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:

• 

  I like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JimOH123 - October 16 - 3:06 pm

  I have a BMW with performance tires, so I needed a vehicle to drive in the winter. Purchased this car with about 85k miles on the odometer. I love my Jeep and drive it more than the BMW. Love the driving position, looks and its maneuverability. Very few service complaints. I have never owned a vehicle with so many miles, yet it is still very tight and rattle free. Would consider buying another Liberty like this one with fewer miles if this one ever starts giving me trouble. A great value for a used vehicle.

• 

  Suprise - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Quasim - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I was pleasantly surprised by the 2004 Jeep Liberty. It displayed and soild firm ride quality, and great handling habits. The build Quality was also better than I expected. The truck(yes it is a real truck) was what my girlfriend wanted and I pushed against it... however after I drove it I was happyly surprised. I budged much more money for an SUV but this is a great truck for the money, and feels like many of the more expensive less capable trucks

• 

  Great Car for what it is - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mark - September 17 - 8:36 pm

  If you want a small SUV that has great off-road capability and still provides a decent city and highway ride, this is it. I think the folks that have complained about Chrysler standing behind their vehicle should probably look at their dealership. I have had exceptional warranty service.

• 

  Not Sure - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By notsure??? - September 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great looking vehicle for the money. But I have owned for 2 weeks and the dealer has had it for 11 days of those 2 weeks. Bad vibarations and air bag straps had to be replaced. They have changed the tires twice and are now working on replacing drive shaft to rectify vibration. I am now seriously questioning the quality, maybe I should have continued to shop around? It only has 400 miles on it and the dealer has put 300 of those on it trying to fix the problems. It is a thirsty little bugger but it is packed with a lot of options for the dollar. I would recommend if they can solve the quality issues. It built like my 97 wrangler that is for sure!

• 

  Great Mid-Size SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By PStardust - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My Partner has had a Liberty( 2002) for a year now and loves it. I had driven it for a while before I decieded to get one myself. I love the turning radius and the heighth of the car.The Liberty is a very utilitarian car. Simple quality with a little style.

• 

  CRD - 10 Rest of vehicle - 7 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By railguy - September 10 - 8:00 pm

  Best fuel economy in a 4WD in the US. Diesel has great power all the way to 11,000 ft. elevations on mountain passes. Best 4WD Ive ever owned for winter driving. Diesel performs marvelously off-road. Without serious suspension modification (at least a 2.5"-3.0" lift) and larger tires (245/75R 16 would be ideal), though, it lacks adequate ground clearance for anything but mild off-highway use. A Subaru Forester has much better ground clearance. As noted the factory tires are crap. EGR valve failures are a common problem, though mine have lasted pretty well. Fuel economy ranges from 16 mpg in dead winter starts and stops to 31-32 mpg on highway at speeds 65 mph or less.

• 

  Liberty 4WD Limited / Hi-ho silver ! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BP - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love it. It is fun to drive and cute, and has had no mechanical problems, aside from a slight stumble at times. But it will climb and get in and out of anyplace, and looks good doing it. Air and heat work so quickly no matter what the weather. Bad points are: Getting in and out the back doors is a challenge. I would not like to have to use the back seat every day. Gas mileage is not good for in town driving. Add slides in visors/block sun further back like older Grd. Cherokee had. Miss feature of windows able to raise/lower for a few seconds after key is off. Very noisy with windows down. Sounds like a helicopter is hovering over you even at slow speeds.

• 

  Diesel Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hu60931 - August 23 - 12:53 am

  This truck has reaffirmed my faith in diesels. The power and towing capability is reasonable and all with decent mileage. DCX needs to expand the use of diesels in their product line. With fuel prices as they are this would be a great service to the customer and the country.

• 

  Good, Fun Vehicle. It’s a keeper. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike Clark - August 22 - 9:54 pm

  Local driving fun. Great in snow. Easy to park and great visibility. Tight turning radius. Bought December 2012. Great for 4-Wheel Down towing behind Motorhome!!

• 

  Good Off Road Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 21 - 4:00 am

  Bought the Liberty used. After fixing a recall which left me stranded the first week I owned it, the Jeep has provided trouble free driving over 100 miles per day in the blazing heat of the Mojave Desert. The turning radius is TOPS on any off-road vehicle I have ever driven, you can turn this thing on its own radius, can make sharper turns than my wifes Toyota Corolla. If the seats provided more support for long trips, the interior appointed with more of a well built feel and if it was not so bad on gas, I would drive it forever.