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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  I like it more than my Cherokee. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim Cantor - January 10 - 10:00 am

  A wonderfull ride! Solid, comfortable, and far more stable than I expected. Looks great too! A good replacement to Cherokee. The value for dollar is simply outstanding. No rattles, and the doors sound very solid when they close.

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  Repairs - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By oregon80 - January 8 - 7:25 pm

  I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 6 Speed. Engine Runs Great, about 15 mpg city. Only 44,500 Miles, bought new. Have already had to replace Shifter, Water pump, and Power steering Hoses. Now Im getting a Clinking noise when I take off on a hill in 1st shifting to 2nd. Its a loud clink. Once I get going the Transmission runs smooth and quiet. Any Ideas.

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  Jeep Convert - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Anton - January 5 - 9:00 pm

  This is my first Jeep, and it made a convert out of me. The engine has plenty of "pep" and its ready to fly with the mere feathering of the gas pedal. The MPG is pretty decent - between 25 - 30+ after some ZMax. Which is fantastic for such a heavy 4x4. Heavy Northern Winters arent a problem at all. I love to head out in conditions that keep the plows garaged and Ive yet to get stuck or have to slow down. All in all, I love this Jeep more than anything and I plan on keeping it until it dies or is rusted beyond recognition. Plenty of ample cargo space as well, even if we only take up half a parking space in this little thing! Yet somehow its very spacious on the inside.

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  My chubby jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Marino - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Needs more off the line ompf and a smoother ride. Led tail lights would be nice, as well as wider tires, but as they say ; cars are built, not made. Thank god for the aftermarket.

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  2011 - 70th Anniversary Jeep Liberty - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By retrorob - January 4 - 6:06 pm

  Love my Jeep! I have nothing but positive things to say about the Jeep Liberty KK! Look, this vehicle is a true SUV, so please stop comparing it to crossover vehicles! Its a rear wheel drive based 4x4 that can tow 5,000 lbs. It is square-shaped, its truck-like, and thats what I like about it! It’s really too bad real SUVs are going extinct. My 70th Anniversary Liberty has the 18"” wheels, which are remarkably smooth on pavement. I actually like the 3.7 V6. It is a truck motor with decent torque and it powers the 2011 Liberty just fine (even pulling a trailer). Use the ECO Mode when driving to help with MPG. Interactive Decel Fuel Shut Off - shuts off fuel during deceleration.

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  Wont Die - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By car_guy_93 - January 3 - 7:44 pm

  This car just wont die!My wife has been driving hers for the past few years,now has 187k on it and still truckin. We have had some issues, entire exhaust system,some front end work, but nothing huge and serious, knock on wood! We did have unresolved 4WD issues last winter...we will see about this one! Definitely a noisy ride, then again we have had exhaust issues. Theres also plenty of loose clunky sounds that our mechanic cannot find, that make me a little nervous. I wouldnt label this car particularly reliable or unreliable. I will say its a blast to drive and has excellent pickup, and my car is 6 years newer. You would have to rip it out of my wifes hands for her to get rid of it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By LibertyLove - January 3 - 10:00 am

  My mom bought our 2002 Jeep Liberty just so I could practice drive because I had trouble manuevering our old 1999 Plymouth Voyager. I fell in love with this Jeep, my mom loves it too. Wonderful feel! Smooth ride, powerful V6 engine, really cool!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TS - December 31 - 8:16 pm

  I love this vehicle. It has great acceleration for city driving and handles well. Much smoother ride than I expected, too.

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  Unreal - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Awesome - December 31 - 4:40 am

  After owning a minivan this is much better. I love it. My mom had a Ford Escape and the Jeep just blows it away. It handles on the dime. I cant wait to see it in the SNOW.

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  Jeep 4x4 sport 6spd - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lloyd - December 24 - 9:46 pm

  I needed a small SUV that was good on gas, has a real tow rating (I have a couple of quads, thats how much I like getting off road) and could get dirty. Isn’t that what SUV’s are for? I’m not sure how they call the Honda CR-V a SUV? I narrowed it down to the Jeep Liberty and the Nissan Xterra. Jeep gave me the best deal! Nissan really likes their Xterra. I bought this Jeep Liberty in the middle of a snow storm (Denver Colorado) and it been snowing ever since. This Jeep will go anywhere you point it. Best snow vehicle I ever had! And I have had a lot of vehicles. My first Jeep and I love it. Can’t wait to take it off road in Moab this spring!