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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  Very pleased - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By samuraiRSX - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle that feels very solid and has good power. The cloth seats are very comfortable and seem to be made of material that should wear well. I am 510" and 260lbs and have ample room inside. Due to great road height visibility is excellent, and insurance rates are very good. CR gave it average reliability (which is much better than a Ford/Mazda SUV), and I have gotten several comments on the great color (Patriot Blue). I had to go to a couple of dealerships to get a good deal, but 0% for 60 and 7 year 70000 powertrain are hard to beat.

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  Throttle malfunction dilemma - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By starkeeper - November 8 - 10:06 pm

  Leased this vehicle in January 2008. Have had 2 episodes of "throttle malfunction" where accelerator pedal sticks to the floor and vehicle speeds out of control. Dealer has had vehicle back 3 times and cant duplicate the problem so now vehicle sits in my driveway because no repairs have been made and I feel its not safe to drive. Unfortunately Ive had to hire a Lemon Law Attorney to help me break this lease and rid myself of an obviously unsafe vehicle to drive. The vehicle has stored codes that reflect this malfunction.

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  Love my Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mrgee355 - November 8 - 6:10 am

  I love the style of my jeep liberty. i use to have road noise but cured that with less aggressive tires, when i bought it it had new tires but had aggressive thread on the tires i purchased from firestome leamans pathmakers tires and noise went away and still rough enough for off roading,i am 6 4 lots head room which is what i love about it and plenty of leg room but not side to side i do feel a little cramped sometimes in the seats and the center counsel and door just use to a explorer i guess where i had more side to side room, wish there where lights to shine on the floor and glove box. i have 76,000 miles on this jeep bought with 59,000 lost a power steering pump thats it.

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  Tough look but practical car - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By J - November 7 - 12:00 am

  Bought this car for my wife. After looking at mom mobiles this one stood out as a much cooler ride that fit our needs of towing capacity, safety, and styling. She like that it was not too big and I like that it doesnt look like a space ship. The ride is much better than previous jeeps on the road and road noise is almost nil. The back seats have plenty of room and the roof rack is great for overflow luggage. Also discovered recently that the back seats recline which is a huge benefit since most SUVs this size make you feel like you are sitting in a church pew.

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  I Love My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Heartjc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a smooth running car, easy to get into - Bigger motor than I am used to. When the snow on the roads start getting nasty I pop in the 4 wheel drive, nothing stops me from getting home.

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  Love It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mFox - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My Jeep is black with the high contrast interior with leather heated seats. I live in a nothern suburb with lots of dirt roads. Traded in my convertible because it just was not the ride for dirt roads, I used to avoid them. Now with the jeep I try to avoid the paved roads, especially when it rains. The 4- wheel drive is excellent and easy to use and the radio controls on the steering wheel are a nice touch. I have put 4500 miles on it and have not had to go back to the dealer for anything. The only thing that could be better is the fuel economy, I average about 16.5 MPG.

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  jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ChipperSEP - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car - I love the way it drives and interior

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  Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawn Johnson - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty its just the right size for me and my family to just hop in and go!!!

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  Love this thing!! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By hzorn23 - November 1 - 2:40 am

  Best car I have owned. I recently moved into a mountain home, and needed to trade in the city car for a 4x4. This car has not failed me in the mud, snow, or steep mountain roads yet! Would suggest to anyone.

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  I hope this car lasts forever! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GEF - October 31 - 12:43 am

  I love this thing. I want it to last forever. I have zero complaints after almost 6 years of ownership. Edmunds.com helped me make the decision to buy so I thought Id finally come back and pay it forward. I will say, Ive had to replace parts that I havent seen die out so early in other cars. Ive replaced the part that keeps your windows up. Ive replaced both front speakers. Ive replaced my belts and hoses. Ive replaced my battery a few times. Still, at the end of the day, my Liberty Limited is holding up quite nicely and no matter what car I end up renting or trying out, I always find myself more comfortable in the Jeep.