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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  ITS A JEEP ! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RHW - December 22 - 11:00 pm

  I like this liberty, its my first. Ive owned cherokees, grand cherokees, wranglers and good ol cjs. Every one did what I expected and nothing I didnt. Some of these reviews whine about fuel mileage or ride comfort, if you want 50 mpg and a soft ride.... Buy a prius! Of course youll get stuck on wet Grass and wreck it in a 2 inch deep road rut! I bought a Jeep to use like a Jeep! The liberty gets acceptable mileage considering the gearing / suspension / aerodynamics of the vehicle and the ride is good for something that has the off road abilities it does! Fine auto/ deserves the Jeep name !

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  Good Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve Hansen - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Liberty in Nov 2001 and I use it for business travel. I currently have 78000 miles and have had not one problem with the vehicle. I do most of my own maintainence and it still rolls on down the road. Great Jeep!

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  Love It !!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Cindi in Texas - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I knew I wanted my Liberty before they hit the show room.I have not been disappointed.Very capable off road and just all around fun to drive.

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  Fun vehicle, but frustrated sometimes - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep18 - December 16 - 6:10 pm

  Im a big fan of the Jeep brand, especially Liberty and Wrangler. This is my first Jeep and Im considering buying a Wrangler in the future. What I like about this car is its exterior design, sleek, bold, and different. Its a SUV 4WD but it doesnt look heavy or clumsy. The overall performance is good, but start to have some mysterious rattling sound recently. However, its power window system is a disaster. The regulator for the same window has broken five times and now the door is falling apart.

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  Great Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Paully - December 16 - 10:00 am

  As far as SUV is concerned, the new Jeep Liberty has one of the best rides available today. The ride is supple and soft and it shruggs off road bumps with ease. The over all build quality is impressive. Quite unusaul when we are talking about an American made SUV. Attention to details are nice and over all interior design and exterior design are first rate. Well see how it will hold up in the long term. The engine is powerful and it has a nice growl to it.

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  Very Happy! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hoosier - December 15 - 7:30 pm

  After over 4 years we are very happy with our first Jeep. My wife wouldnt trade it even up for a new Cadillac. Very reliable. Feels, looks & rides like the day we brought it home. Comfortable and ample room for good size adults in front seats. Only new tires, one recall, and 3 warranty repairs (that were fixed right the first time) through 50K. No, its not perfect. Its not a big SUV. No back seat leg room. Rear seat does not fold flat and it does ride a bit rough over bumps(but it is a 4WD Jeep). You arent going to haul a lot of stuff or big stuff in this, but we new all this and bought accordingly. Would highly recommend as long as you check everything out and know what you are getting.

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  Rocky Mt. is a great suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cgnafly - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I needed a new car to get up my steep driveway. My old Ford Thunderbird got stuck twice. My new Rocky Mt Jeep is excellent for the challange. My Mom thought so too so she bought one.

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  2003 Liberty LTD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RWS - December 13 - 7:06 am

  I have had no problems with my 03 Liberty LTD. For the price it includes features I have never had in any other vehicle Ive owned.

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  Fun but Issues - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bfolz - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  My Jeep is fun to drive and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it since I bought the vehicle in 10/01. It handles very well and can turn on a dime. The main issues I have had include rust around the middle of the wheels, which they said was due to water erosion, and a power steering rack that leaks power steering fluid. I have recently been told I have to replace the steering rack (54K miles) and it will cost $500 for the part and $500 for labor! Other garages have quoted me same. An extended warranty may of helped me but seems it should be covered anyways. I have also have a seat belt that seems to stick a bit. Overall happy with the vehicle but think the steering rack issue is a bit much.

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  Defective Drive Train - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By doodlebugger - December 10 - 11:18 pm

  Have driven this vehicle for 3000 miles to date and have found the vehicle to have a defective drive train. Only on the 4X4, there is a power surge in the cruising range of 60 mph. Have been to 3 dealer service departments...none have offered a solution other than dont drive in the 60 MPH range. Two of the service department refused to acknowledge there is a problem. Typical manufacturer denial. The problem appears to be in the computer/torque converter and is much more pronounced on concrete roads than on asphalt roads. One service manager suggested it was caused by the road surface, not the Liberty.