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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  Solid vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gus - Pittsburgh - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2nd Jeep Liberty (2004).This is the first time I have ever bought the same vehicle back to back. First was a 2002 model. I have been extremly impressed with the reliability and quality. After almost 3 years still no squeeks or rattles. If you live in a snow belt area there is simply nothing better to get you through the snow and ice safely. Great stock stereo and excellent visibility. I find the seats to be very confortable and plenty of versitility in hauling items. My neighbor has a Mercedes-Benz SUV which I have driven and I can honestly say I wouldnt trade him even up. Great SUV at a great price!

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  Transmission Problems? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Vicki - April 4 - 9:00 pm

  I really like the design of the Liberty but the seats are not as comfortable as expected and the gas mileage is not very good either. I had some major brake noise for the first few months and now at three years, I am having some serious hard down-shifting going on. I have taken it into the dealer several times and they cannot find the problem and make me feel like I am going nuts but my friends and my boyfriend have driven it when it happens.

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  Liberty 2.0 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Walt - April 3 - 10:43 pm

  This is our second Liberty. Our 1st was a first year 2002. I noticed that the interior did feel like a step down from last gen. The ride is smoother but it feels a little slower on the on the freeway on ramp. I got another Liberty for the 5000 pound tow limit. We do pull a coleman camper with it, and needed that option. I do like it overall and feel and it fits my towing needs better that the rest of the cute ute crowd. My wife loves the Skyslider roof. Its what sold her on the new jeep.

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  If you are thinking of buying one, dont - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Nathan Griffin - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Engine runs poorly, fuel economy is poor, FWD only works some of the time. The dealer has been very cooperative in attempting to repair it, but MoPar wont help them. We have owned a lot of new cars over the years and I have to say this one is the worst.

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  Heck of a value - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - March 28 - 3:46 pm

  We compared this to rav4, Forester, Mercury Mariner, Kia Sorento, Saturn Vue. This has more features than the others for a better price. Weve had the vehicle 2 months and its great. No problems, fun to drive, controls easy to use. Important to us was the lack of road noise at highway speeds. Others we tested were much noisier than the Jeep. We average 19-20 mpg local, 23 mpg highway only. Much better and quieter than the 05 Mazda tribute we traded.

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  Bad front drive shaft - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lmatney - March 25 - 5:26 pm

  I am now on my 6th front drive shaft. I am also having my front ball joints replaced for the 3rd time. I have had the rear speed sensor replaced 8 times. It is costing so much to maintain. Also the wrap around back doors makes the doors impossible to open in freezing weather. Mud and snow builds up and freezes.

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  Jeep Liberty will set you free - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By natep - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Jeep Liberty. Ive had it since 11-01-01 and it hasnt disappointed me once. The price tag on these jeeps should be about 5K higher. No joke. The ride quality is superb. There is alittle wind noise at speeds of access of 70mph butif you have the radio on you at all you wont even realize the minor wind noise. As far as power is concerned when is there ever enough? The 210 horse power v6 is plenty enough to do all an SUV is ment for. Ive personally went through some deep mud pits in my Liberty and never once have I got stuck, I have a 4x4 of course.

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  First Time Jeep Owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By California Girl - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty Renegade 4x4 is kick-butt awesome!! When the Liberty first hit the market, I was in love with it and knew that it had to be my next vehicle. I set out to get a Liberty Sport 4x2 5-Speed (because it was more in my price range) but the dealer made me an offer that I couldnt refuse~I LOVE everything about this vehicle and I am so glad that I upgraded to the Renegade. It is fun to drive, its high up off the road, interior is spacious, it looks tough - it is just the best!!

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  Expected a little more - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Limited - March 21 - 12:20 am

  I have very mixed feelings with my Jeep. Aesthetically it looks nice inside and out yet once you begin to familiarize yourself with the SUV you begin to notice the abundance of plastic both inside and out. Cheap plastic that scratches easily. The MPG sticker says 20 mpg on the hwy. True if you reset the gauge doing 55 mph on a flat low wind hwy. 16-17 mpg combined city/hwy is realistic. The drive train should have been updated with the rest of the Jeep. Same drivetrain as in the previous version/yrs. Normally this would be a good thing however the additional 200-300 lbs that the vehicle gained with the remodel has made it lethargic from a stop and forcing the trans to constantly look for a gear.

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  Fix The Window Regulator Problems! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By MicahW - March 18 - 2:56 am

  If you want a Jeep, buy a Jeep, but be prepared for about 14 - 16 mpg, and a company that wont toss you a dime for the window regulators that CONSTANTLY go out. Ive had my Jeep for 6 months, in that time, 2 of the regulators have gone out. Its a $500 repair that Jeep wont cover that happens to every Jeep.