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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  trial by fire - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By maldo - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this vehicle in the midle of the german winter, and as luck will have it the day after I picked the vehicle up we have a week long snow storm in the area. I was concerned about getting stuck in the thick snow, as a saw several vehicles do. The 4WD capabilities of me jeep were amazing, I did not have any trouble, sorting through the bad weather. I love the style of the vehicle, it has a rough yet refined look, and it gets complements from other SUV owners everywhere I go.

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  jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lilypad713 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Having two kids its a vehical that I can get all my things we need into it and its NOT a mini van!!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Louise - February 21 - 12:40 am

  All I can say is what a piece of junk. Bought new, but back rear spring broke at 3k miles, repalce egk valve at 10k miles, loud rattle in back end that dealership never could figure out, replaced rear brakes at 14k miles, one rotor replaced at 18k miles, heater smells like burnt wiring, blower fan replaced, front passenger window regulator replaced 4 times, both back Windows each replaced 2 times.updated regulator that was suppose to fix the problem didnt. Both back Windows replaced again. Dealership lied. Never could get any help from Chrysler. Traded it before warranty expired and bought a Toyota RAV which I have put over 18k miles without problem.

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  Jeep Family - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Katobb - February 20 - 3:56 am

  We just picked up our new Liberty. We traded a 2000 Grand Cherokee and we also have a 2004 Jeep TJ. So far this Jeep is everything we expect and more. My wife would take my TJ because she loved the handling and the tight turning to park just about anywhere. This carries over to the Liberty but with the comforts that she wanted, like the heated leather seats, sunroof, power door locks windows, etc. The only dislike she has with her Liberty is that nobody does the "Jeep Wave" like they do with the Wrangler.

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  Lifetime Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lifetime Jeeper - February 19 - 10:06 pm

  I am a lifetime Jeeper owner. I had my Wrangler for 10 years before I got the Liberty. I think that I knew that I wanted it the second that I saw it at a local car show. This is definitly the "grown up" version of the Wrangler. It has more space, go power and overall class than the other compact SUVs. The Liberty has a style all its own, and is simply unmistakable on the road. Simply put... Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand. :)

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  Loved my Jeep but she is no more... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - February 19 - 12:26 pm

  I absolutely loved my Liberty. Fun to drive, loved the moon roof, leather heated seats (especially in the winter time.) I have, however, rolled it. It rolled about 1.5 times. I just really wanted to say I would buy a Liberty again just for the simple fact that I walked away from the accident. The accident was only 5 days ago and I have very little pain, soreness but completely bearable. Granted, I was wearing my seatbelt and I am young. Felt safe and would recommend the Liberty.

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  Beware of 2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By MJ - February 18 - 1:56 pm

  Very nice SUV for the size and price range. However, there have been several recalls and it is hard to schedule the time to get them all fixed. Also, had to replace all four tires and front and rear brakes and rotors at 32,000 which is ridiculous in my opinion. Keep looking unless you are ready to handle the maintenance and have a second car to tide you over during its down time. At this point, I find the car hard to trust.

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary - February 18 - 10:33 am

  I love my little liberty! My first car was a 91 Cherokee and I, had until now, been unable to find something that compared to that car. This is it! It is fun to drive, comfortable, quick and cute! I wanted a manual and had to search high and low to get it but I did. the gas mileage is very good highway, not so great in the city though. My only complaint is that there is rust on the rims and the car is still only 5 months old. The dealership says they will paint it, so right now I am battling them to have them completely replaced. Other that than that I am in LOVE with my car!

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  My jury is still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim Walker - February 17 - 4:56 am

  I upgraded from a 2002 2wd Sport Liberty to a 2006 Sport CRD. I love the diesel. The vehicle is a breeze in traffic and parking. Not bad on the highway. After all, its a small car with large guts, heavy. Good storage with the back seats down. The dash is laid out well. Best looking compact SUV on the road. My previous 3.7 Sport delivered 17, plus or minus, MPG for 4 years. I am a bit concerned, however, with the CRD. So far, 1000 miles, I am achieving 20 MPG. I love the power and smoothness of the CRD over the 3.7, but my jury is still out as to "was it worth the upcharge?". As the motor "breaks in" I will keep you posted.

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  SO GOOOOOOOOOOD! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tamara - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jeep Liberty is amazing. The drive is smooth, the jeep is reliable, and the stereo is awesome!