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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  Lets go Jeepn - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve - September 20 - 1:43 am

  This is my second Jeep. The first was a 92 Cherokee. Ive loved them both. The Liberty feels like a sports car, but jacked up with 4 wheel drive. The seats cradle me and the steering is sure. The engine isnt a supercharged V8, but it is quite capable of moving the little Jeep around.

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  Dont do it. - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By not impressed - September 15 - 3:06 pm

  Folks got it as a B-day present for me. So it was free and I still dont like it. I drive in -40F temps, the heat often doesnt get the job done on the feet or the dash. Ive actually had ice form on the inside of the windshield. Dealer says "Nothing they can do about it." So its definitely not good for colder climates.

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  Not Pleased - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By BT - September 15 - 9:10 am

  Front ball joints went bad causing excessive wear on new (expensive!) tires, power steering / crank case problems, split hoses, calipers locking up and wearing new brake pads down - black, sooty substance all over hubcaps from brake pad burn. Transmission (auto) sometimes slams into gear unexpectedly during stop & start traffic situations.

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  Pleased with Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Donna Ripley - September 12 - 11:10 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle so far. I did much searching before deciding on the Jeep Liberty and think the sporty look of this vehicle was a deciding factor in my purchase. Being a Jeep owner previously, I am pleased with the durability and performance of the Jeep brand.

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  Beware of faulty airbags - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tracey - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I was recently forced off the road by another driver running a stop sign, and went head on into a tree at 25-30 mph. The hardest point of impact was directly in front of the drivers side. My airbag never deployed. The impact was hard enough to crack the engine block, but according to the mechanic at the dealership not hard or fast enough to cause the G-switch to deploy the airbag. I sutained multiple head contusions, a broken left tibia, and severe soft tissue injuries to my right leg.

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  Not sure what to think about my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By westcentralillinois - September 6 - 2:26 am

  I bought my Jeep in 04 used with 29,000 miles on it(now with 126k). I have loved it until last fall (2008), when the air & heat quite working. I took it to a mechanic late winter & after spending around $800 for a new thermostat, new switch, system flush, and then actuator & mode doors, it still didnt work. I took it to another mechanic, told him what the other did, & he went through it again & put another new mode body & actuator on it & isnt sure it will work. There has been no Jeep recalls on it or posts. I am at a lose. This is my 3rd Jeep, & I am a little frustrated with this issue. It has been paid for for awhile & I wasnt ready to trade it. Other than this it has been great!

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JoannaHataway - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Liberty is a great sport utility, just make sure you get it with ABS if possible. It can be difficult to control in rainy conditions, but it really is fun and in most situations handles the roads great!

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  This vehicle is GREAT!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By cani - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great. The ride is great, layout and controls are great, especially the radio controls on back of steering wheel. No problems with vehicle--has 16,000+ miles. This is my first Jeep--went from Pathfinder LE to this and love it! Go USA!

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  Im LOVIN it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By snowbordet - September 2 - 5:20 am

  This is the most classy, reliable fun car I have ever had. Its extremely maneuverable and has a nice ride for being a small SUV. Its got plenty of storage space in the back considering its a small vehicle. I have not had any problems in ANY type of weather and Ive pretty much encountered it all (rain, snow, ice, strong gusts of wind, hail).

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  2003 Jeep Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By fstzx9 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the vehicle for about 7 weeks and it has performed well. The towing capacity is better then my friends Ford 150 2WD pickup. Motor is strong. Solid truck. Unlike the undercarriage componets of the Ford Escape, Honda CRV/Element. I felt they were too car-ish. Not suitable for the trails or offroad.