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:

• 

  08 Liberty - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Ridarc - December 14 - 8:00 am

  I like what Jeep has done to the liberty. It has great Jeep looks, the Ride is car like, and feels roomy inside.

• 

  SAFE JEEP - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By S - December 1 - 4:10 pm

  I was in two accidents in my Jeep Liberty and we came out with little to no damage. It kept me safe and held itself up. I will continue to buy Jeep.

• 

  Nice Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ski - November 26 - 5:00 am

  So far I think it is a great vehicle. Drove from Iowa to California no problems. Average of 23mpg for the trip doing 78mph average. Would only buy one with leather for the power seats. Im 6ft tall and without power adjustment I would have a hard time fitting. It is a bit noisy but hey its a diesel.

• 

  MY 3rd Jeep pc of crap - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By nickels55 - November 24 - 5:10 am

  My Jeep is a pure highway vehicle, as my previous 3 were. My first 2 had $3K transmission problems at 80K miles, my 3rd, a lease, made several dealer repair visits. I bought the CRD because of the Mercedes built diesel but realize that anything Chrysler touches get messed up. I have 70K miles on the Jeep as it sits in the repair shop getting a new turbo. Stay away from Jeep, my 400,000 miles in 4 different models has shown they are recall/repair nightmares!

• 

  Best SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By imlostnow98 - November 23 - 8:13 am

  I wanted to get a 4x4 and it came down to Jeep or Land Rover. Land Rovers are overpriced and not any better than the Liberty. This is the best 4x4 you can buy. It handles great and is great on the trail. I have had no problems with it so far. Overall a great vehicle with excellent build quality and great trail rated capability.

• 

  Theres only one! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelly99 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I feel like alot of people get an SUV to just have one- If you watch Ford Commercials they show Explorers in the middle of the city- please thats not an SUV- The Liberty is a great OUTDOOR vehicle. Sure its great in the city- but its also nice when the weather is far from great, or the roads are slick.

• 

  Fun SUV with Great Value - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By DEMucha - November 7 - 5:23 pm

  I love driving this Jeep! It handles and brakes extremely well and is fun to drive. I have had no mechanical repairs with 80,000 miles. The paint was quick to chip though. The cost to own is very low. The cargo area is a bit small and fuel mileage is lower than it should be for a small SUV. For a $27,000 SUV, it was an excellent value. I would recommend this Jeep for small families with limited hauling or trailering needs.

• 

  Moms Day Gift - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cormic97 - November 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought me this year for Mothers Day. I had done all of the research and looked at all of the SUVs out there. I trust the Jeep name, so went with the Liberty Sport. I LOVE LOVE LOVE driving it. It took a while to get used to being a bit higher up than I was in my old car...but so far so good. It is a HUGE gas hog...I am most suprised by how little a tank of gas goes. It steers easy, the CD player plays great...no skips over bumps. Love the tinted windows (and I had to be talked into that!) Kids seem to like sitting in it too. More room inside that it looks. Cant wait to take a road trip in it!

• 

  This is a great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By LongBeachCA - October 29 - 10:06 am

  We love our Jeep Liberty Sport. It is fun to drive, has proven reliable over 12,000 miles (not bad for an American car), and has a powerful engine. I like the styling, sound system and rather understated interior. This is a truck and has gutsy truck-like qualities. CRVs are slower and a little too wimpy. The RAV-4? Please, thats for sorority girls. Get the Liberty. Chrysler builds quality vehicles. My only complaints: the gas mileage is pretty poor and the seats could be slightly more comfortable.

• 

  02 Jeep Liberty Sport 4wd - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By David Pound - October 26 - 9:46 am

  A very strong and well-built vehicle. Rides nicely and can go off-road easily. Very useful in winter here where we have snow. No problems except ball joint recall.