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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  STILL GREAT - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By mmaggs9187 - February 12 - 7:38 pm

  I have had this car for a little while now, and I have to say I still am in love with it!.... The design, how high up I am is amazing. This is my first SUV and I couldnt be happier with my choice. The 4x4 is great, I love selec tracs, hate when they are all time 4x4. The stearing handles on a dime and so far my windows have not given me and issue but I did get extended warrenty just incase. For how little it looks from the outside the interior gives the driver and all the passengers plenty of leg room. All around I do love this car, the only thing I wish it had was a sunroof.

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  Give me Liberty or give me death! HA! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wsb - February 11 - 10:00 am

  love it!

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  Have a 2003 and still like JEEPs - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bzalways - February 11 - 8:09 am

  My wife and I have owned several Jeeps over the years. Recently when our 1995 Grand Cherokee was wreaked and the frame bent (brother-in law borrowed it) we decided to upgrade to a used 2003 Liberty Renegade. My wife loves it and enjoyed driving it everyday for 5 mos. til engine blew. At 168,000 miles we didnt think twice that the miles were high (The 1995 GC had 204,000 and I have a 1994 GC still using with 242,000 on it!) but we were wrong. Apparently with the 3.7L "oil sludge" becomes an issue over 100,000. Something about faulty valves cause premature engine wear. No recall yet but have seen many incidents of blown heads, head gaskets, and blown motors in very young motors. Beware.

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  Liberty 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By dane - February 11 - 5:30 am

  Love that Liberty. Great vehicle, good engine power, okay gas mileage, and never been stranded or stuck in the mud.

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  Still loving my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C.SIMS - February 8 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my liberty back in oct 2007 as a brand new suv. I did a review of how much I loved it then, but we all know the true test is within that 1st year. Well I can tell you I still love it. It still drives well, its still rugged and it still looks sharp. I keep it shiny. Its still a head Turner.

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  Johns review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By J DeGiovine - February 7 - 10:00 am

  The automatic transmission combined with the 3.7 liter engine has a slight hesitation when accelarating and occurs around 42-45 mph. The Jeep more them makes up for this problem in many other ways. It is very fun to drive.

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  Give us Liberty! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Rutledge - February 3 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love it. Where we live we need 4-Wheel drive anytime it snows. We have no problem in our Jeep. We have the Sport and it shows up most SUVs on the road.

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  Love my Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Poof - February 1 - 5:23 pm

  I purchased my Jeep Liberty last month after we have had a terrible winter in Ohio. Not only is it great on the road but is fun to drive. My only beef is a small glove compartment with very little room for essentials inside. Other than that I really am happy with my Jeep and have fun with my 5 year old grandson who calls it my beep beep Jeep.

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  TOO BAD, SO SAD ... - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Honeybee - January 29 - 7:00 pm

  Bought my Liberty CRD brand new with 222 miles on it. Within one year, had two recalls where I was without vehicle for a week w/ no replacement. Replaced EGR valve and sensor after 2 years, now 1 1/2 years later, have to replace again. Very expensive fix and Chrysler and dealer wont do anything about it. Why buy brand new (or from Chrysler) if their vehicles constantly are in the shop? Regular maintenance, tires, brakes, etc. understandable, but these big ticket items are ridiculous! Never again. (Too bad, though. I was soooo excited to get this vehicle! Always a huge fan of Jeep and Dodge, but this has completely soured my taste for all things Chrysler).

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  great value for the money , i like it - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By sharif Begermi - January 29 - 11:53 am

  am a german car man and live in Egypt , just sold my x3 and was waiting for the new 2011,couldnt drive a car much longer in cairo and stopped at the dealer took the jeep for a test drive and actually was amazed at the difference in handling and style so I bought one on the spot. i had a liberty a few years ago and enjoyed it but thought it was a bit rough , i love the vehicle and have been enjoying it , one annoying thing the dealers in egypt put a stopper on the gas peddle for the car not to go over 180 kilos .