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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  MY ANYTHING VEHICLE - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tripol - January 14 - 10:00 am

  WOW! I never realized I could have a car seat in the back and still feel like I can go off roading! Seriously, the Liberty has been a lot of fun to drive so far. I took it off road once for some very casual riding and could tell I was not stretching its legs at all. I am confident that this will be a great all terain vehicle when needed. The only drawback against this vehicle could be gas mileage, but on my highway driving I have been getting almost 25 mpg. That beats the sticker disclosure by 5 mpg! I have gotten a ton of comments on its sharp looks. Everyone is stopping and looking! I love it!

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  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cat6208 - January 11 - 4:40 pm

  I did a lot of research to find what automobile would suit my needs, and I was very excited when I bought my Liberty. Ten months later I cant wait to trade it in. I only get 16.5 mpg and I am cautious about putting my foot in it. There is a mysterious rattle in the back that drives me nuts, I put the radio up loud so I cant hear it. I also hate the way the transmission shifts ... very jerky. I also dont like that it reminds you that you need service every time you turn on your car (while having to wait for my oil change appointment). I also have put in a 3rd windshield because the smallest rock cracks the windshield. I had a Toyota before and never had a problem ... Im definitely going back.

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  Pray for a good one - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By anderix - January 10 - 10:00 am

  From day one, my lemon-flavored Liberty has not been able to drive in a straight line. I have had the vehicle for 5 weeks, and have had it in the dealers shop 6 times. And Ive heard this is not an uncommon problem. On other sites, I have found that there may be a problem with the uni- frame being misaligned from the factory, but the dealer refuses to even look at that. So much for my warranty! Luckily, Texas has very consumer-friendly lemon laws, but I am not happy that it has come to this. My advice: dont buy one without having a mechanic you trust check it out first.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Korruptor - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this Jeep. I wanted a Wrangler but needed extra cargo room so I bought Liberty. It has 12,000 miles on it & will hit 12,500 by its first year with me. People complain about the fuel economy It’s not too bad. Expensive to fill from empty but I can go pretty far on a tank. And plus, youre buying a Jeep. If you want good fuel economy, buy a Civic. Good thing for me, Jeep has amazing 4x4 systems too! Problems: 1) Rear window was popping itself. Known problem, dealer replaced rear window switch (moisture shorted it out). 2) Clunk from front end on bumps or corners. Dealer greased "steering stops" and noise stopped.

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  big regret - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By rmbrake - January 9 - 2:03 pm

  Seats stain if rain falls on it. Front window broke and on the way to fix it the back broke. Air only works half the time. Dealership replace compressor and still only works half the time. Small glove box poor gas mileage

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  Still loving it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By KP in Ohio - January 9 - 4:33 am

  I have owned my Jeep for 5-1/2 years, and gotta say -- it is a great vehicle to drive and own. It has gotten me through the worst snow storms in Minnesota and Ohio, and has only needed regular oil changes. It still has the original tires and they still have plenty of tread left on them. This one has heated seats -- an option I didnt ask for but it was on the model I bought. These are wonderful...will never own a car without it! This is fun to drive in all seasons, but gives you peace of mind in the snow. Both of our teenagers have learned to drive on this car, and we liked it so much we bought a 2002 for our oldest. It has towed our 18 foot boat cross country without a problem.

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  Watch out for your engine! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hollinsiam - January 5 - 5:12 pm

  I have a 2005 Jeep Liberty Sport. It has given me minor problems since I purchased in 2005. I only have 87000 miles on it and I need to have a cylinder replaced. I was told not to put another penny into it unless I wanted to replace the engine. My mechanic says he has seen this on several Libertys. I have kept up with its maintenance and given it the TLC that it needs - well I thought I did. What a rip off! No more Jeeps for me!

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  Great all around Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TJFT - January 5 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is exceptional in all areas. The upgrades to full 4 wheel disc is an improvement. The ride and handling is well tuned. Fuel economy could be better, but the vehicle weight is a great safty feature if you ask me and out weighs the fuel issue. The exterior is the typical smooth lined Jeep history of good looks and off road capabilities. All and all I would say this Liberty is well worth the money and very reliable.

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  Not Great, but Not Horrible - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepsburgh - January 2 - 2:36 pm

  This car has turned out to be what I expected, an inexpensive SUV. The mileage is exactly what was on the sticker. The car performs very well in snow/ice. Some people like the look and some dont. I can transport 3 kids. I can fold the seats down and haul large items (even got a packaged treadmill in there). The interior is OK; however it is populated with cheap plastic. The seats arent the greatest, but they arent the worst. If you did your homework, there shouldnt have been any surprises. Would I get another? No. Am I eager to get rid of mine? No.

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  1st Time Jeep Owner - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Phyllis Flouhouse - January 1 - 6:56 am

  We plan to tow this Jeep with a 36 foot diesel motor home. Have been towing a Chevy Tracker 1999 model. Looking forward to enjoying comfort, reliability and appearance of our new 2005 Jeep.