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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  I love my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By woggg - February 23 - 10:03 pm

  We got the car a week ago, our first SUV. It is great. Fun to drive, decent pick up, a great stereo, with steering wheel controls. The seats are comfortable and easy to see out of, even for my 5 2" wife. Best of all, its American, so the manufacturer offers lots of incentives - we got $2000 cash back plus 0% for 5 years.

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  not satisfied - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By not satisfied - February 21 - 2:00 am

  purchased"brand new" and left from dealership on a 500 mile trip. We noticed a vibration from 45to60mph. Since returning home the complete rearend and driveshaft were replaced.The vibration is not as bad but still there. Also, now it has a vibration around 30to35mph. This problem is under investigation by jeep engineers. Manufacture date 7-02. We like the liberty, but are trying to get the dealership to order a replacement just like this one, with no luck yet! NOT SATISFIED!

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  recommend over all over small utes - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jbenn - February 21 - 2:00 am

  i looked at all other small sport utes on market and this is the best. build quality, interior/exterior fine fit/finish, comfortable ride, good handling, smooth steering, good power, needs better gas mileage, smooth tranny, rear seat needs to fold flat, great headroom for 6 fters, good ergonomics, suspension is good-a little rough on big bumps, but that is to be expected for this type of vehicle, factory sound system sucks, good in snow/rain, would like to be able to get different tire brand, goodyears are terrible...

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  So Far So Good - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Sartori - February 18 - 8:13 am

  Weve had our Liberty now for close to a month and no problems so far. Its mainly my wifes daily driver and she uses it as part of her job at the school(home school liason) so it gets put through the paces every day with city and highway driving. We live 16 miles from town and about 5 miles of gravel. Plenty of power, very sporty to drive. Got to test it on some slippery streets the other day and it handled that very well with the ESP kicking in. I stopped on a pretty icy hill and with it in 4 wheel took off just fine. Very nice ride in all conditions, will probably swap out the tires here pretty soon as the stock Wranglers arent the best. Getting 20 mpg on highway driving 70

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  Jeep Liberty is pretty good - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mike4678 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a fine vehicle. It is comfortable and has a solid engine that generates sufficient power for its weight. The radio controls on the steering wheel are quite cool. It feels a little top heavy during tight maneuvering but weve never lifted the wheels off the ground. The steering is tight but sometimes does not want to return to neutral steering, without input.

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  JUST GOT MINE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MARTY327 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR SO GOOD, I AM 63" AND HAVE SO MUCH LEG ROOM THAT I CANT PUT THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK, NOW THATS NEWS TO ME. ITS GREAT. DONT MUCH CARD FOR THAT ANTENNA, BUT OVERALL AFTER 3000 MILES I AM LOVING IT.

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  Big Mistake! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By BIG Mistake!!! - February 8 - 6:16 pm

  I have had to fix the window regulators SIX times in two years. I bought the car brand new and the problem started within six months of owning the car! The dealerships answer to this problem," Buy an extended warranty!" I think that Jeep Liberty owners should file a Class- Action Suit against Jeep-Chrysler! No wonder they are going bankrupt!

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  Very Happy with 06 Liberty Sport - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By K-Roc - February 6 - 2:03 pm

  The Liberty handles very well on all types of road conditions. It corners well, and the suspension is less "bouncy" than many other SUVs that Ive ridden in. With this vehicle I actually enjoyed driving in deep snow in upstate NY for the first time in 20 years! The Liberty has plenty of interior space for hauling items and is designed nicely. Overall, it is a rugged and fun vehicle to drive. Mileage is actually better in highway conditions (26-27 mpg) than expected.

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  Trust consumers this is a very nice Jeep - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By John - February 3 - 1:46 am

  The first thing I want to comment on is how misleading a lot of the "professional reviews" are for the liberty. I have bought many new vehicles over the years and this is the first new vehicle I havent had to return to the dealer for some sort of repair or adjustment. The Jeep handles very well on the highway or back roads. I was concerned over the reviews reporting how under powered the Liberty is... this is very mis- leading, the Liberty has plenty of zip, just not the rocket that some cars are these days. Also it gets knocked for fuel mileage alot, This is a true 4X4 not to be confused with a all wheel drive system that is never really in "four wheel drive" 23mpg for true 4wd is great.

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  Love my Jeep, but its not for everyone - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By scottsvillesteve - January 30 - 1:10 pm

  I have never had a vehicle that I enjoyed more. I had sliding around issues in rain, but that went away when I replaced the original stock el-cheapo tires. The only issues I can think of are the back seats wont fold down flat and the gas mileage-otherwise it handles like a sports car on the road, and off road its quite capable