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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  windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By terbear - February 3 - 7:03 pm

  I love my Liberty except for the frustration with the dealerships/manufacturer regarding the defective windows. To fix, you must buy a whole new window and regulator/gear combo. This is very expensive. I have replaced one, two are broken and wont stay up/ its raining and cold here and I have small children, and the fourth is chattering and will fail any day. I dont see why I have to pay when they admit they have a defective design which is why the whole window must be replaced. This is way to costly a repair for the consumer to bear. With whats happening with Toyota, youd think theyd want to keep their customers happy.

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  Recalls, Brakes and Tires ... Oh My! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By swellster - January 30 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle. Its the stopping that is the problem. It weighs too much not to have ABS standard. I just had my front brakes replaced at 25K miles! 4-5 recalls is not alot on a brand new model, but these were significant recalls. The tires are junk. I still have some miles on mine, but I am getting them replaced early because they are unsafe on even damp roads. Other than those gripes I love this vehicle and will buy another one if these items have been improved.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By vla - January 30 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives great, its compact size makes manuevering in and out small spaces easy. The 2005 interior and road handling have improved from previous models and the ride is not as bumpy. The passenger and rear seats are very stiff and could use some extra seat length along with extra padding for comfort.

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  Theres Only One - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Seth - January 28 - 4:10 am

  Without doubt or hesitation the most fun Ive had in any vehicle Ive owned in 25 years. This is a REAL off-road vehicle not a tall car with 4WD. The perfect combination of on-road manners and off-road go-anywhere ability. A bit thirsty but this is a tough, solidly built truck. Ive driven past half a dozen broken GMC and Ford vehicles on trails and Im sure they get worse mileage. This truck has taken some of the toughest trails in N. America (Moab for instance). Nearly all the capability of a Wrangler with twice the comfort!

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  Rear windows and fabric seats. - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Serafina - January 25 - 11:30 am

  I bought my Jeep in 2006 brand new. I love it, I dont have any complaints, very reliable SUV. I have 47000 miles on mine and I never have any mechanical problems, but the rear windows are a pain when they stop working, the fabric seats stain even with water, and the handle of the passenger side got broke and guess how much the dealer wanted to replace it $525.00, I decided to fix it myself with a real long screw. Inside is like a toy car very low quality but other than that very reliable SUV.

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  I am SHOCKED! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lowgas627 - January 24 - 5:56 pm

  After reading all of the horrible problems people have faced, I am SHOCKED! I have owned my Liberty since September 9th of 2006, and 34,700 miles later... have not had ONE problem! Maybe I am lucky, but I have adored this SUV. It is great in mud and snow, and I feel safe in bad weather. I have never had a window fail, though one did fall into the door, but the dealership replaced it with NO COST. I have gotten around 16 mpg (mostly city driving) through its lifetime. Its 3.7L is peppy and can pickup! The only thing that bugs me (Im a clean freak) is the cloth seats are RIDICULOUS to get any kind of stains out (USE HOT SOAP WATER!) It has been a GREAT vehicle, and I recommend it!

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  Patriot Blue Mass Jeep Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Micahel E. Profenno - January 24 - 2:50 am

  The Jeep Liberty Limited is one of the more fun vehicles I have owned. It has been very reliable with only one issue; a resetting of the automatic tire pressure gauge. It is a lot of fun to drive, very comfortable on and off the road, and I really enjoy the comforts, i.e. leather heated seats, Sirius radio, etc. The cargo room is perfect, and I like how the seats go down with ease. I highly recommend this American built vehicle!

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  I have one, why dont you? - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By BJR - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my second jeep, knowing the history of the first SUVs I needed to see what he 2003s had to offer and I was pleasently pleased to see that jeep returned to their roots and put out a true suv that can be a city stop and goer as well a something you will be comfortable with in the backwoods of Maine.

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  The CRD Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bobs - January 18 - 7:16 pm

  Just purchased the new CRD Liberty and love it! The diesel is a little bit noisier than my VW TDI, but it runs great. First 100 mile trip, youll notice the diesel is only turning 1,800 rpm at 70 miles an hour in overdrive, yet has so much torque, that it pulls cleanly without downshifting. Gas mileage is already working out to be 25-27 MPG, and comfort and quality of the interior are first rate. We also live up a steep gravel road, and this baby climbs like theres no tomorrow. The perfect match--diesel torque and economy with Jeeps great off road abilitys.

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  A Sure Footed Lemmon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By RobertNevada - January 14 - 8:30 am

  Hmm, lets see, replaced the body control module, $600; three power windows, $400 each, power steering pump $450, rear wiper $400, engine (should have never done it) $5,000. When they told me it would be $2,500 for a new catalytic converter, I bought an 2008 Civic. Priceless. I loved the idea of my Liberty -- hated the reality.