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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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.

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  Whos got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By debbie - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.

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  a lot of bang for the buck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 918jeeper - December 9 - 7:10 pm

  As a previous Wrangler owner, I was a bit skeptical of the Libertys off road ability. When I took it off road for the first time (the same day I bought it) although it was just a dirt road with some washboard type terrain, the suspension handled it like a smooth paved road. When I did get a chance to try the low range (4-Lo) with the long suspension travel and its great articulation, it handled anything from deep ruts to decent sized rocks. The highway performance is really good for a SUV, the 3.7 liter V6 has plenty of power to get the job done.

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  Renegade rules! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Surprised! - December 7 - 4:23 pm

  I wasnt necessarily looking for a Jeep, but this model really caught my eye. Im really happy I chose this vehicle over others. All the features and comforts of other Liberty models, (actually most vehicles) are here. It is WAY better than the Sport Model I had as a loaner during service. Spend the few extra $$$ for this model. Its a superior value over the other Libertys/other vehicles in its price range! Its a lot bigger than it looks. Park it next to a minivan or pull up next to some of those really "large" SUVs or pickups. Its right there! Again, I wasnt actually out to buy this one, but I am glad that I did! And then there was this winters snow and rain. It paid for itself!

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  Saved me in a rollover - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By siii - December 5 - 12:29 am

  I loved loved loved my Jeep Liberty. I bought it at 108k and drove it for 2 years. I also drove it home, 500+ miles away at least once a month. The pickup and acceleration is slower than other cars, and the gas mileage was usually 20 mpg (highway). Weird noise in the rear breaks when he was running at ~30mph but it stopped over 40mph. Always had it since I changed the breaks.

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  Love My Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By cdomasco - November 29 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my Liberty from a private owner in 2003. I have absolutely enjoyed my Jeep and hope it has a long life. Currently, it has 53,000 miles on it. The only major issue I had with my Jeep was that I had to have the entire steering column (rack) replaced because of a loose pin and a leaking seal. The dealership quoted me a price somewhere around $3,000, but fortunately, I had the extended warranty and the cost was covered. Moon roof motor also had to be replaced under warranty. Only complaint that I have is the service Ive received at multiple Jeep dealerships.

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  Renegade lover! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Keith from Carmel - November 29 - 10:00 am

  excellent in snow & mud, I live on the top of a steeply inclined road that is usually the last one to get plowed after a snowfall. This vehicle has had no trouble on this hill where my 1996 GMC Jimmy has struggled.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By EDD - November 29 - 10:00 am

  What a great SUV. I have had my Liberty for a little less than a year. Its fun to drive, easy to manouver, powerful when you want it to and just FUN!!! Never had any problems with it and would definitely recommend it.

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  Love it, hate filling it - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By julie - November 27 - 7:56 pm

  I looked at lots of small/midsize SUVs before deciding on the Liberty. I really love driving in it!!

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  Jeep recommendations for improvement - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By cindy reed - November 27 - 3:13 pm

  Love the style, ease of handling, value for money. Diesel fuel could be cheaper and Im not sure we are getting the fuel efficiency advertised. We only get about 420 miles per tank as of now. I believe the advertised 500 miles per tank is misleading.