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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  Vibration Review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Kelaya - July 13 - 10:00 am

  bad vibration when at speeds in excess of 45 miles per hour and continuing to sixty miles per hou

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  This car is SMOOTH - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Dooie - July 9 - 10:40 am

  This car is great when it comes to climbing hills and taking bumps! It drives so smoothly! I was completely taken away when I test drove this car and I love it! The only MAJOR problem I have with it is it SUCKS GAS!!!! Thats all though, everything else is awesome!

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  Fun, but expensive to drive - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By NadineB - June 22 - 2:33 am

  Bought it used with 41,000 miles on it. Have had no problems, have not had to have any repairs so far. Very roomy even with full passenger load, but not a lot of cargo space. Handles better than any 4WD we have ever owned, We have taken it places others would not dare go. Just wish it would be better on gas, very low gas mileage for a V6. Tends to get around 16-17 mpg. Other than that would recommend to anyone.

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  Bad Brakes - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Dmcdonough - June 17 - 7:33 pm

  My 07 Liberty is a great vehicle. Window regulator broke too, but they fixed it. Ive had the car since Oct 07 and have 23,000 miles. Took it in for NYS insp. and found I needed new pads and rotors. Mechanic said it shouldnt have done that.Im pretty easy on the brakes and that isnt a lot of miles. Cost me over $300 for just the front brakes. Chrysler should be ashamed for making inferior parts for such a nice vehicle. Talked to several mechanics and they all said the brakes on the Liberty are really bad. I am disappointed in that. The gas mileage isnt that great either. Agree that the window controls shouldnt be in center console.

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  ITS BEEN GREAT CAR- LOVE IT - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By MONICA DEVLIN - June 15 - 10:00 am

  great car, long or short trips - little bit of a gas hog

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  Needs Refinement - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By afguy - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Overall a good vehicle. The engine has a lot of pinging and knocking which cannot be done away with. Steering is very touchy and gas is horrible (15-16 mpg average). It is hard to get non-Mopar accessories to fit the rear hitch due to the spare tire sticking out so far. I also wish I had the color matched flares and bumpers because they are starting to fade. Seats are a little uncomfortable too. I find my lower back gets tight after more than 45 minutes of driving.

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  Best SUV out there by far - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jack Tawil - June 9 - 2:00 am

  preforms like no other king of the road

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  Not enough storage, seat not comfortable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jackie - June 7 - 4:20 am

  My husband just brought this home for me last week. Because of the jump in gas prices over hurricane Katrina, he traded in my Suburban. This is a very fun, solid SUV. However, if you are looking for storage areas to put your stuff, forget it. The glove box isnt even big enough to hold my few maps, no sunglass holder and the seats are not very comfortable, so I am not sure how it will be on long drives. I think this car would be great for a 20ish year old for getting around town or a quick ski weekend, certainly not big enough for a family, and not comfortable enough for me, but until gas prices goes down, it will do, then it will be handed down to my two boys to fight over.

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  Robs Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By the911guy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Ford Mustang for my Liberty and havent looked back. It has been an absolute joy to have. The only negative Ive noticed is that gas mileage could be better. Interior room is adequate and Im over six foot. Room for the kids and their stuff too. Peppy six banger and smooth transmission and transfer case make even off road use easy and fun.

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  I love my Liberty-just not the color - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By amy foxx - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is white and I wished I could have a red one. Other than that I do not have much to complain about, except the mileage is horrifying. It gets terrible gas mileage.