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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  Extremely off-road capable - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Seemo - September 7 - 8:06 am

  Bought this Jeep brand new in 2004 & has never been in the repair shop once until July 2008, for routine maintenance. When I bought new I had the dealer install the skid plate group, tow hooks & rock rails. I have taken this Jeep off-road many times & its quite impressive, I believe its more rugged than most people realize. I should know because I have previously owned a 1946 CJ2-A & also a 1972 CJ-6. I do most of my 4 wheeling in Michigan & I was honestly surprised at some of the muddy situations I was able to get out of. One thing Ive noticed as a 43 year old male over the last 4 years, this car is very popular with the woman. In fact my wife loves this car because its reliable & small

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  SUV for the younger set - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By thomnla - September 7 - 5:03 am

  This is my first SUV. While I like sitting up high, a major feature of this vehicle, there are numerous drawbacks. Gas mileage is awful -- and I do lots of freeway driving. Leg room on the drivers side is cramped. Lots of plastic on the interior. The glove compartment is well-named; thats about all youre able to store. The ride is extremely hard. Little give in the suspension system. On the other hand, it is roomy for passengers.

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  Stylish - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Heather - September 4 - 3:16 pm

  My husband bought this Jeep for me because I needed something with 4 wheel drive and style but wanted the comfort of a car. Well me got all that and more. I love it... gets 22 miles to the gallon.

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  Unsafe GAS GUZZLER - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ebenezer - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Shock tower bolt on right front was not tightened down at factory, this caused a clunking sound at any speed and wandering.I wonder if any other bolts or nuts are loose??? This Jeep drinks gas like a miniture Boeing 747. I will trade this unit off next Spring and the word JEEP will never be on another title of mine!!!!of

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  expectations fulfilled - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jst - September 3 - 2:00 am

  automatic transmission is as smooth as any sedan Ive driven (hope it stays that way); quick steering; firm and controlled ride - better ride on the pavement than expected. gas mileage might be better, but I dont expect that with 210 hp V6 and auto trans./4 wd- I drive all highway miles and have been avg. 20.5 miles a gallon on regular gas. suits me. I dont think of my Liberty as purely an SUV… its a JEEP sort of phenomenon. hehe. Oh by the way Im 42.

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  expectations fulfilled - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By JST - September 3 - 2:00 am

  automatic transmission is as smooth as any sedan Ive driven (hope it stays that way); quick steering; firm and controlled ride - better ride on the pavement than expected. gas mileage might be better, but I dont expect that with 210 hp V6 and auto trans./4 wd- I drive all highway miles and have been avg. 20.5 miles a gallon on regular gas. suits me. I dont think of my Liberty as purely an SUV… its a JEEP sort of phenomenon. hehe. Oh by the way Im 42.

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  DONt BUY THIS VEHICLE - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 32 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle in July 2001. It took 3 trips to fix the vehicle from pulling to the right as yoy dive. I has been in for 3 times because of no heat. 1 time they said a hose was put on wrong at the factory the other time they said there was "air" in the system. It is now having a problem with the air bag light statyin on. They say it is a seat belt clip that neeeds to be ordered and then It will have to go in to be installed and they are not sure that will correct the proble, So now I am driving with no air bag protection. Not to mention a recall. In short DON"T BUY ONE!

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  question please help me - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By victoria - August 29 - 4:16 pm

  I just bought a used 2007 Jeep liberty sport and I love it so far the gas last for a long time and its so fun to drive! The sound system is great and I love that its so roomy but their is on thing! How do you turn the air bag on the passengar side I cant figure it out at all? the manul dosent say.. Help me plz

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  Jeep advocate - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By sawtooth - August 28 - 11:13 pm

  My car serviceman predicted that the "end was near" on my old, but faithful 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee. So I started to shop around - drove several other smaller model SUVs but none felt as "tough" as the Jeep. AFter all, Jeep served me well over th eyears with virtually no car problems and I have never gotten stuck. In fact...I have never had to chain up! - I drive on dirt and remote snow covered mountain roads every day and this 2008 Jeep Liberty 4WD rocks!

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  Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Susan - August 28 - 12:53 pm

  Fun to drive, handles well in traffic & easy to park. Plenty of acceleration. Overall, I am very pleased with the Liberty.