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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  Rugged Class - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By M. Doty - August 25 - 2:46 pm

  My girls are growing up, and my 2005 TJ, (Wrangler), was no longer fun to ride in. We tried the Wrangler unlimited 4 door, but they still werent pleased. Before leaving to explore other options, the salesman suggested the Liberty with a Sky Slider. "Wow" from them, my wife and me! We ordered one with options I need/want, and have had it for two weeks. Weve been up and down mountain trails, Sky Slider open to the stars, music roaring, and some highway driving that suggests professional reviewers were predisposed against the Liberty. Comfortable & cool, powerful & sure footed, a Jeep in every regard; I almost cant wait for snow!

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  Skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Desert Rat - August 24 - 3:23 pm

  Best looking SUV on road. Performance very robust. Interior features including Sirius is great. Smart stylish yet masculine design inside and out...and ergonomic. The "YES" "no stain" fabric is nice as well along with auto-lock. Controls very intuitive. This automatic Skyslider is a knockout folks. This was my primary focus in the purchase. It essentially is a ragtop vehicle.

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  2008 Liberty Ltd - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By cr - August 15 - 5:00 pm

  I have 1500 miles on a new Liberty. Good interior space and design. Ride is quieter than expected and smoother than the Wrangler which I traded in but a little bumpy on rough road. Decent power. I like the "mid-size" size as well. The internal storage better than most vehicles. Good sound system and satellite radio. Cargo space excellent--the upright, square design gives a lot of usable cargo space in back. Rides well at hwy speeds and in windy conditions. Have not tried the 4WD yet. Adequate back seat space.

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  SWEET - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By StlJeepgrl - August 15 - 5:06 am

  I have had the Liberty for 3 years now, and am very happy with it. If only the gas companies would lower prices! :) I am thinking that the next one will be a Grand Cherokee with a diesel in it ... due out within the next few years.

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  CRD for America - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By James - August 12 - 1:20 pm

  Good that Jeep offers diesels in the American market. We drove diesel powered cars in Europe for years so its not surprising to see them gaining more acceptance in the US due to higher fuel prices. Our Jeep is powerful, very capable off road and quite livable as a daily commuter. Fuel consumption is OK but could be less -- it is a heavy vehicle, after all, and the full-time 4x4 on the Limited makes winter driving much more secure.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Laura - August 12 - 5:23 am

  The 2005 Jeep Liberty is a great SUV for a woman on the go. You sit high with great visiablity and comfort. I feel very safe driving it. The cargo area in the rear is great for groceries or whatever you may have to toss back there. Plenty of room and very comfortable. Good sound system. Im feeling good about my purchase and got a great deal. Check one out, you wont be sorry.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By bailey26 - August 11 - 12:43 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 3 years, in that time I have spent over 5,000 dollars just in repairs. The rear windows both have fallen off, that is about 350. each time. I have had the air conditioning, heat, transmission, misc electrical and switches fixed. The fabric that they use for the seats is horrid. It stains instantly, even if you drip water on it you cant get the stain out. The seats are uncomfortable and there is not much backseat room.

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  rear pinion bearing - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By liberty - August 7 - 8:40 am

  I got this after owning a ford explorer.....wrong thing to do.After only 11,000 miles we had to replace rear pinion bearing.Here we are,only 2.5 months and 4,000 miles later, we have to replace it again.Its not reliable,not comfortable,not roomy enough, no storage room, and the list goes on and on. Worse vehicle I ever owned and I cant wait to be rid of it!

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  Eh. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rachel152 - August 4 - 7:15 am

  Ive had my Liberty for about two months now. In these past few months I have spent over $1000 in repairs. First, the rear-axle had problems, and second there was a crack in my radiator. The Libertys gas mileage is absolutely horrid. I at least get 17 mpg hwy. The interior design of the Liberty is impressive, but the audio system is bad, too. The speakers in the car do not go loud enough. It is also very loud, getting up to 70 mph in the car is like being on a jet plane. Otherwise, does good in bad weather, and is rather stylish looking. If it werent for all the repairs and horrid gas mileage, this car would be perfect.

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  Good Value - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim - August 1 - 5:20 pm

  Simple layout with a lot of features, great bang for the price Hi, I bought the car new because of the warranty and that it was the only one at this price with the features it has (leather, heated seats, etc). Three years later, the car has been good. The gas mileage is worse than my previous Grand Cherokee which had a V8. Though Ive loaded it up with books to the roof (and then put suitcases on the roof) and it didnt really change the gas mileage. The car handles well off road, though the stock clearance and tires suck. Ive never had an issue with the windows (I was told by a dealer that the last series of 2007s got the 2008s electrical system). Find a good dealership-its the dif