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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  First week impression - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pumposo - April 1 - 10:00 am

  After having driven the much larger Chevy Trailblazer for the past three years, its literally refreshing to drive this vehicle. This is my first Jeep and I have no regrets. While I do miss the cushy ride of the TB, I certainly feel much more comfortable in this Jeep. I actually feel more secure going off road with it.

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  What Jeeps Always Shoulda Been! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mountain Man Carl - March 31 - 3:33 pm

  I loved my 98 Wrangler, for a month. Ive had my Liberty for 6 mo. and this is love thatll last. Fast, smooth, powerful, EVERYTHING WORKS, great offroad, and priced less than Wrangler! I added skid plates underneath,have taken it to highest points of Montana, on Granite boulder fields. Mileage is exactly what the window sticker said. Thats OK. A solid, responsive, sporty vehicle with lots to offer the couple or family. THANKS for getting everything right!

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  just bought my jeep renegade - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jansjeep - March 30 - 10:00 am

  So far, so good. Have only had a few days.

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  Indicator Lights! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carplyn Virtue - March 27 - 1:20 pm

  OK. Love the Liberty ... except .... It all started with the Low Tire Pressure light going on intermittently despite adequate tire pressure! The dealer told me to ignore that. Now I have "ESP BAS" on continually for no reason and an "!" light intermittently. The dealer told me on Thursday they are working with the Chrysler engineers on the problem. Bottom line ... its driving me nuts. I have a brand new car with lights on that shouldnt be and can not get it fixed. I should not have to be ignoring what are clearly intended to be warning lights. Under 4000 miles on the vehicle by the way!

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  liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By catfood - March 26 - 10:00 am

  very nice, very nice

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  Lemon - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lou Szoke - March 23 - 10:56 pm

  My 05 Liberty diesel was in the shop for four of the first six weeks I owned it. It had to be towed 3 times for starting issues and could not be taken though any car wash as it would stall and not start again for 6-8 hours. It had an oil leak which was never fixed and the Chrysler Rep. from St. Louis was as rude and inconsiderate person as I have ever met. This was a very unfortunate situation that could have been handled much differently to keep a loyal Chrysler fan happy. Chrysler needs to take a close look at their customer service issues. Good bye Chrysler, Love my new Toyota!

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  transmission shudder - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Col Tomb - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Beware of the dreaded Chrysler transmission shudder in cruise. -seems its quite common. Its the wifes car and she doesnt object to it. If Id known about it, I wouldnt have bought the car.

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  jeep liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By johncans - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this jeep wish i bought long ago

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  Youve Missed the Point - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob Gagne - March 21 - 10:00 am

  If you are buying a Liberty just to do your on-road erends, you have missed the point of this vehicle. It is every bit as at home off road as on. There are smoother riding, better handling compact SUVs out there, but, in my opinion, they dont make it off road. The Liberty is a good compromize between off and on road abilities. I have owned two Wranglers before the Liberty, and the Liberty can go just about anywhere I could go with my Wrangler, but it is a loit bettter handling on the highway than the Wrangler and much more comfortable to drive in for long distances.

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  Renegade 4 wheel drive - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Melissac1995 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Drives excellent, fully loaded, but remember it is an suv, 4 wheel drive so expect a little out side noise, whining, and truck like tendencies. But much better than an economy car. I love it!