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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  this vehicle is really holding up well.. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By carlrun - March 15 - 4:20 am

  I ride to NYC everyday (45 miles each way). I spend a lot of time driving. This is one of the best all around vehicles Ive ever had. Smooth ride, not squishy. Good isolation from the road. Great visibility, sturdy, relatively quiet, no rattles yet. Rides over potholes and ruts great. Turning radius is excellent. And, its 4 wheel drive...so snow is no problem.

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  My new jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawn22 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  this is a great vehicle. Even in snowstorms dont really even need the 4 wheel drive feature. I love the reliability and its really fun to drive!

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  Planned Obsolescence or Malfunction?? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gwent - March 11 - 9:50 pm

  For 5 years I had no issues with my 2005 Jeep Liberty nor prior warning until its transmission DIED in the middle of I205 @60 mph, fortunately, no one was hurt. Believe it or not, only 75k miles and the transmission died? 5k out of warranty and Daimler Chrysler rejected my plea for help due to lack of regular maintenance? I did my oil change, brakes, tires, but what does it have anything to do with transmission? I did my transmission, differential oil @32k and was planning for another service when it DIED on me. What else do I need to do? I understand that it is out of warranty but what about customer dedication, stand by your product, and good-will? no plan to purchase a 3rd Jeep NOT EVER

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  Much more good than bad - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Owner - March 9 - 8:56 am

  Although I have not owned this vehicle long, I love it. With gas prices as they are, it is not a gas saver, however, I find that I get the same gas mileage as I got with my 6cyl sedan, yet have more room. This vehicle has a smooth ride and I dont have the fears I have had in other SUVs. I have been easily able to fit 3 car seats in the back. I have found that oversized people are a little uncomfortable riding in this vehicle. I have also found that in heavy rains, the highest speed of the wipers is not fast enough. It is also an inconvenience that you have to get the replacement for the rear wiper from the dealership as it is an nonstandard 13 1/2 inch blade. The seats stain easily

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  New Rocky Mountain Edition - Love It - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BLANCK88 - March 9 - 5:33 am

  This is a great vehicle. Fun to drive and impressive off road. Handles well on the road and even better on the beach. :-)

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  Second Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick M - March 7 - 7:56 pm

  I work in broadcast engineering, and need a vehicle to go offroad on some very rugged roads. This is my second Jeep Liberty and is replacing a 2004 Liberty Sport. The 2008 has a lot more passenger and cargo room. Its ride is a lot smoother and quieter, both on and off road. The radio is a drastic improvement over my 2004 Liberty. Im not sure why Edmunds and other reviewers keep comparing the Liberty to a RAV 4 or Ford Escape. The Liberty has no competition in its class. The 2008 Liberty Sport comes with a lot of features that were only available as options on the previous years Limited models. Temp guages, Compass, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Side Air Bags, ABS Brakes, etc

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  1st Jeep Ive owned & I like it!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By THEO - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep. After being a Ford/GM man all my life I made the switch. I had the opportunity to work with Ford Motor as a contractor and I observed very poor quality control, egotistical business practices, and substandard quality. Henry Ford would be turning in his grave after what I saw! This Jeep I bought is TOUGH! I have driven through 2 floods, ice, snow, and it kicked butt! I saw police cars stranded in flood waters and I plowed right through it! I liked my Jeep so much I bought another as a company vehicle.

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  Still in love - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By rachmox - March 2 - 10:15 pm

  I bought my Liberty in Feb 07 with 54 miles on her. Shes now at 162K miles, and Ive only had to replace a rear control arm and the right rear passenger side window motor up until recently. The left rear window just crapped out a couple of months ago, and Im about to replace my water pump and fix a leak in the evap system, but after 6.5 yrs, I cant complain. Shes been the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. Took a hit from a light rail train that clipped my drivers side sideview mirror. It didnt even take the arm off, only the mirror itself popped out! A freaking train! I was in an accident in Dec and begged my insurance not to total her. So yeah, I love my Liberty.

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  My 6th Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By John - March 1 - 10:33 pm

  Drives me crazy when the "experts" keep comparing the Liberty to car based SUVs like CR-V or RAV4. Its a truck based vehicle. This is my 6th Jeep and 3rd Liberty. This model is by far the best of them all. Gas mileage is adequate for a truck, it looks great and is a solid ride. I dont know who writes in to these reviews but Ive never had quality issues with any of my Jeeps. I wouldnt drive anything else. You want church quiet, buy a car. A jeep is what it is and those of us that have owned them for years know that. Great vehicles.

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  I Love this Jeep! Very pleased - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By yvonne62 - February 26 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased this Jeep new in 2003 and its still going strong. I have not had to make any major repairs, just regular maintaince on it as anyone should. Gas mileage could be better, but its a Jeep SUV. I have never had a problem in any kind of weather, accept in a tornado once that blew the left front fender off. It doesnt cost an arm and a leg to maintain, as foreigns do. I have 138,000 miles on it. I put a great set of tires on it three times, replaced the struts etc, but thats normal for what I do with it. I have been on so many off road trails in Colorado and in the Smokey Mountains that it crazy. I trust my Jeep and its been really good to me all these years. Its a keeper!