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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  Bought American am "Happy"! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom L. - April 15 - 1:00 pm

  We looked at the Honda, crv, to bland, and read about their transmission, and air compressor problems, drove the Liberty and found it to be a great vehicle. Bought for my 20 year old, daughter who attends college in Indiana, wanted a safe 4WD vehicle for her! The Jeep filts the bill. We bought the "Rocky Mountain edition,with the satelite radio, (awesome), and we have a free lifetime powertrain warranty. We also received free oil and filter changes for life. We got total off sticker of $5,135 off sticker. The color is Deep water Blue an option,new Jeep color, the metallic in the paint shines. Looks like it will last a long time, with powertrain warranty we are "Happy"!!!

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  There is only one Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By RC - April 15 - 12:13 am

  This is my second Jeep Liberty and bar far the best one. Much smoother handling and ride. Seats are more comfortable. They fixed everything hated about my last jeep. I would buy another and at 19 miles to the gallon for an SUV Im not complaining.

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  2005 Jeep Renegade 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Andrew - April 13 - 1:20 am

  I traded in my 2001 Camaro SS for this vehicle. I needed a practical vehicle for every day driving. Its awesome in the snow. I flew by other new vehicles which got stuck in the snow. Its great for when I go shopping with my wife. It has great room and very comfortable. I test drove other vehicles before purchasing this one such as the Chevy Equinox and Mazda 3. The Jeep outperformed both and is much more quiet and smooth on the road. The off road lights are very bright. Forget about xenon lights, these are much brighter! Ground clearance is perfect. Gas mileage is what youd expect from an SUV. As long as you drive it normally its good on gas. I really enjoy driving my new Jeep!!

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  My first S.U.V. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Heading down hill - April 10 - 2:30 am

  I initially bought this suv to fix up my credit and wanted to upgrade to an suv. I bought it at 27k+ and was satisfied at first. As I began to drive it more and more it disappointed more and more. The suspension and road noise is unbearable at times, but in its defense I do like it on the highway and I am happy about the power from the 3.7l engine. However road noise cant be drowned out by the pitiful speaker system and the window controls are located in a awkward position. Gas has come down from $4 to under $2 but still feel that it should do better overall. I would Rather buy a highlander or pilot that seats 7-8 and get the same gas mileage plus have the reliability and history that comes.

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  2.8 Diesel Sport - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By farout - April 8 - 1:30 pm

  The 2.8 rides more comfortable and feels more stable than the gasoline 3.7 Fuel. MPG is less than expected, but durability should be a far better than the 3.7. The 5 speed automatic is well matched with the 2.8.

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  I used to love Jeep, until..... - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Simone - April 8 - 3:16 am

  I have owned 4 Jeeps and this was my first Liberty. It is only 18 months old with 25,000 miles and I cant tell you how many times it has been in the shop. It had to have the engine taken apart after only a month! It is in the shop now actually for another 7-10 days having the engine taken apart again. Unfortunately I am past the lemon law point and am frustrated because I have always loved my Jeeps, but this is getting ridiculous. I am having all these problems now, what is going to happen as soon as the warranty expires. I dont think I will be able to keep it that long.

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  Back Luck w/ Miss Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Lemon - April 7 - 4:26 am

  I previously owned a Wrangler, followed by a full size truck, to now owning the Liberty. I thought it was cool looking when I bought it, and the test drive wasnt so bad. Within 1 week i had major problems. The main one being that the steering is really tight, almost feels like I dont have power steering. Ive been back and forth to the dealers who have yet to fix it. Ive talked to other Liberty owners who had similar problems. The steering makes it hard to control the car, and makes the ride uncomfortable, as well as makes it feel unsafe. Very disappointed with this car and cant wait to get rid of it. Nothing but problems. Looks wise, and off-road capabilities - its a decent lil SUV.

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  2003 Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By thefisherking - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 94 Cherokee for 224,000 miles before it was crashed beyond repair. I purchased the Liberty expecting improved results. Overall, I enjoyed the Cherokee better & wish it was still offered.

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  Jeep Liberty Loving It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By keets - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Good looking well built vehicle. The ride is better than expected, and the reliability so far has been outstanding

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  Daimler Chrysler - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Poisson - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a sister who has owned Mercedes for the past 40 years. You would not believe how much Mercedes is in my Liberty. Even the ride is comparable to Mercedes. It feels so tight. Now Im looking to buy a Liberty diesel, as mileage is not very good.