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:

• 

  slippery when wet - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sgt - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Our Jeep Liberty has been a fun and very reliable vehicle thus far. I agree with the other ratees, the 2002 Liberty did not come with the ABS. My wife complained about sliding on wet pavements, did not believe her until I went sliding thru intersection at only 20 mph. Now wife is afraid to drive in rain or snow.

• 

  Safety First - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AHeff - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I was forced to sell my Durango and I decided to buy the Liberty. I never have regreted it once. I have two small girls and was hit in the front quarter panel by a full size Dodge Ram. The trucks entire front end was crushed and had to be towed off the scene. The jeep was easily pushed aside with little damage. I have never felt safer than in my Liberty. I have already put 50,000 miles on it in a year and a half. I love it and would recommend it to anyone. I am 511" tall and have plenty of room inside. The cargo room in the back is great also for a small SUV.

• 

  Love the truck, BUT ITS A GAS GUZZLER!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe M 3rd - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck but dont believe that windows sticker that claims gas mileage of 17 to 21. its more like 13 to 17 mpg. Local/city driving averages 13.5 gallon driven normally, agreesive driving brings the city number to 11.5mpg. Highway driving for me is 17mpg, however I was able to achieve 21mpg on a long trip doing 70mph but I had to focus on slow accelerations and steady speed. I average 15.2mpg city/highway driving. I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS TRUCK HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THE POOR GAS MPG. I complained to Jeep several times.

• 

  Sportscar Companion - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Zzyzzy - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We also own a Nissan 300Z -- and ten grandchildren plus one 93-year-old mother. They couldnt fit in the Zs back seat. So we shopped for a small SUV and liked the looks and layout of the Liberty. Now kids seats and grannys tush fit comfortably. The Liberty is fun to drive, even with a 300Z as competition. Of course the Jeep doesnt corner or accelerate like a lowslung rear-wheeler, but the autodrive is acceptably swift on the mid-range uptake. Has a surprisingly tight turning circle. We like sitting up high and seeing things we never saw before (like over highway fences). Ride not as jiggly, fuel economy somewhat better than described.

• 

  3rd Jeep Owner - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By witswits - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great Fun to drvive. Its a easy to handle,drive and easy to park.

• 

  2004 Limited Transmission Slipping - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jftgkk - March 18 - 10:00 am

  On a cold start, the Jeep will slip going into reverse. I was advised that a software update was needed to correct the problem. I did that and it still slips. It slips 4 out of 5 mornings, yet the dealerships say they cannot duplicate the problem. I am concerned that this is going to cause long-term problems and am considering going the lemon route as it has been in shop three times and is not fixed yet. Ive also been told this is normal for Jeep Liberties, yet Ive not found another Jeep owner who has slow to engage/slip on a cold start. Other than that, I love it. Looks great, rides great, and is fun. The price was right, too!

• 

  Wife loves it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jbear - March 18 - 6:13 am

  My wife bought this Jeep for work. She love its quickness, handling, surprisingly decent gas mileage for a v6 its and maneuverability (turn radius). I would not recommend it for extremely long trips due to the short wheel base, keep trips to 100 miles or less. It has had a few recalls which our local dealership has been very quick at responding to. There is a little rust bubbling under the paint at the pop up Glass at rear door just under the third brake lite at the welding seam. Its covered again by jeeps 5 year 100,000 mile warranty. Wife says she will always own a Jeep.

• 

  Sky Slider Wind Noise FIXED - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Bigger in Texas - March 16 - 6:50 am

  Ladies & Gentleman: Alas, I finally had the Sky Slider Wind Noise FIXED on my 2008 Jeep Liberty Limited! I was paranoid about a mechanic touching my roof and making it worse. Since the date I purchased the vehicle in August 2008, I had extreme wind noise and the roof would "puff up" 1/2" -1" in the interior after I reached 65 mph. The noise was completely unbearable when I drove into a 10-15 mph headwind, it was impossible to carry on a conversation, and very difficult to hear the radio. Today, I took my Jeep to Ancira Jeep on I-10 West. Jaye Patton was extremely helpful at the front desk, and the service tech did a marvelous job! I took my Jeep up to 85 mph on the Interstate

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By BRUSKI - March 13 - 9:10 pm

  I needed to replace a tow vehicle for a 2000lb camper. When not towing, it will be my wifes daily drive. This used Jeep Liberty Sport caught my eye. Its a good looking 4 wheel drive vehicle that is fun to drive. No, its not as "carlike" as my old Ford Escape, but out-tows the heck out of it. Were averaging about 2-3 mpg less than the Escape (which was a two wheel drive) a fair trade off for a 4x4 with more power and capacity.

• 

  smart car - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By off roader - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is everything that a college student wants. It is sporty, fun to drive and a great off road escape from the rigors of college campus life. If you need to transport your friends for some off rading relief this vehicle ahs it all. Lots of head room and storage capabilites makes this vehicle great for transporting bicycles, kayaks, and anything else you can do outdoors. You cant go wrong with this vehicle.