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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  Im a convert! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Snow Gal - October 18 - 8:23 pm

  I live in a small town in Alaska where owning the right vehicle is a life or death matter. You dont want to lose it on some desolate highway, stuck in a snowbank, waiting for someone to drive by while your breath forms sheets of ice on the inside of the windows. Been there! I have driven this Liberty in the nastiest weather and it handles like it was made for snow. I recommend the Selec-Trac 4 wheel drive system over the optional Command-Trac, which is more like AWD with a 4 low option. Whether theres 6 inches of fresh snow on the road, slush, ice, or Im just bouncing down the trail to my favorite fishing hole, this Jeep was made for Alaska!

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  Thirsty jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lori w/ thirsty jeep - October 15 - 11:36 am

  I am 5 tall with a boyfriend of 66", we both fit quite well and comfortably to drive the jeep. I have had 2 recalls since I purchased ( no big deal). It drives great, looks good, the interior is designed very well. The 1/3 and 2/3 split back seats fold down easily. Leather seats with heater great. However, my mileage is 13 - 15.7 (15 on highway) per gal. I drive mostly highway and conservatively, no sudden stops or starts. I can see the gas gauge go down as I drive. The overhead says avg mileage stays at 14 - 14.8 MPG, manual calculations show it correct

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  Fun Ride - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jayrider - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Exceeded expectations in quality and fun to drive. Absolutely stunning good looks. Great in snow and rain with good visibility. Very quick in traffic and solid on the interstate. MPG about what you would expect for a heavy duty small truck.

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  So far so good!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rch - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the overall apperance of this automobile. It is so cute. The interior is really spacious and comfy. I had only owned cars, 3 of them, and was getting fed up with all of them riding and pretty much looking the same. I traded in my 2002 Dodge Stratus R/T, horrible car i was so dissapointed with that car. I am so far very happy with my purchase, i like the ride it drives much better than my old car, and i like the fact that it has very little road noise. Love the white gage faces and love the clean, neat dash fixtures. Jeep is all around so far the nicest automobile i have owned!!

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  Lovely little suv - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By donny190 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Love it, the reson why i brought it is because my daughter had it as a rental. we took it for a drive and fell in love with it, it was my wifes desion to get it and are glad we made it. i was it had the trail rated bage because i own the a 2004

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry4375 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car with lots of power and heft in the driving feel. 3.7 6 cyl. provides a great kick. Moderate road noise with hum/whine from automatic transmission, which is a little annoying at higher speeds.

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  Uh Oh! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 2ndJeep - October 11 - 10:40 pm

  Fun to drive, love the style. BUT problems with auto trans that dealer cant seem to fix. When below 32 degrees, trans locks in 2nd gear and check engine light comes on. Had it to dealer 3 times so far, and it just happened again today. Also two symetrical dents on either side of hood cracking the paint. To be fixed under warranty. Starting to think I got a lemon, although I do love the vehicle. very concerned. Gas mileage disapointing.

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  Great SUV for the Money - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By robbyru - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Weve testing a lot of SUVs and this one is by far the best in its class. Although I think the gas consumption is a bit on the high side, I wouldnt trade it for anything! We go on camping trips and can fit a lot of things in the cargo area. We Love It!!

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  2005 CRD Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete Josenhans - October 7 - 11:23 am

  The outstanding engineering behind the new CRD engine qualifies as such a joy. And I am here to tell you that this engine blows away (no pun intended) all the myths and conventional thinking that we have come to associate with diesel engines over the years. With no visible smoke, no apparent diesel smell and a whisper quiet engine sound at highway speeds, this vehicle actually out-ran many gas engine vehicles in the mountains of California, Oregon and Washington on a recent trip. At one gas station, a trucker even walked up to my son and unwittingly said: “Excuse me son, but do you know that you’re putting diesel fuel into that Jeep?” No one seems to know about next gen diesel technology.

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  5 yrs old, 130K miles, and still going - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Amiee - October 2 - 3:13 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. We bought it new from Carmax in 05 as a last years model. Weve just done regular maintenance and kept good tires on it. We have towed with it and it handles well. I stand in agreement with the other owners that it does need a larger glove box. I have had to replace the 6-disc CD changer, but only after 5 years of reliable playing. The only thing I dont like is the fastener for the sun visors. It is in reverse from the standard position and makes it hard to unhook while driving. I have actually snapped off the hook 3 times. Minor, but irritating after 5 years. Ill drive my libby till the wheels fall off.