stinks. I have to get rid of it because I am a stay-at-home mom now and cant afford to run around town at $50 per week. Its a shame - again, I love it.

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  Built to be Reliable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By tgflash - July 10 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my Jeep Liberty in 2002 and have placed at least 110 miles on at least 4 days a week ever since. Its been a very reliable vehicle and seems to be built for longevity. I have approx. 144,000 miles on it now and hope to take it all the way to 200,000. Its well maintained, which I think makes all the difference with any vehicle. its not a luxury vehicle by any means, but its good for everyday driving. Not the greatest on gas!

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  Jeep Junk - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bill - July 4 - 3:10 pm

  After owning 3 Limited/Grand Cherokees, the Liberty is a solid disappointment. The gas gauge and oil lights go off/on randomly. There is a wheel rub noise at low speeds. The dealer cant fix it.Chrysler doesnt care. The seat sits 2 inches too high and doesnt adjust. The door locks are right where you want to rest your arm. The Sirius radio is static prone.

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  My red beauty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By patti - July 3 - 12:56 pm

  I love the style and it handles very well up here in the northland. This is my first new car with four wheel drive so I am learning little by little.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By belvis1 - July 2 - 9:10 pm

  We replaced our 2008 Commander with this Liberty. The Command Trac 4 wheel drive makes it up our driveway. Unlike the Commander or Audi Q7 could. The vehicle drives good. We do not pay for fuel, so this is not a problem. The Uconnect works great. With all the options and off road features, the Liberty is hard to pass up. A lot of people and companies love to pass it off as being slow, outdated or just not as good as the Toyota or Honda. Well, these people would have another opinion when they had to walk up their 250 foot driveway when the others could not make it.

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  jcaradine Liberty review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jcaradine - July 2 - 5:03 am

  The vehicle is fun to drive and quite nice in appearance. Problems are with the transmission. At random times the check engine light has illuminated and the transmission goes into "limp home" mode. The dealer has replaced several parts and changed programs in the computer. Ongoing problems are delayed shifting, excessive slipping during shifting, random up and down shifting, and lurching at random times. The fuel economy is not as advertised. The city driving fuel economy would improve if the transmission shifted correctly. I have brought these transmission issues up with the dealer and they maintain the transmission is operating per specification. No joy regarding a solution!

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  gotta love it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kashube - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Bought 03 jeep liberty beginning of june. Cant help but love it. The V6 has a nice throaty muscular roar. Gas mileage is low but compared to the other SUVs and trucks out there youd have to drive a Focus to get great gas mileage! My wife and I love the styling much more distinct that others (especially the plain vanilla Ford Escape. Interior on the limited rocks! Also dont let that "bouncy ride" entries sway you, its very comfortable (We drove a Jeep Wrangler for 14 years)

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  Cant figure this thing out? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ben - June 30 - 1:30 am

  When I bought my Liberty I made the mistake of thinking I was getting a nice new smooth running vehicle. Well not exactly, I bought and Jeep and thats what I got. While its been reliable, very useful for hauling things and plenty powerful, it can also be somewhat annoying. In my opinion it has too many squeaks and rattles for such a new vehicle - or maybe it is just one of my OCDs. Bottom line, if you want a vehicle that is truly ready to go offroad straight off the lot and want a true Jeep, then this is the SUV for you. If you like the more cushy and refined driving experience then you should look at one of the more car like SUVs