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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  Off-Road Performance Review - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By asuwins - October 23 - 5:56 pm

  I have had this off road two times, once with 200 Jeep Wranglers, 3 liberties, and a few Cherokees during a large Jeep Jamboree. First the good stuff. The Liberty Sport with its “Trail Rated” designation impressed the heck out of many of the Wrangler Owners who could not believe we were completing the Jamboree Trail in our Stock Liberty with the skid plate and towing options. We were using the OE Goodyear Wrangler P225/75R/16 tires. Most of the Wranglers were driving between were somehow modified. We were able to easily navigate the rocky and rutted road without much difficulty although I was concerned a few times. We did christen the skid plats and put a small dent in the muffler due

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  Jeep Liberty -- 4 DR 4x4 Sport Edition - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By C George Go - October 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Liberty for two years already. I find that it is a reliable and fun car. I mainly use it for school, with weekend excursions up the mountain to ski or hike. Its a great car, overall. ALthough, refueling can be a pain since it burns gas like no others (then again, arent all SUVs).

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  still a jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Gary987 - October 22 - 4:13 am

  it is a nice trucky suv ..not as much carlike as some would like but in the snow and off road its alot of fun ..but even still, on the road it really isnt that bad ..i guess if you expect a car like ride ..then buy a car or a tinny car like suv..but this is a real suv built to last many winters and fun summers

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  Wonderful with flaws - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By camrice - October 18 - 3:52 am

  Wonderful car, fabulous on the highway or in the city, good engine noise down low, and a great throaty roar up top. Short wheelbase makes parking a breeze but sacrifices ride comfort and interior space. 5 people is a squeeze unless one or more is a small child. fun to drive in the city, corners well when not driving extremely aggressively, perfect for whipping around backstreets. However, when you really push it it does feel like it will roll, which is a sacrifice made to provide ground clearance for off roading. Speaking of off roading, this thing can handle anything a sensible person can throw at it. Indiana snow is no match for the 4-wheel drive, weather in low or high settings.

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  Liberty Rocks! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Target - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun, safe and comfortable SUV. The Liberty feels very solid yet handles nimbly. Sharp looking vehicle. Only complaint is gas mileage could be better for its size.

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  My new car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Corrys wife - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love driving it. I love the look of it.

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  a little bigger but just as much fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bosslady - October 16 - 10:00 am

  had a Wrangler for years. loved it but needed a skosh more room. Liberty fit the bill. its quick, comfortable, cute and oh so easy to drive. love it..love it..love it too.

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  Loving it less.... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Libby - October 11 - 12:40 pm

  The Jeep has been a great vehicle. Its easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of, and easy to get in and out of. Plenty of storage and travels well. If you want a plush ride, might not be for you, as its a real jeep. Not a disguised mini van. Its been rock solid except for the window issues. Trail rated perhaps should be turned to Tear rated. I love my Jeep, but I am really getting tired of having the windows repaired. It goes in tuesday for window repair #5. After owning a Wrangler, two Cherokees and this, this Liberty will likely be my last Jeep as the window issues are souring the whole experience. Would give 9s on build and reliability if not for the windows.

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  Good, But Not Great - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Samuel - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  Our 2008 Liberty Limited is our second Liberty. We traded in a 2003 Liberty Sport that we drove for 5 years and 50,000 miles without a single problem. We wanted a fully loaded Liberty and the end of year rebates plus lifetime powertrain warranty were too tempting to resist. The 2008 feels a little more "grownup" than our 03 and although it has the same engine does not feel as quick. The mileage, never particularly good on our 03, is even worse on the 08. It has been to the shop for minor things such as a 4WD warning light that wouldnt go off, a defective bow that caused a wind leak on the Skyslider top, and a hood prop rod that came off in my hand.

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  It hit a solid double - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Skipnatl - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My second new Jeep, Ive been a little peeved about the little quirks. The air/heat fan is too noisy and there are rattles in the dash. I love the performance of the vehicle, and the gas mileage hasnt been horrible. Its very comfortable for me and three friends to ride around. If it werent for the noises, I would say this is by far the best value for the money. Now, Im not so sure.