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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  I like my liberty just fine - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By flyboy - November 6 - 3:13 pm

  I have had my jeep liberty for 16 months and have 25k miles. Have had none of the window issues others have reported. Only reasonably comfortable, but it is a jeep after all. Surprisingly good off road, have been on "4X4 only" trails in real "muck and mud". Very maneuverable. Recently complied with recalls, one of which was to reprogram body module computer. This reboot dramatically improved first to second auto trans shift smoothness and fuel mileage. Mileage went from city 15mpg to 18 mpg (I get 24 to 25 mpg Hwy and 21 combined). It is fun to drive. My wife even enjoys driving it, which was a real surprise. She actually asks me to leave it at home for her. Overall satisfied and a Jeep it is!

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  Luv my Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - November 5 - 9:00 am

  From another "saved my life" story. My wife and I were rear ended by a drunk driver. We hardly sustained any damage to the back of the Jeep, and besides a few muscle aches, we came out just fine. The drunk driver totaled her Ford Taurus in the process. I had my Liberty for 4 years now, and other than a few minor cosmetic issues with a new model vehicle in the beginning, I would buy another Liberty in a heartbeat. I recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a good quality 4X4 at a great price. Honda and Toyota price comparables cant even begin to touch the off road capability this vehicle has, let alone their higher priced models.

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  I love my Liberty! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Ashley - November 4 - 6:20 am

  I bought the my Jeep in 06/08 it has been nothing but great to me. It has 29K miles on it when I bought it and has not given us one problem. It drives great, handles great, looks great, and for an SUV gets great gas mileage. I run in to people who have Libertys all the time at the lake and they love theirs as well! Does great for pulling the jet skis and my husband loves it as well. We actually fight over who gets to drive it.

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  One awesome Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Rob - October 31 - 7:16 pm

  Bought it two weeks back and love it! The features are very nice and not too pricey. Acceleration is great for an SUV and fuel economy I hope will get better in time. Interior fit and finish is great and I love the chrome grille. I have the 3.7 L V6 and its very quiet, the 4-speed shifts with excellence.

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  Incredible Value - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By chuckd003 - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The looks of the Rocky Mountain are the best of any liberty. Love the wheels, tinted glass, sunroof, all the options I want w/o the extras I dont need. I dont know how people can complain about the gas mileage. I have the V6 with a 5- spd manual and avg. about 19 mixed city/highway, and 21-22 straight highway - excellent for a vehicle with this much utility. Plus the dealers give excellent incentives - best value of any SUV.

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  Best Little SUV! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rayrock - October 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I test drove just about everything and settled on the Kia Sorento or the Liberty, We were able to drive both back to back. The Liberty has a tighter feel, the Kia was bouncy and felt sluggish. The liberty felt snappy. I like the fact that you can hear the engine. We couldnt get all the options we wanted in one vehicle. We wanted the off-road group and the towning package and got neither. It took over 5 hours to complete the deal!! I still cant belive it. we are glad we have a real Jeep!

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  2006 CRD, 4WD,4door,Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lawrence - October 22 - 3:30 pm

  The review link did not offer the 06 Liberty CRD. I want to specify that, because I love mine. I bought it new at 3miles; 5 months & 19500 miles later its great. I would like to seek out performance items for this SUV, because of the mileage I use. I will exceed the warranty by the end of next year.

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  One a Jeep, always a Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dude14570 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Had a 94 g. cherokee, then got a Liberty Renegade, 5 sp. I love it. I was torn between the Xterra and the liberty, but after test driving the liberty I was sold.It has better pick up, and more options for the same money.

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jimR - October 22 - 12:10 am

  I bought a slightly used 4wd/4cylinder Sport a year ago with only 4,000 miles on it. The 4 cylinder engine needs to be bolstered a bit to handle the weight of this vehicle. It is very sluggish without much power. Thankfully, I have a 5 speed which helps acceleration. Other than that, it is a great vehicle. Very secure feeling; lots of style both inside and out. Seats are a bit hard and there arent enough cubby holes to store things, not even an ashtray for loose change! I havent had any troubles mechanically yet. I really like the ruggedness and its great for increasing the testosterone levels! Great sound system; very good vision while driving--few blind spots.

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  Great budget crossover - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By bryan - October 17 - 5:33 am

  Dont believe the less than stellar pro reviews, read the reviews by actual owners. Its not flashy, it doesnt try to be. If youre bent on luxury, this isnt it, but its by no means uncomfortable or ugly. As far as crossovers go the mileage doesnt compare to the subarus or other japanese models, but this one will take you much farther into the woods than they will. Its not a full on SUV like a wrangler, but its very capable in lighter duty applications where the rocks, mud, and water are less severe. This is so far the best vehicle I have ever driven on snowy, icy roads, and I drive big macho F-350 and 550 trucks all day. AWD (with a lock option) is far superior to 4WD on snowy roads.