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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  Whats up with the windows? - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By fdzi - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 2007 Jeep Liberty in late 2006. I have had EVERY one of the window regulators replaced! Initialy they we all covered by the warranty. 2 days ago my rear drivers window regulator went AGAIN. That makes 5 windows needing repair in 3 1/2 years. This time I have 40,000 miles and the dealer said it is not covered by warranty. I have been trying to get Chrysler to fix it for fee as I have NEVER had a car with window issues like this. They should be ashamed of themselves.

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  My Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ram1681 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Suspension. Fun to Drive. A real eye catcher

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  Jeep does it again! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MCSD_Cadet3 - February 4 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased it used in February wwith just over 5k miles. Overall excellent vehicle. The side view mirrors have a killer blind spot so I always check over my shoulder (which is probably the safest option anyway). Some of the options should have been standard on the limited but when you buy a car used you dont get to be picky. For instance it would be nice to have leather seats standard. So far no problems mechanically/electrically however its only been a few months. I did just get a recall notice on the ball joints so well have to wait and see.

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  The "Just-Right-Mobile" - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Jr - January 30 - 9:46 pm

  All I can say is that this vehicle was a splendid surprise. I went from 95 Cirrus to a 98 Astro (Great) to this cute little Liberty. I bought it used with 4000 miles. It immediately had some serious vibration and lurching (it was fine on test drive) and took it back the first day and they gave me a nice loaner and promised to resolve it in a timely manner. They showed me what they replaced and why (all brake associated). They were professional, made sure I had my registration plates (no paper tag!), full tank, and a letter of apology for the problem with a coupon for free oil changes. OUTSTANDING. Factory defect on the bumper, repaired with new bumper and paint.

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  1st Month - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By woody27 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving Jeeps for the last 8 years and have never had a bad exoerience with any of them. This is my first small size Jeep and so far all is well. The liberty really handles differnet from the Grands Ive driving in that the wheel gives you strong response to any movement. This is something I had to adjust to.

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  Terribly Disappointing...Major Problems! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By atay71 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  At 3,900 miles the transmission failed due to rusted-out connctions, transmission fluid leaked, and acceleration was horrible. Next... at 8,000 miles, the transmission failed again...same problem, same symptoms, same solution...spent four days at the shop. Next - 13,000 miles and the same problem, plus it wouldnt accelerate over 60 MPH without high engine revs and a burning smell. The car also lurched forward violently whenever shifted into drive. It also buzzed and moved forward slowly when put into neutral! When shifted, the transmission sounded like stones in a blender. My Liberty looks great, but is plagued with problems.

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  1000 miles down - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Marc A. - December 30 - 1:53 am

  After 6 weeks, Ive finally crossed over the 1K mark on the odometer. This vehicle is very impressive. Ive driven a number of SUVs (Blazer/Jimmy, Cherokee, CRV, etc.) and this one rides more like a mini-van than a truck. It handles very well, has a very tight turning radius, and looks good. I had a kid at the Wendys drive-thru look at it and say "Mr....that is one neat looking truck". My only complaint is of course the MPG, but it is to be expected.

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  Toy Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By blacksan00 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The only thing I regret about getting the Little Jeep Renegade is....giving it to my wife. Now I only get to drive it if shes tired or on the weekend (with her only). At least I was allowed to take it to the Smokey Mountains and give it a "Manly" ride. I lost my rights after getting mud on the hood/rack/doors/heck everywhere. Easy to drive, great sleeper for a passenger side seat, and feels safe from other bad drivers. I had no problems whipping this in Atlanta city and the local suburbs. I would recommend the Jeep before any Toyota RAV4. I just hope I dont change my mind on its first maintenance checkup.

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  skyslider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By base - December 17 - 12:50 pm

  08 liberty skyslider roof when closed makes so much wind noise when traveling at 55mph and gets worse as you go faster hope there is a fixed for this

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  CRD 2.8 first thoughts - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CRD 2.8 IN - December 15 - 9:43 am

  Purchased on 2-14-2005. Drove to Alabama the next day. Seats are terrible. After 100 miles, it gets uncomfortable. 200 miles and you have to get out for a few minutes. Poor tires, Goodyear STs. Those are the bad points. Overall, love the engine and most other things about this vehicle. It could use a deeper cargo area.