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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  Liberty in a Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By arsnakey - September 8 - 10:00 am

  My Jeep Liberty is positively the most fun vehicle Ive ever owned. I drive it all over AZ, CO, & Utah, 23,000 miles in its first year. Im not afraid to go anywhere except where the brush may scratch the paint. I highly recommend it for those who need more interrior room than the Wrangler.

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  4th Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Chuck &Terri - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The Liberty handles well in city traffic, and is competent in the sand dunes and mud holes. The 04 Liberty does preform better than our Cherokees. We cant wait to try it in the snow and ice. The 2nd day we had the Liberty I tried to stick it in the mud, all I got stuck with was dirty jeep.

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  Loves to Drink Gas - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Valerie - August 30 - 4:50 am

  I just purchased my Liberty 6 months ago, and even though I love driving it, Im thinking of trading it in. With the soaring gas prices, and the way this SUV loves to drink it, it is costing me a lot of money in gas. It is very cute and I love the way it handles. There is plenty of room for the kids in the back, and I like the way that the back door opens. As I read in other reviews, the glove box is small...there is however, a slot over it that holds the owners manual. I dont like where the window controls are located and they would be better on the doors. To sum it up, however, it is a cute, fun to drive vehicle that has a lot of pep. I would recommend it if you can afford the gas.

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  2004 Liberty Columbia Edition V6 4WD - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RCC - August 24 - 11:33 pm

  Got it new. After almost 6 years and 80000 miles I still love this thing. Its a "trucklet", not a flimsy crossover and its the best Jeep Ive had out of 2 CJs and a Grand Cherokee. Ive replaced the crank position sensor, the crappy Goodyear tires, air filter, brakes and heater fan switch. I change the oil at 5000 miles and have never touched the front end. I wash it by hand regularly and wax it twice a year. It still looks, works and feels like new. It has part time 4WD, 3.73 axle with Trac Loc and since I put mud/snow tires on it, I hardly ever need 4WD, although my highway MPG dropped from 22 to 20. Its a cute, nimble, tough, fun little beast and I intend to drive into the ground.

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  Too many miles too soon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Hairyt - August 19 - 12:36 am

  Driven 52K since purchase and havent had any problems. Still no tune up, same tires, and no real squeaks or noises. Surprisingly sturdy vehicle, will likely get another.

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  Beat the Best of the Rockies - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RoughNeck - August 15 - 3:53 am

  I am a oil and gas rig man that travels from Denver to Farmington New Mexico every 2 weeks. I get paid to drive my 2006 Jeep Liberty to and from work. I go over 4 mountain passes both ways and usually at night. Wolf Creek Pass is 13, 000 plus miles of of constant snow , rain and ice. My Liberty has yet to skid, and corners better than my old Ford Ranger around the mountain roads. I drive a constant 55 MPH the entire way and only use one entire tank of gas and that is at a price of $2.80 per gallon. This is a foo foo SUV but as a heavy duty truck driver I find it an excellent choice for saftey and reliability.

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  Fix the windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Terie - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its fun to drive, it hauls lots of stuff in the back, the seats arent comfy at all and hard for a short person to adjust. The gas mileage should be better for the size, but I love the 6 cyl power. Why did my windows break at only 1 yr/6000mi and the dealer tells me "they always do that in Libertys" and Jeep has chosen to NOT address the issues? I will not buy another Jeep. The dealership told me we will continue to have to replace the widow assembly, because they always break. Now my dash is buckling. The dealer says its because we live in the desert. Then why isnt it happening to our 2 other cars that are older?

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  Air Bags - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By LeeF - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Jeep until I ended up in a frontal collision. The airbags did not deploy at 50-55 mph. I refused to buy another even though to this day I miss my old one! According to AllData - there was a recall in December 2002 re: Sensors that could be sheared off in a frontal/side impact. DaimlerChrysler lied to me in their "investigation" that the vehicle acted as it was supposed to.

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  Improvements Needed - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John Palma - July 26 - 11:53 pm

  I find that the Jeep Liberty is a solid reliable vehicle. Fit & finish is of high quality. Excellent driving manners,with plenty of power. The 3.7 engine performs beautifully. However the drawback to the Liberty is that the driver seat doesnt have enough cushion. The interior lighting is very poor. Engine can be loud when you accelerate. Its a Jeep, and I mean it does have a rough side to it. I have to say in the snow there is no other vehicle I would rather be in. Its a blast to drive when snow starts to fly. Would I purchase another Jeep? I would consider it. I would look at the fuel consumption to determine if it would be worth my while. Aside from that I would say yes, Im am pleased with it.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By reecee3 - July 14 - 3:23 pm

  I bought my Liberty in 05 with 6,000 miles on the odometer. I now have 190,000 miles and she is running strong. I have had to do some minor maintenance, but I have driven her all over the country and frankly done so at high speeds. My friends call the car the silver bullet because I have a lead foot. The car has never left me stranded and is very fun to drive. Dropping the back seats is a breeze and I can fit tons of luggage or furniture it it. I am now looking for a newer model and hoping I love it like I love this little Liberty. If I didnt have to travel, I would keep it to drive around town because I love it so much!