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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  2006 Jeep Liberty 2WD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers! - June 11 - 2:26 pm

  Absolute pleasure to drive! This truck is nimble and fun to drive. Nicely trimmed with leather, Sirius, iPod controller and Navigation, it is at home on the road or in the mud. The steering wheel radio controls can command the iPod, the Sirius, the radio, (of course!) and the Navigation system. Roomy front and back and the styling is very appealing.

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  A solid SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave in DC - June 11 - 8:36 am

  This car is very well made. I have had it for almost 4 years and never had trouble with the car, nor has any of the trim fallen off or failed. I would keep this car a very long time if it werent for the gas mileage - not so great. I average 12mpg +/- in city driving. Thats the only negative to a great small SUV.

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  FUN SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By oc47d - June 11 - 6:53 am

  This vehicle is well built and sturdy. Very dependable and good looking for a smaller SUV. Nice for traveling with a small family or just going on a camping trip in the mountains. This vehicle is one of the better SUVs on the market.

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  trade me cars - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By kd - June 10 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my Jeep liberty brand new in August 2006. While it was under warranty, I had the lower ball joints replaced, the manual shifter replaced a few other dumb things. When the warranty ended, I had to replace a 200.00 dollar idle air control valve, the rear window regulator needs replaced and the a/c is broken. The seats stain badly even with rain water and snow flakes. If I had known this particular car was a lemon, I would not have bought it.

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  Nice upgrade from Wrangler - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By My2ndJeep - June 9 - 5:16 pm

  Bought the Liberty after owning a Wrangler for a few years. Its a nice upgrade with more room and a quieter ride. I choose to buy another Jeep because of the quality of my last one, and because my husband is military, so we travel long distances to visit our relatives and therefore tend to have a higher mileage than usual. From my experience Jeeps handle higher mileage well so this vehicle works well for us.

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  Fun to drive, strong vehicle, true Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - June 6 - 7:10 pm

  Purchased a 2005 Liberty 4x4 6cylinder auto after my 2002 was totaled in an accident with a bus. Liberty was broadsided by NJ Transit bus and in turn crashed into four parked cars. Although the vehicle was totaled, my wife and one year old child were unharmed. Family is alive because they were in a heavy vehicle. A truly strong, safe, vehicle. Highly dependable on road as well as off road. I recommend the Liberty to all without reservations.

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  Practical and Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By M. Swinehart - June 2 - 11:30 am

  As we shopped, we drove every vehicle in the class but were blown away by the gap between the "Liberty" and even its closest rival. A solid machine with plenty of leg room and cargo space and still fun to drive. We initially had a problem with a transmission computer but since that was corrested...it has been nothing but pleasure to own. We took a 2000 mile drive up north for Christmas and it handled the road and the passengers with ease and in comfort (although a bit more seat padding would be appreciated.) My Navigator is still the more comfortable of our two cars but it ought to be for twice the cost.

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  Great all-rounder - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Vlad - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Jeep has serves me well. Used in Arizona/New Jersey in all sorts of weather/road conditions. Pros: Excellent aircon; Comfortable ride; Unpainted fender and bumpers on sport model still look new even though bumped and scratched; Reliable: only replaced rear window motor under warranty and ball joints (recall). Replacing engine and transmission oil is important to great running; Brakes are good good but keep in mind weight of vehicle on wet/icy roads. Cons: must slow down in wet; mediocre Premium CD/radio

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  Jeep - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers - June 2 - 4:13 am

  I traded in my 97 140k mile Grand Cherokee for the 09 Liberty. In the 140k miles I drove that car it had NO problems. Those who rag on the Libertys gas mileage should go buy themselves a hybrid and keep moving.I was looking for an upper-teens priced SUV that was fun to drive, dependable, and didnt look like a soccer mom drove it. The comparing cars (ie: Rav4, Forester, CR- V) looked and felt unappealing to me. The Liberty drives great and comes with some nice options like the 30GB multimedia storage for mp3s/jpegs, internal CD burner, usb port, voice command, bluetooth, satellite radio, sunroof, ect. The outside is stylish and the off-road capabilities are top of the line. Glad I went Jeep

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  Very Disappointed! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dont Buy it! - June 1 - 11:06 pm

  I have owned this jeep liberty for two years. I have always wanted a jeep until now! My windows keep dropping from poorly designed window regulators, the a/c sucks, has a lot of road noise, and the interior is a stain magnet! I am very particular about the inside of my car and rain drops from just getting in the car stain the seats! I dont know what kind of fabric this is but its awful! All of these problems are also very expensive to fix! The outside looks nice but the gray cloth seats are another story!