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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  Good entry SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By juggalonic - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  Overall I love my Liberty. For the money you can not find a better small SUV. The only negatives I have found: small-ish gas tank (roughly 300 miles to a tank); plastic trim pieces scratch easily (but are not too noticeable); sitting position takes getting used to in front seats (wide transmission tunnel, I heard that this actually better after the redesign). The exterior looks are aggressive and the 3.7 L engine has plenty of PEP. It did fine hauling 2 motos on a trailer also. The basic options are better than the competitors and the safety features are tops too. No small SUV holds value like a Jeep (and I am a Ford man!)

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  2006 Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Miti - July 3 - 11:53 pm

  Its a nice driver. Power, though not great, is more than adequate. In town, its difficult to keep the speed down less than 40. Power windows on console took a while to get used to, but it works well. Good vision all around, and I like the solidity of the side view mirrors. I also like the versatility of the vehicle. The 60-40 rear seat is a good idea. So is the pop up rear window. Saves damage. All in all, its a good car, although Id like it if it were a bit more fuel efficient.

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  Another bad regulator, well, three - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Darryl - July 1 - 5:46 am

  While I havent taken my Liberty to the dealership 16 times for regulator repairs like one poor fellow, I have been inconvenienced three times so far and the vehicle only has 37,000 miles. And I thought three regulator repairs was too many! I wonder whats going to happen 20,000 miles from now three more regulator repairs? Whats crazy is that my 1990 Nissan Sentra had zero, absolutely zero manufacturing issues yet was 17 years older.

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  GO LIBERTY! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CKolaris - June 30 - 2:00 am

  When the Liberty first came out I was optimistic about its look and overtime it grew on me and I eventually took one for a test drive and feel in love with it. It has the fun and ruggedness of the wrangler and the luxury comfort of the grand cherokee. I have taken my liberty off road and I am much more impressed with its handeling than the wrangler , not to mention that it is much better on gas.

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  Straight Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepman18 - June 29 - 8:09 am

  Jeep liberty 2003 V6 3.7L 4x4 This is an AMAZING vehicle! Ive read so many bad reviews on this and I have never had any problems with ine AT ALL! I have driven a wide variety of vehicles From Hyndaui accent to a Dodge Ram and this has to be my favortie! All these people ho say they have to replace their brakes every 4000 miles are full of crap! How many times do they slam on their brakes bc they werent paying attention to the car infront of them? Alot Im willing to bet on that.

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  escape eat your heart out - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mike in phoenix - June 28 - 10:00 am

  owned a few suvs this is by far the best rides like a tank off road like a merceds on the hi way i highly reccomend the limited

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  A stick in the spokes, but better now - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul - June 27 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Liberty 65th Anniversary Edition last month. I was deciding between the Dodge Nitro and the Liberty and am glad I chose the Jeep. I should mention that I had a major problem after the first week of ownership. The engine light came on and it turned out, I needed major engine work. Sounds dire considering I just bought the vehicle but everything was covered and the dealership fixed the misfire problems that were internal. Moving on I must say I love driving this vehicle. Its a delight to hop in and just shoot around town or taking it off-road which is the real reason I purchased the vehicle after owning a Mazda Millenia for the last 4 years.

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  New Car - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Patricia Nuhfer - June 26 - 9:16 am

  Traded in my 02 Nissan Xterra. I find the ride in the Jeep Liberty more comfortable not as truck like as the Xterra. One big factor in buying this was the 0% financing, which enabled me to purchase the Limited with all of the extras.

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  2 Yrs and counting - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By pyt212 - June 22 - 8:30 pm

  Liberty CRD has been fun to drive for over 2 years. Fuel economy has been very good (last tank over 27 mpg). No problems whatsoever. Cant get it away from wife.

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  Buy a Jeep! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By atrometer - June 21 - 2:36 pm

  We have the two package and she tows our travel trailer great! (13-15 mpg) Mileage without trailer is 22 on the road as rated. We like this better than any vehicle weve had, and at 70 weve had a LOT!