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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  Good and Bad - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mikef - April 7 - 9:23 am

  I bought this truck to be used on bad roads every day and through bad New England winters. I am really impressed by how solid and off-road capable it is. It is amazing in off road winter conditions with a good set of AT tires. I dont even bother shoveling the driveway during the winter any more. It has nice power and is very easy to drive and park. Nice interior, good heating/cooling, good price. However, here is the down side: gas mileage is pretty bad, at 10,000 miles the electric window failed, at 30,000 miles the transmission needed to be replaced. I still havent gotten use to the center mounted window controls. Given the failed transmission, Im not sure Id buy another one.

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  Old reliable with a twist - and a rattle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Phoenix916 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Going from the 2000 Cherokee Sport to Liberty I got what I expected - quality off road performance, poor gas mileage, decent cargo space and moderate comfort. The differences between the models are huge. But for the price, I wish I could get a rattle free ride with all my bolts tightened. Plastic facia covering bottom of glove box has almost fallen off and above drivers head a loss bolt rolls around. Cruise control didnt work from the get go but Jeep fixed it with no problem. I have adapted to window control location. Friends have competing vehicles. They are fine for town but I wouldnt rely on them for moderate or greater off roading.

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  The Family Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dan - March 26 - 11:53 pm

  This Jeep has been a great purchase. Since I purchased it this Jeep has gone everywhere and done everything that I asked of it. It was inexpensive to purchase but has given me excellent on-road and off-road performance. In all my off-road adventures, and I do a lot of off-roading, this Jeep has only left me stranded once when I bottomed it out in some muddy ruts. My previous CJ5 would have been stuck in the same spot. On the highway it has made a lot of trips to Salt Lake City and to Reno and has been as reliable as my Timex watch. The only real work that has been done on it was the recall for the ball joints. IMHO this is the best of this class of 4x4 SUV. 4x is built in, not added on later

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  2002 "JIBERTY" - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DAVE SOREN - March 25 - 10:00 am

  LOVE IT. AWKWARD WINDOW CONTROLS; OTHERWISE GREAT VEHICLE.

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  I wish I never purchased it! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Brian - March 25 - 1:16 am

  The car has a gear/spinning noise between 25 and 35 mph. Dealer tried to fix, replaced rear axles, then returned car with same noise claiming Chrysler district manager told them the noise is normal. Chrysler customer service is refusing to tell me what the source of this noise is. It is very unpleasant during city driving. This is a 2 month old car and my other brand 4 year old SUV is a lot better car.

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  Way to go Toledo! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Nate&Cheryl - March 21 - 12:16 pm

  We traded in my wifes Toyota RAV4 for this Jeep largely due to Toyotas poor customer service in Hawaii. I couldnt drive or ride in the RAV4 because it made me carsick for some reason. So the Jeep was a good trade. I must admit we spent way more than we should have since dealers in Hawaii are a big rip off! The only problem we have had with the Liberty was a flasher that went out last spring $38 part from the dealership and I put it in myself in under 20 minutes. I would prefer better tires than the Goodyears that are on it now. Its good to see that Jeep is still making a good product and keeping Americans employed in Toledo, Ohio. Thanks MOPAR for our family car.

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  Looks Good-and thats about it. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By toby04 - March 18 - 4:03 am

  Hate it. I bought my jeep about 5 months ago-brand new (Limited 3.7) and loved it-and than-problem central.Front driver seat had to be replaced. Windshield is starting to leak.Front Driver window started to get stuck.Moon Roof leaks thru car wash. Three visits to the garage in 2 months time. To bad-I really enjoyed it at first. Owned a Honda Accord Ex before-will be purchasing one again very soon.Bought the jeep for the 4 wheel drive-that works great-so far.Hope people have better luck.

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  I love my Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By She - March 17 - 9:43 pm

  Great SUV; not great on gas and with prices now, you may want to consider mileage, but better than other SUVs. Comfortable, reliable, safe. Only problem, is with the windows ... when rear windows are open there is a very loud sound that sounds like you have a flat tire.

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  Check Engine light - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelley - March 17 - 6:53 am

  I have owned my Jeep for a year now. I love it when it is not in the shop. I have a problem with the check engine light coming on and it will idle rough. The dealership does not seem to be concerned about this. They use a machine and cut the light off but it comes on again in about 1000 miles and they just do the same thing. I have spent several trips trying to get them to fix the problem only to be told if it breaks down call the 1-800 number and they will come get it.

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  Whats with Consumer Reports Magazine - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By stm - March 17 - 4:50 am

  We love this car. It handles great, easy to park and has a comfortable ride. We dont understand the negatives given by Consumer Reports Magazine. Only two things they wrote fit with our experiences driving this car. We have owned other Jeeps and this is our favorite.