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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  One year and loving it. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Craig04 - October 14 - 1:40 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now and have loved every minute of it. It is an absolute blast to drive. At this point in time, I have no complaints. Fun, fun, fun to drive. I traded tires and now have BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As. The Jeep was great in the snow. What a mountain goat!

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  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By citadelfox - October 13 - 4:03 pm

  Great Engine! The only reason I bought a Jeep. Wouldnt have even considered one of the other gas hogs they make. Looking forward to more info on whether or not we can run 50% or 100% biodiesel in the CRD safely (and without voiding the warranty). Had to replace the EGR valve already. They should really do something about that! Had a few engine lights come on, but aside from the EGR, they were not serious. Best MPG was 27.5 on a trip from UP to Milwaukee.

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  Noisy and Cheaply Made - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DevilWolf - October 11 - 2:50 am

  WE bought a Liberty after reading many rave reviews. 4 Months later, we traded it on a Grand Cherokee. The reason for the trade was the Liberty had been into the dealer repair shop 8 time for various things. The rear end suspension had to be replaced and then the controller arm, and so on and so on. It never cost us a dime, but the hassel of having to take it in was enough!! Wouldnt recommend it to my least favorite person!! Save your money.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By G L - October 1 - 5:43 am

  This is an awesome vehicle on and off the highway. I have nothing but extreme positives for this vehicle except for the gas mileage which could be better; however, all of the other assets make this worth it to me.

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  What Did You Expect? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kevin Lincicum - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a vast improvement over my 86 Ford F-150. I like the nimbleness and its abilities in sand and mud. Ive gone places with it that were bogging payloaders down. The seats (front) are comfortable, though a bit high for my 62" hight. The visor does not allow me to see traffic signals when I use it. Good power. Solid in its feel. Quick handling. Short overhang, front and rear are great. Spoiled by heated seats and side mirrors. Pretty good sound system. I like it better than the Audi at work.

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  Third Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mvd2 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This my third jeep that Ive owned in the last 8 years. The first was 1994 Cherokee Sport that I traded on the Liberty and the other is my wifes 2001 Grand Cherokee Limited V8. Im quit please with the build quality. My other car is a Lexus GS300 and dollar for dollar, the Liberty is pretty well put together. Everything works and fits properly. My wife likes driving the Liberty over the old Cherokee, but still prefers her V8 Grand Cherokee. Shes only 5ft 3in tall and finds it easier to get in the Cherokee and likes the V* power. By the way, mine is Black with the Taupe interior (one tone).

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  2006 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nancie Payne - September 24 - 4:13 am

  I originally purchased a used 2004 Jeep Liberty Sport. I enjoyed the car but wasnt thrilled with the ride - it seemed a bit rough. I then decided to trade-in my Jeep Liberty Sport for a brand new Jeep Liberty Limited. Great decision. My Jeep Liberty Limited has in-dash 6 discs CD player - it has a stabilizer feature - 6 airbags - the ride is very comfortable and the interior is beautiful. The steering wheel has access to the radio/disc player which makes it very convenient especially when changing a disc. The fog lights work well in the fog as well as on dark streets in conjunction with the headlights.

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  Liberty, Great idea! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Not Mitch - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a reliable 4x4 that could take us ANYWHERE on the Big Island, accommadate everything and look tough in doing so. Having a brother do all the research was just a bonus. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired, getting only 15mpg, however it is a V6 and we live on a mountain so...The toughest decision at this point is whether to have the windows tinted silver or black. Have considered getting another Liberty but think a Wrangler will be in order instead.

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  Nice vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ChrisPossessky - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Took the Liberty over Xterra at my wifes insistence and I am pleasantly surprised. Braking is excellent with 4 wheel disc and no ABS, handling is fine, interior controls took a while to get used to but all within eay reach and intuitive. Easily slips into and out of 4WD. Better than rated gas mileage - I did a 50+ mile commute on a snowy day in 4WD the whole way and go better than 19 mpg. My only complaint is the short seat and Im only 510".

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  My Liberty Diesel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Psychcoguy - September 22 - 5:40 pm

  Good fuel economy, good looks and at 3,500 miles sustained $6,500 damage when rear-ended. Average 21 city, 27 road but if I slow down to 65 highway MPG goes up. Get the factory Bluetooth for cell phone. Stereo is good.