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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  Once You Drive It, Youll Love It! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By senseidave - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Liberty today (20 July 2004) and I already put over 100 miles on it. The ride is solid and the feel is very good. Visibility is exceptional with clear views from all sides. I found the seats to be a little uncomfortable especially on the thighs. It feels as though more support is needed in the sides of the lower seat cushion. The lumbar support is just fine. The glove box is VERY small; I couldnt even fit the owners manual package in it! Aside from these minor deficiencies, I love the Jeep! I feel like Im in command of a truly well-built machine. The engine efficiency could be better but thats the price you pay for wanting this kind

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  Jeeps are it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rjv565 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is an incredable SUV. You certainly get your moneys worth. I looked at comparable SUVs (XTerra, Escape) and to get the same options in those cars, it would have cost me between 3 and 5 thousand extra. The car is solid, rides great and has alot of power.

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  Review after 2 years (27k miles) - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Mait - June 7 - 10:00 am

  First, this vehicle came with a poor choice of tires (Wrangler ST) so I upgraded after 18m miles to the larger, fatter Firestone Destination LE (yes Firestone) tires. For $350.00, it TOTALLY changed the way I feel about my Jeep. I love it. My family of just 3 went out to AZ with Seadoo in tow in June and the Liberty did just great up and down hills and through the desert from South Texas to Lake Havasu City (1200 miles each way). It carried all our luggage, lake gear, vhs, toolboxes, chests, etc. with no obstruction in back window and 60/40 back seat flipped down. Absent "slippery in rain" tire issue, this Jeep has given me zero problems. As for gas, its an SUV!!! Great towing capability!

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  Great Buy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kris B - June 7 - 10:00 am

  An all around great vehicle and absolutely exceptional for the price! The cargo area is huge and it rolls over curbs and potholes like they arent even there. There is no question I will buy another one when this one wears out. (as long is gas is not $10/gal)

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  Luv it - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By ugafan - June 7 - 7:40 am

  I just got my Jeep Liberty and I love it. There are a few drawbacks but nothing enough to have swayed me to another vehicle. The gas mileage is about the only bad thing I can say about my Liberty. It looks great, is fun to drive and it is a Jeep.

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  A true lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jrg11 - June 4 - 9:47 pm

  Picked up my 2002 liberty from a family member that nurtures her vehicles. This problem child does not give up when it comes to costing me dollars for repairs. The list is long, and now a #2 cylinder valve issue. Obviously, Chrysler knows about this, but take sno action in resolving. Once I junk this pig, I will never touch another chrysler vehicle again. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Great Small Truck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By river rat - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Its great on the beach in sand, I have no problem towing a small boat anywhere. It handles much better on the road than reviews would lead you to believe.

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  Good Buy! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By 452drexel - June 2 - 8:36 pm

  I bought this car for my wife, but was surprised that I, at 64", was so comfortable behind the wheel. Interior room and layout is deceptively large for a smaller vehicle. Ride quality and acceleration are also better than I expected. Overall, a well-built vehicle that will serve us well for years to come.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - June 2 - 7:20 pm

  Othen than more horsepower and/or torque I dont know how they could make this vehicle any better.

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  12 months and no regrets - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By krisiam - June 2 - 10:24 am

  First and foremost I love this car because of the value -- an unbelievable deal at the time I got it at the end of 11 taking advantage of mfg. incentives left me with a 4x4 with popular option group for 22K. Thats so low for a 6 cylinder 4x4 SUV its unreal. Front seats are supportive and would be comfortable except for the placement of the drivers side seat belt the metal part digs into my hip and becomes painful on long rides. Stereo has decent sound and the output to hook up the mp3 player is a nice. Have had some electrical issues which affect the horn and audio controls, have had it in 4x for the same problem(s). Holding out hope theyll resolve it, want to keep it forever.