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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  Transmission Failure at 90,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bisjoe - May 24 - 9:15 am

  For the first 9+ years the Liberty did very well as far as liability, other than the several recalls. Even the original battery lasted 9 years. Then at about 90,000 it started to have problems. We had to rebuild the transmission at a cost of $3,400. Theres a leak requiring new seals on the rear differential, and the HVAC fan resistor is shot so we only get speeds 3 and 4. After spending so much on the transmission we will go ahead and fix the rest, and try to get another 50,000 out of it but Im not very optimistic. It is fun to drive, the body and interior are like new and it handles well in snow.

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  Boredom - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By furry s - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy since buying my jeep liberty freedom edition. I wish that the cross bars on the roof rack came with the vehicle standard instead of an accessory. With the manual transmission, a drink in the front cup holder hits your hand on the 1st to 2nd gear shift. I dont like the auto door lock feature. These are the only things I could think of that could use attention, and it took a while to come up with them. I would definitely buy the liberty again.

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  A Good Value in an SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By prospyder - April 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought to replace an Expedition. Its a more "gas friendly" replacement. Didnt enjoy the hassle of negotiation, but its a good vehicle for the money. Good towing capacity and performance. Only problem so far is installing towing package parts: the wiring is a major hassle, but there were no Libbys with towing package available in stock at local dealers when we bought ours.

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  Jeep lover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By m - April 11 - 9:36 pm

  My first Jeep, love the look, the interior was comfortable, gas mileage average. Tight steering, needs a little more hp in certain situations. Never had more compliments on a car before, in particular the color, salsa red, hot! Drawbacks, 2 big ones, the engine blew at 40,000 miles, never off road with it, oil changed every 3000. Good thing for the warranty, the bill was almost $9000. But the craziest thing about this car, is the battery, I have had 10 or more batteries since I bought it. Every time I take it in for service, they say its normal! Batteries last 12 to 18 months, thats a new one on me. Overall, Im buying a new Jeep, with the skyslider roof!

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  Electric Window Problems - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bones - April 9 - 1:36 pm

  I too have had problems with my electric windows. Have had the car exactly 1 year now three of my windows have broke on me. Ridiculous that so many of us have repeatedly experienced the same problem, but no fix actions have been taken. Have heard many negative reviews about Chrysler products and this is making me think twice about purchasing another one. Several of the fitting for the outside plastic trim were also broken and the trim loose when sold to me. Again, quality control really needs to be addressed.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry - April 3 - 6:10 pm

  This is my first Jeep. At 3500 miles theres been not one problem. Fit and finish of interior and exterior is great. Having been the owner of Honda and Nissan I expected less. Will be using it as a tow vehicle for a 2000 lb. 18ft pontoon boat as well as our daily driver. Wife loves it.

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  Nice to own - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ian Neal - March 29 - 10:33 am

  Went on a trip just after buying the Jeep. I was impressed with the fuel mpg. It got 30 mpg on average. I had a small oil leak on the transfer case but got fixed under warranty. Other then it`s been fine. Put about 4500 km on that trip in one week with no problems at all.

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  Its a Jeep !! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By giuma - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The strong points are: lots of power, comfortable and stable ride, great looks, and obviously a great offroader. The weak points are: a gas guzzler, regardless of the fact that it is a 4wd, noisy, a poor sound system, low quality plastic & trim, and weak headlights (yes I adjusted them). For the money, its probably still a bargain. But if you consider the money you could save on gas, especially if youre going to commute, maybe there are other vehicles out there that are a better buy.

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  Suprising - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colleen - March 23 - 3:56 pm

  I cant believe my jeep has 180K and still runs like new. I have not had one single mechanical issue with it. Oil changes faithfully every 5K, occasional engine tune up and some new brakes 50K back is all Ive ever done for maintenance. Am I just lucky or is this actually a decently made US vehicle?

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  Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carl - March 15 - 2:50 pm

  Fun diesel to drive, lots of torque, good fuel mileage, but the seats are constructed out of park bench material. The hardest seats I have ever set in. Even my Wrangler was better.