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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  It is a truck afterall! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By John V - October 31 - 5:03 pm

  All the "experts" like KBB, Edmunds, Cars.com etc keep trying to compare the Liberty to the RAV4, CR-V and Outlander among others. Its a truck not a car. This is my 3rd Liberty and by far the best. Great, comfortable ride; features and safety equipment found only on more expensive SUVs. One knows going in that the mileage is not the greatest because its a Jeep thing.

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  After Two Year, Im Very Impressed - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By fletchman - October 28 - 4:43 pm

  Ive had my 05 Liberty Limited for two years now, and after 30,000 miles, Im very impressed. Ive not had a bit of trouble with this vehicle. I cant believe the improvement in build quality over the past 20 years for Jeep. All I do is perform regular service, and drive it. I love this vehicle. A lot of times Im on the freeway, and the luxury features of the Ltd. are great. Other times Im using the 4WD to get to trail heads or on snowy or icy roads. Never a lick of stress or strain. Great vehicle. The gas mileage stinks, but this is a truck shaped like a box, not a car shaped like a wedge. Also, I can put my bike in the back upright with the rear seats down, front bike tire off.

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  This is a great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By james sherman - October 27 - 9:30 am

  i have had my Jeep Liberty since March when I got it and it has done everything that I wanted it to do. Like tow 3 four wheelers up on a trailer with no problem up and down hills. And its four wheel drive, well its just awesome. It will go anywhere you want too; this is just a great vehicle from jeep

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  Lady Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bobbe - October 26 - 3:23 am

  She is a pleasure to drive. I have complete confidence in her. The GPS has made this "old lady" more comfortable about going to new places alone. My son thinks it is too small, but he owns a 2004 Grand Cherokee; the Liberty is perfect for me and my needs. If I had any complaint, it would be the inability to see easily when backing out of parking spaces. Front view is fine.

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  Its not a compromise - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By jsib - October 25 - 9:31 am

  Never a compromise, a pack leader. Show me another "comparable" vehicle that can tow 5000lbs, great 4x4 for my excursions and snow, looks like a royal and is a snap to clean up!?! I towed 3000lbs from Tulsa to Indianapolis at 19.1 mpg and 65mph. My friend has a V8 Tahoe and never gets better than 15 around town with some highway added in. Roomy, easy to use and a classic elegant design inside and out. Extremely happy with it and it kills me that the replacement is awful and ugly (2014 Cherokee). Jeep forums are filled with Jeep loyalist that actually love to help out. With the added benefit of a 7yr/100,000 mile warranty my boys will be driving this in ten years easy. If I am not.

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  so far so good - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mozkicker5 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  just recently purchased the freedom edition. Boy, does this thing look great, and its so much fun to drive. Yes the window controls are in a poor location, but after a few days I hardly even noticed anymore. Seats are sporty looking and beautiful. Storage compartment is set way to far back and glove compartment is smallish, but these are such minor blemishes that i could care less. Pulls my jetski with no problems. Rear leg space is fine, as well as cargo space. The car has done nothing but impress me so far, and even is impressing my grumpy old man of a father, and that pretty much equals a five star rating then!

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  Best Performance SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By coltsfan - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This Suv has been the best car I have purchased.Being an outdoors person I enjoy taking my Liberty out for sport but also use it for daily use.I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone who wants a car with power and a SUV that will get you where you want to go.I dislike the gas mileage but I enjoy driving my Liberty so its worth the price.

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  jeepster - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nickb - October 23 - 4:56 am

  have liberty about 3 weeks an i love the truck.feels very stong an great looks.time will tell about how reliable it will be.

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  Paint Job - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Big Man - October 22 - 2:30 pm

  I am truly disappointed in the paint job, I purchased the 65th anniversary model with the dark military green paint job. All you have to do is breath heavy on the paint, and its permanently marked. Even minor scratches are scarred right down to the metal, its like theres a very thin dusting of paint on the shell of the vehicle.

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  Great Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mark - October 21 - 9:40 pm

  Bought new in 8/05 and have 70,000 miles by 8/09. Simply I have had no problems with this vehicle. The only work has been one recall and regular maintenance. The a/c works great, the transmission shifts tight and smooth and Ive been getting 21mpg mixed city and highway. I like the heavy solid feel and great visibility. I have not taken the Liberty off road much but when I have it has performed well. Overall I could not ask for better.