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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  Liberty Lemon - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - May 31 - 1:06 pm

  This vehicle has had so much replaced on it that its hard to tell whats original. Both front control arms, all brake components (twice), radio, Hub- locks. This is a vehicle that has been babied since day one and never misses a service appointment. From a reliability stand point, this vehicle is a disaster. All of this before 60K miles....I dont know what were going to do when the warranty is up.

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  Works for Us - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RandyM - May 27 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this 2006 Jeep Liberty as my wife and I wanted a small SUV with 4WD. We wanted something in which we could go off roading in the local mountains and deserts. Overall its been a very good performer for us for off-road use as well as street use. I am 6-4 and for me its quite comfortable. The mileage is fair, we tend to drive cautiously on street and as a result stand at 16 MPG city, 21 freeway. The one issue we have had is the window issue as oft reported by others. Four times thus far, we are going to have an independent mechanic do whatever it takes to lock them in the up position as we dont use them. Overall we quite like the Liberty, it serves our needs very well.

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  Solid Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Scorphitman - May 25 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned 4 wheel drive vehicles for 30 years. This is this second Jeep Ive owned. I have 163,000 miles on it and no major issues with the vehicle. It has handled Rocky Mountain winters like a champ. I live at 8400 and have drive this vehicle in 18" of snow over dirt roads with no problems. Overall average fuel mileage is 18 mpg with the 3.7 L. Ive gotten 26 mpg on the highway. I put a 2.5" lift kit on it to run bigger 245/75/16 snow tires. Driver room is good as I am 63" 255 lb former college linebacker and am comfortable behind the wheel.

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  Power Window Regulator - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By I did love my JEEP - May 20 - 6:23 pm

  From reading most of the reviews, everyone really likes this vehicle and so do I. There is one thing you need to know (and you can check it out on Google) The power window regulators have some parts made of plastic. This week was the third time my back windows broke (dropped down) First time it was under warranty. Second time dealer charged me $200 and I hope the third time will not be more than last time. Just thought you might want to check this out. I would trade it on a new one, but I understand they all have the same problem. Guess you could look at it this way. Seems only one breaks each year, Oh I forgot to tell you. The brake has nothing to do with use, they just drop down.Back to Shop

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  Fun but Maybe Unsafe - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By KAP 10 - May 19 - 6:16 pm

  I had my liberty for a year and a half and absolutely loved it, minus a few problems with the windows. However, I recently ran off the road, hit a culvert, took a nose dive, and then flipped. My airbags did not go off, even thought I took a nose dive. Also, my seat belt never locked. The car did holdup well and all 4 doors still opened easily, even though I ended up up side down. But the seat belt should have at least locked, this was very dangerous.

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  Surprisingly good - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim S - May 15 - 4:20 pm

  Hi, I bought my jeep as my first new car. Its been reliable, has a great 4wd system that allows shift on the fly at 50 mph! Its the limited with all the bells and whistles - which is the only downfall. Though a steal price versus options, the premium sound doesnt play mp3s and the roof rack system is a step down from the Cherokee. The trunk is small. But, its reliable, does well both on and off the road, through snow, mud, and cities. parking is excellent as its the size of civic. handling is very sharp and acceleration is good

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  Jeep 06 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Evelyn - May 12 - 5:13 pm

  My 2nd Jeep liberty, this one has problems onset, drive belt snapped within 6 months. Rainwater gets in the passenger side window even with Windows shut. Dealer will not fix window. Just reached 30k miles called dealer for the 30k service, they say its $575+ taxes. My local mechanic charged me half of that. If you can oversee the above problems and the 17 mpg fuel. Otherwise its a fun little suv to drive, but my next car will not be a Jeep liberty, unless Chrysler will make it more fuel efficient.

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  cant be beat - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepster - May 11 - 8:40 am

  This is by far the best SUV out there. Especially the 23 mpg average. Plenty of power...good handling, and looks good.

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  Downsize equals fuel savings and fun. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave Prouty - May 7 - 7:33 am

  My wife and I had both become very used to our 2004 Dodge 3500 4x4 SLT 4 door one ton diesel Dodge Ram PU. It was a tad hard to park, rather cumbersome in its size, but definitely the best truck we ever owned. Its fuel economy was actually very good at around 18 MPG. Trouble is, when diesel became the MOST expensive fuel out there, and we seldom needed its terrific pulling power, it just did not make sense to pay all that money for fuel. The Jeep (we have also had them before) has proved a pure joy. It has plenty of power for our hilly country side, handles with just a touch to the wheel, and is a breeze to park and maneuver. Fuel savings are great, and it is easier to enter and egress.

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  Jeepers-Creepers Wherd ya get that car? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Aceswild - May 4 - 2:00 am

  For Liberty,Justice & for All (well,at least most!)I get compliments almost everyday!Still room for improvement,on MPG,but this SUV has good Pick-Up&Go! It puts me higher than most SUVs incl. Cherokee,(which I also own)&has some nice standard features.Getting use to the window controls in the middle console,is the hardest feature to overcome,but makes it great for driver/front psngr. As a former Rav4 owner, Liberty gives you much more interior & leg room,it also has more Grip to the Road.I always think there is room for improvement in Any new vehicle,but am extemly happy with the performance this vehicle has shown mus thus far. I give it a "10" for the fun it brings driving!