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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  Amazing! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jennifer - February 13 - 6:33 am

  Ive had the Liberty for awhile now and I could not be happier with it. Every time that I drive it Im happy with it and every time I see it I just have to smile! Its so cute!

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  Liberty has room for improvements - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By r.manwarren - February 7 - 9:36 am

  Im an aircraft mechanic, I bought a Liberty for my wife to drive, and then everything went wrong one by one. Now Im stuck driving it. The window problem is an engineering problem. Who in their right mind designed a metal spindal rod to work with a plastic cradle. Hello the metal is obviously going to wear out the plastic and then youre stuck in another worthless Liberty with your window falling down at every bump, until the local dealership can get to it 30 days later! As far as the brakes and rotors OEM is junk. go aftermarket and do the work yourself if you are knowledgeable!

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  bad to good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nattasha - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 jeep cherokee sport, last year made,poor quality... could tell it was one of the last. Had a 1998 and the quality was much better. The liberty has a much more sound build. Things seem to fit better together. The comfort of the seats are also better. Gas, ulk I really thought it would be a little more efficient than it is. I really like it.

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  Terrific Vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - February 3 - 7:36 pm

  Bought this 2.4L, 6 speed manual brand new and have driven 103k miles in 4 yrs. I love driving this Jeep! It is a tough little 4WD - not to be confused with AWD. The 4 cyl is not fast but is very strong. 6 speed transmission gives good control of power. Great tight turning radius; I can bang U-eys anywhere! Seats do stain easily, but interior finish and quality is very good. I like having power window controls on the center console. Excellent visibility. Also like having a rear window that flips open. Would like to buy a new Liberty but they are bigger, pricier, automatic only, and 6 cyl only, so Im sticking with my funmobile.

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  The Wifes Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ray Alex - January 31 - 10:00 am

  It took a while to talk her away from a PT Cruiser, but shes glad I did. This is just a grwat little ride, but you have to remember it IS a Jeep. If you want a ride like a 300M then you should buy a 300M,

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  Crappy Skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By NB - January 29 - 2:23 pm

  I feel that the Liberty fits a niche between the cute small sport utes and the more expensive larger SUVs. Its kind of in a class by itself. Though I think usually classified with Rav-4, Escape, etc. Compared to them really only 1 choice if you want to ever haul anything or cruise down a trial in the backwoods. Wish they called it the Cherokee again. Im somewhat of a redneck, but work downtown everyday in IT. This Jeep does great for both downtown tight driving/parking and also off road. HUGE HUGE complaint is the skyslider. Horribly designed. Broke immediately and Jeep wont stand behind it. Im considering Lemon Law. Its been in dealership over 10 times for same problem.

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  Great car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JON - January 28 - 9:20 pm

  This car has been great since i bought it. I am the second owner of this used car and i love it. it has held up well considering the mileage i have put on it. although the gas mileage isnt great, (i get about 20 mpg) it is decent. this car is definitely worth your money.

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  I love this Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By baustin1981 - January 28 - 3:43 am

  This has been one of the best vehicles Ive ever owned. The only big problem Ive had is the transmission went out at65k of course that was immediately following 2ft of snow, in which I used my Jeep to pull a Mazda 3 up a very large exit ramp in the snow, and pull a Durango 4WD out of the snow. I have lived in 3 different areas since buying my Jeep varying between HOT and Cold Climates and it has never failed to perform. It does ride a bit ruff for everyday use but its well worth it considering how tough this Jeep is. The only thing stopping me from buying another one is the new body style. I hope they change it back by the time I need a new 1 or at least mount the spare on the back again.

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  Durability - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By TIFFANY - January 26 - 3:33 pm

  We have had our Jeep for almost two years. It already has 106,000 miles on it. My mother bought one a month before I bought mine and her reading is 13,000. As you can tell we drive a lot. We have really enjoyed this vehicle. After it hit 100,000 we were worried. A slight A/C problem and thats about all. Every morning its starts with no problem. We are expecting a new baby and have to look for a vehicle with a 3rd row; it actually makes me said that we cant get this model with a 3rd row.

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  Renegade - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob - January 24 - 3:26 pm

  You have to get used to the new engine/transmission combo. These are now designed so there is no engine drag. In other words if you are on the highway and take your foot off of the gas pedal the vehicle will continue to roll with no drag by the engine. Also when on an incline, stopped, when taking foot off gas to go to the brake the vehicle will roll on you. There is no engine "hold." It takes a bit of getting used to.