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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  My First Non-Honda - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Doc - March 28 - 3:10 am

  We have owned at least one Honda in our family since 1978. When it came time to buy an S.U.V., we naturally looked at Element and CR-V. We also looked at Jeep Liberty. Friends are amazed that my steadfast consumer loyalty was upended by a Non-Honda. We are finding the Jeep Liberty to be fun to drive, a tough performer, and of course one of the cutest vehicles on the road. 6 CD changer, Infinity speakers, moon-roof, Command-Trac. Options all well worth it. I only wish I had gone with the upgraded wheels. Not as economical on gas as Honda, but hey...what price beauty?

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  Fun, Affordable, and Well Made - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Terry Day - March 27 - 6:16 pm

  Before buying, I drove the Escape, Tribute, Santa Fe, and Freelander. The Liberty is quiet and fun to drive, though the ride is not as smooth as some of the others. The V6 has very good acceleration, and the automatic seems to always be in the right gear. Powerful brakes. Build quality is excellent and the doors close with a solid thunk. I think the white instrument dials in the 2004 model are distracting and cheap looking. These were replaced in 05 with easier-to- read and more tasteful dark faced dials. Rear seats are easy to fold, and lay almost completely flat. The front seat height is fine for me, but is non-adjustable. Overall, a good design and a good value.

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  Chrysler quality - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By peaceriver - March 24 - 6:03 am

  We purchased our 2005 Liberty as a lease return with 80km. During a trip to the US we started to notice a howl from the rear diff which got worse as we travelled. no oil leaks evident. since we had purchased an extended warrenty to 120k, the dealership replaced pretty much everything in the housing at 92km. At 115 km the dealership mechanic said that the rear diff needed service, meaning of course the oil needed to be changed. no big deal we thought although it seemed odd that the oil was dirty so soon after a rebuild. At 153k the rear end started to howl again. $2000+ later and most components replaced. Normally a rear diff ought to out last the rest of the vehicle or so we thought.Wrong!

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  Fun + Stylish + Touch of Luxury - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe D - March 22 - 10:43 pm

  Got the 08 Limited Edition Liberty at fire sale prices in October. What a fun, fun car. We live in the Northeast and the car handled all the snowy weather beautifully. But the sunny days allowed that Sky Slider Roof to really brighten your day. The car came with Sirius radio free for 1 year (cool!), leather heated seat and factory installed remote start (again, think harsh PA winters). All the chrome makes the Liberty look cool and the two kids still in car seats still have a good amount of room.

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  IMO Best Compact 4x4 on the market - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jbusc - March 21 - 12:14 am

  This is my third Liberty Limited all equipped with the 3.7 V6, automatic transmission and select-trac 4WD system. This Liberty is also equipped with factory navigation and a 6 disc CD changer. In my opinion the Liberty at least the 2002-2007 models are the most rugged compact SUVs available. Mine gets reasonable mpgs - 18+ overall and low to mid 20s highway. Much better than any of my Wranglers did. I find it very comfortable, and it meets my needs of a growing family perfectly. I find the styling attractive both inside and out. I love the heated leather seats and thoughtful touches such as the rear grocery bag hooks.

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  Leaks water, Lemon-Beware! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By J.Nield - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Renegade has water leak discovered with approx.300miles, to many unsuccessful attempts by Chryslers five star dealerships to fix leak. Service depts. quality lacking, anything from "we couldnt find a leak" and they left the carpets soggy to Scratched paint and interior parts damaged (by different service depts.)Chrysler factory reps. unresponsive, Chrysler unresponsive they just take your money and run. Chrysler Finacial is no help just dont miss your payment on your lemon, I wouldnt buy a Liberty or Chrysler.

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  Nice SUV for good price - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cory Wise - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice look love to drive rides smooth and has a nice 3.7L V-6 under the hood for the price better then other small SUV out there.

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  Go Liberty Go! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Miss Liberty - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my Libery and it is so comfortable on the highway. The ride is smooth and I feel like a Queen on the road. The gas mileage is a plus because I am not a heavy footed driver. In the snow/icy road conditions it is two thumbs up in getting me to my destination. I am just a happy and satisfied customer who loves her Jeep Liberty.

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  Jeep Liberty 2004 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mvansomeren - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun and rugged. Jeep Liberty is the replacement for the Jeep Cherokee. Unlike the Cherokee, it has front wheel independant suspension. The ride is firm and solid, but not uncomfortable. It is as home on the road as off-road.

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  Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jpichicago - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car a few days before an 800 mile trip and didnt have a chance to break in the car before leaving. It performed like a champ. I arrived feeling rested and without body aches! Aside from routine maintenance and a recall to tighten up the suspension system (Jeep was very accomodating while dealing with the recall issue), the car has been great. Wed buy another!