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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  Best of the best - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Quantek - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car (SUV) The best SUV in its class

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  2005 LIBERTY - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete K. - August 4 - 4:36 pm

  The 2005 Liberty is very reliable, I have close to 12,500 miles on it, and drive approximately 550 miles a week. It has been very responsive in tight situations, braking is controlled and solid, handling is excellent and it turns nicely (great when towing, very maneuverable). Good visibility, gas mileage is poor when driving in town, but I have averaged close to 22 mpg on the highway with proper tire pressure & regular oil/air filter changes. Seats are a little firm but the extra support helps when your off road, interior panels scratch easily, cargo area needs a mat. Engine power is perfect great for passing & going uphill. Transmission could be smoother, 4x4 is right on the money. A great vehicle!

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  Overall - its the bomb - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SuzyQ65 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This is only the second American car Ive had, and I went from a 2000 BMW 323 to the Liberty. I was afraid of the change, but the Liberty is great. The only other SUV Ive had is a Pathfinder, and it doesnt even compare to the Liberty. So far Ive only had one small issue (a noisy fan) thats getting looked at next week. Overall, Im definitely a happy camper.

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  We Love Our LIBERTY - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J I Berg - July 19 - 10:00 am

  We chose the Red Sport with the charcoal gray exterior because of the more rugged look, even though we would have liked to have some of the options only available on the limited. We have driven it on the dusty back roads of the Big Bend National Park Texas with no dust getting inside and on the Interstate at well above legal speed and it took it all with ease. The v6 power with automatic and 4 wd is great, even in all the heavy snow of NJ last winter. The heater & AC work well to make it comfortable quickly. The service departments in Texas and NJ have been well above average in most everything. It gets alot of notice and is fun to drive!

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  engine feels like it is vapor locking - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By charles Hilliard - July 18 - 7:36 pm

  This vehicle must be a lemon; I really try to like it. Had egr valve replaced at 9000 miles as engine light had came on to stay; dealer had to order the part which took about a week to get. Engine still misses and just throws a fit every once in a while; took it to dealer to get it fixed and they said it was ok. Little do they know. ha ha ha

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  Got the 2004 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Brad Lepelley - July 18 - 7:56 am

  We looked at many vehicles; Tribute, Escape..etc. When we were done with everything we decided to go with the Jeep. Good price, service and reliability. It drives like a SUV, not a car. Thats what attracted us to it. The Mazda was cheap sounding. The Liberty was solid. It does seem to have a slight hesitation when accelerating around 35- 40 range. Other than that, its everything we could have wished for.

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  Jeep - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Impressed - July 15 - 2:56 am

  We only have 5,000 miles on it, but its the most impressive, fun to drive vehicle my wife or I have ever owned. Jeep did a great job on every aspect of the design of this vehicle. Its comfortable, roomy, plenty of power, and great looking. The suspension is awesome - soaks up huge bumps without a hiccup or any sort of crashing noise whatsoever. The ride is spectacular on and off road. Engine and tranny are USA made.

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By D. Kissell - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  Really nice Jeep, pretty comfortable to drive/ride in, has a lot of good features for the price. Seems a little smaller on the inside than it looks from the outside, but theres adequate storage space. Pretty good value and a great warranty program and has a 5-star crash rating.

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  Bad Idea - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By bmd3 - July 11 - 12:10 pm

  I owned my 2006 Jeep Liberty for 4 years and I had nothing but problems. I just sold it and have never been happier to be rid of it. It saw the garage once a month. It is very hard on brakes, tires, the calipers continually seize and I cant tell you how many times Ive driven around with a smoking wheel and the smell of burned rubber in the car. It blew fuses, had to have the back springs replaced, it sometimes will not start.....never, ever again.

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  Love it, but trading it in. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Hampton, VA - July 11 - 1:50 am

  I love my 2007 Liberty, hate to let it go, but the factory warranty expires in Nov and Im not impressed with the overall quality of the vehicle and will be trading it in this month. Ive replaced five window regulators, and thats a lot of time sitting at dealerships, waiting for it to be fixed.