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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  Jeep Liberty Limited Edition 2005 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jojotexas - May 9 - 9:46 pm

  I am not impressed with the gas mileage (15 mpg) in the city. The leather seats are comfortable, but I tend to slide a bit. The leg space is limited for a 58". A couple of glitches happened, my 6 CD changer failed only one week after I got the car, and ate 4 of my favorite CDs! I also had to have my car towed because the gas pedal cable was missing a clip, the car wouldnt move... Still love the car. The AC works great. I recommend you take the maximum care warranty, Jeep service was really great when my car got towed. The look of this car is so great, I felt in love with it. Lots of space, the back seats fold nicely.

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  Chrysler worst quality interior parts - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By kinace - May 7 - 10:56 am

  I bought a Jeep Liberty 2006 brand new, I have replaced the windows regulators about 6 times for the rear windows, spending about $200.00 each time, and still Chrysler do not have a recall for the cheapest windows regulators ever made out of plastic, then the gear shifter light went off and I thought I could fix it replacing a fuse. The dealer told me they didnt have a fix for that so they have to replace the whole shifter. WHAT? I just leave it like that and then the interiors handlers in each door came off when I tried to close the door that after several months of use. It runs great and I havent have any major problems with the engine but Chrysler used the cheapest materials ever.

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  Solid as a rock - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By E.Roberts - May 5 - 7:37 pm

  I would like to say that we have owned our jeep for six years. We bought it with only 30,000 miles and it now has 112,000. We had to replace the heater core about 8 months ago, but this is about it. My wife travels a lot, and has not had any issues at all. This vehicle, has been a great purchase for us. I will say that the interior colors arent the greatest because the seats are stained and will not come out. Other than that, no problems.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Pat - May 1 - 6:00 pm

  Solid SUV with great acceleration. Handles GREAT in a foot of snow.

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  Well loved Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Love my liberty - April 30 - 6:53 pm

  We have had our Liberty for about 2 months and I love it!We got the color that we wanted and a 6 speed manual transmission, which is rare. When we bought it, the reason was that I needed a small SUV with 4x4 for our lovely CO winters that sometimes play jokes on traffic. In the short time that we have had it we have only had a flat tire which was my fault. Our fuel economy has been wonderful!! Better than my husband expected at about 25- 29 mpg depending on how much I put my foot into it. It has also helped us get out on the weekends for family outings. Taking the dog is easy, too. Maybe we have great luck with this SUV, but it is well made and tons of fun to drive!

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  Wanted to like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gecko - April 24 - 2:00 am

  More problems in 2 years than my Cherokee had in 11. Bought it for NE winters, doesnt like cold. Sounds like a diesel first 1/2 mile after a 0 deg. start ("they all do that"). Pwr St. pump screams 1-2 sec. Draft under the dash not fixed in 2 winters. Recalled for airbag wire and replace LOWER BALL JOINTS! Steering moans when hot. Suspension creaks & groans cold & hot. Leather worn after very gentle use (pass. seat used maybe once a week). Wicked in cross wind-constant corrections. Door lock wont open <15 deg. Trans whine. Usually keep cars 10+ years, will replace this after 2. Live in a cold climate? insist on an extended test drive in winter.

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  I love my Liberty! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nic - April 19 - 11:10 pm

  I just got a Liberty not too long ago and i love it. Besides from the fact that in about the 3rd week somebody tried to steal it but luckily it had that engine immobilizer on it; otherwise they would have been successful. It handles great, can go anywhere (Ive taken it places that many people would never take their vehicles and its handled perfectly), lots of power. I love the interior also. All around great truck.

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  A manly SUV - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mark - April 19 - 6:56 pm

  I was able to find a Limited 4WD with great end of the year incentives. I saved thousands and feel I got a great price for a reliable and quite handsome vehicle. I like the rugged looks of this vehicle as well as all of the amenities that come with the Limited package. It rides nice, is quite comfortable and looks so good! I only have two complaints: First, a very short dashboard. Theres no room for paperwork, food, etc. A major complaint is the gas mileage. I know that this is an SUV, but 13mpg in the city and 17mpg on the hwy is pathetic. This is a midsize SUV. I dont beat on this car. Im not fast on the accelerator and I even upgraded to synthetic oil at 3000 miles.

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  Back to a Jeep--after 13 years. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tycho - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I had been driving Toyota 4-Runners for 13 years, and decided it was time for a change. I was looking for a smaller SUV, lower price tag, better mileage, easy maneuverability, but one with ample room for luggage and a large dog. 4WD is essential where I live (PA and MA). The Jeep Liberty won out, hands down, over comparable models by Toyota, Ford, Subaru, and Chevy. It has a powerful engine, traditional Jeep 4WD, a lot of energy on the highway, a comfortable cockpit with easily reached controls, and a nice suspension system that takes some of the lumps out of the potholes, and smoothes out undeveloped and poorly maintained roads.

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  Not too Shabby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa C - April 18 - 12:33 am

  I got this Liberty as a 2nd car. I am a teenager. Although the body isnt my ideal style I must say that as a young driver I do beat on the truck pretty bad. The Jeep holds up great. I brought it to Jeep and it had no recomendations. I have only had one problem with it and that is the blower motor, cost about $25 to fix. This truck holds up to my friends and I and is a fun little car. Its great in all weather and is very safe. The compact size makes it easy to drive and its built tough. Good work Jeep!