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:

• 

  My review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By A$ - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Good car, but the brakes are not as responsive as my former car (Altima- anti-lock brakes). The ride is a little too bumpy for my taste. Any little bump, and your shifted around in your seat. Not meant for around-town driving that I do.

• 

  Trade it? The Wife says NEVER!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By realmarshall - February 22 - 2:50 am

  Got this SUV with 60K has 125K now ZERO mechanical problems! Ive have replaced brake pads, battery and Tires and changed oil like clock work. Never serviced tranny. The only problems ive had are more like annoyances than problems. I have a light out in my instrument cluster. I can still see everything but the 80 Mph mark is a little dim. At about 115K my AC/Heat fan control started only working on the highest setting and i havent had the time to pull the console apart to find the lose connection. It still works great though it will cook/freeze you. Window control placement bugs cuz its on the door in your other car your hand will go for the controls for the car that your not in everytime.

• 

  Glad I Bought It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Ollie - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Former Grand Cherokee Limited Leasee and present Pathfinder Leasee. Wanted a 2nd SUV but not as big as Pathfinder. Havent purchased since 1984, but the low interest rates were hard to turn down. Love the look and feel of our Silver Liberty.

• 

  Surprisingly Terrific - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SH - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car on a whim after walking way from a Subaru Forrester that I was going to buy (thought it was too "light" and a bit too much of a "girly" car). Drove the liberty in a dealer parking lot and loved it. I bought it to replace my ageing Pathfinder as my 4WD winter car for the frigid north east. I am delighted with thecar. Great loos, solid, everything works well. Super sound system. Heavy "trucky" feel that I like. Good build quality. I have rarely had American built cars but this is as nice as my German cars for a lot less.

• 

  Jeep Liberty Limited 2008 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By tony - February 21 - 6:26 am

  Ive driven nothing but a Jeep for the last 15 years, and this Liberty Limited is my favorite. Ive previously had the Sport models. The new Liberty has the comfort, room and style that Ive wanted without having to spend $40k on the Grand Cherokee. My wife hated my Jeeps, but really likes this one. She loves that it doesnt ride like a truck, as she says. Ive been getting about 20 miles to the gal.

• 

  love my jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By intangibleside - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love how my vehicle is high and can easily clear most objects on the ground. I love going into dirt trails and just enjoying the feeling of having a jeep. The limited edition is great because it is luxurious and at the same time you know you can get dirty with it. I love my jeep.

• 

  My Jeep Liberty Rocks! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ItsAllAboutMe - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it. I love everything about it. I would like it more if it didnt have the short rear and if it had radio controls on the stearing wheel. Id also like to get about 5 miles more per gallon, and a lower car payment, but its worth it.

• 

  Amazing Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Michigangurl - February 16 - 2:50 am

  Well this is my very first SUV and my very first brand new vehicle. I had a 2004 Mazda3 and a 1999 Dodge Avenger before this Jeep. I havent had it long but I absolutely LOVE it. We looked at several different SUVs before purchasing this one and we were definitely happy with this purchase when we drove it home. I have always loved Jeeps and I was definitely happy to finally own one. It doesnt even hesitate to go through the snow we have and I feel so much safer in it. My dad did own the old body style of the Liberty and I definitely love the changes they have made!

• 

  Third entry - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By winter2 - February 13 - 10:46 am

  Nearly have 6K miles on my CRD. Has been trouble free save for the one incident at less than 600 miles. Has been flawless since then. Traveled to Florida and averaged 27.1 mpg for the trip. Ran like a dream and ran away a few times because I forgot to engage the cruise control. Seats are really comfortable and I was able to drive for long periods without pain or discomfort. A/C was great in Florida and had a nominal impact in fuel economy. Performance has improved with mileage. More pulling power than before.

• 

  Fun to drive but... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Sera King - February 13 - 8:56 am

  I bought a Jeep Liberty 2006 brand new, I love it but the window regulators went bad like 2 times in the back windows, the door handle inside got broke, went to the dealer they told me it cost about $500.00 for a new door panel, and the seats? omg i hate them even water will create a spot on them. other than that everything is fine.