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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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jwater04 - December 14 - 7:43 pm

  I bought this Jeep two months ago. Within a week I noticed the transmission slipping, rear-end popping and the wheel bearings making noise. As the second owner, I transferred the warranty and the dealership replaced the transmission and fixed the rest of it with 45,000 miles. I thought I made a mistake but now that its fixed, its doing great and I love it. It really is as capable as my wrangler I traded and I can actually use it during the week. Not just let it sit at home as just a weekend toy. Mine is an automatic and I usually let it shift about 2500rpms which takes off pretty good and doesnt get left in the dust completely. I also do alot of city driving and this gets me about 18-20mpg

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  Great ride - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lady_reyna619 - December 13 - 9:00 pm

  I enjoy being higher off the ground. Very fun & comfortable to drive. I live in an area with poor road conditions. so its less bumpy. Costs a lot in gas. Love the V6 -- great for the highway. Helped a lot when I was moving.

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  Life saver - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyisgr8 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Owned 10 or more previous vehs. (3rd brand new). Over 116k miles later wouldnt trade it for the world. The handling and stability saved our lives - kept us from even having the accident (another driver made left from oncoming lane 50-75 feet in front of us while traveling approx. 55 mph) I Love the tight steering. Original brakes went 84k and still had plenty left. Will be passing on to children.

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  1 year with jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GES - December 12 - 4:30 am

  Put a lot of miles on Liberty and has been very reliable. Transmission, however, is awful. Never seems to know what gear it is in and performance is sluggish. Worst problem, however, is the poor handling on wet roads. I have changed tires but it has not helped. I have owned a lot of SUVs but have never had a problem like this. Anyone have any suggestions?

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  Second Jeep Liberty - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By firehawkmph - December 11 - 5:46 pm

  After having one of the first Jeep Libertys when they came out in 01, we decided to trade it in on a new 09 Liberty. My wife racked up just shy of 100k trouble-free miles on the first one. After considering other vehicles like the Honda CRV and Subaru Forester, I liked the Liberty the best. The new one has quite a few refinements and improvements over the old one. The vehicle has more interior room, rides better, and is quieter also. Still has the rugged 4WD drive that Jeep is noted for. It may not get the gas mileage of the CRV or Subaru, or doesnt quite have the car-like ride, but I didnt buy it to be a car. Its a REAL 4WD, not a cutesy wanna be. It will go through about anything.

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  Liberty is Awesome!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Smack7t - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The jeep had the best feel to it by far. It drives like a Jeep yet has a refined element to it. The size is perfect, not to big, not to small like the Rav4. Everything about the interior is absolutely AWESOME!!! And the styling is the best of the small SUVs by far. Its easily the funnest SUV to drive. Drive one and youll see what I mean. I purchased the G-package and my total cost for the package was around $2700 and then it had a $1600 manufactures rebate. Not to mention the $1500 rebate on all Libertys. If youre in the market for a small SUV but dont want an SUV that is too small, buy this one! I cant say enough good things about it!

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  Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By She - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Battery died before 1 year of ownership. Tends to pull to the right. Gas mileage is terrible I have to reach back to for window controls, due to being extremely short. Would rather have controls on dash or doors. I do like how it sits high, I can see out easily.

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  Get Your Own!!!!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lenchud - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I wont let my wife drive this vehicle. Im afraid she wont want to drive her car anymore, its that good. This is the best small/mid-size SUV out there. The CRV, Rav-4, Escape are merely glorified station wagons compared to this vehicle. If you prefer the former to the latter, stay away from this Jeep. If you want the real deal in an SUV, GET YOUR OWN!!!!!! Fully equipped with leather, ABS, sunroof, and the slickest interior around, it cost only $25738, which is more affordable than my wife. I may get rid of her, but I think Ill keep the Lib!

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  Minor cons But the Pros outweigh con - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jrochester - December 3 - 8:30 pm

  I purchased a 2006 and it is has turned me a true jeep fan the power is great and you cant complain about gas mileage when you have great power. Smooth ride overall.

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  My Liberty Sport - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By geck066 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for over a year now...I love it..Its a blessing in the snow, but its a very heavy vehicle making stopping a bit scary, but I got used to it. I have the anti-lock brakes and the selec-track system in my Jeep. It was well worth the etra money. I like the feeling of being up high and I feel in control of the road. Its very sporty, and my kayaks look great on top.