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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  Terrific Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jackie - October 23 - 10:06 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new. I drove every other SUV out there. I didnt want to try a Jeep but my husband insisted. We bought it right on the spot after the test drive. I have never had a problem. It is like a little tank in the winter.

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  CRD Liberty , the best Jeep yet - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Farout - October 21 - 5:53 am

  The diesel engine is not a new engine. V M Mortori has already made over 200,000 engines for DC, and other manufactures as well. 160 HP and 295 lbs of torque is a fantastic power plant. Rides better than the 3.7 V-6. Fit and finish exceed SUV standards. Perhaps this is the best SUV of all.

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  Nice truck - if quality of build was bet - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyuser - October 21 - 2:00 am

  So far, my car had the following failures: replaced front left strut tower (when was brand new), replaced radio, replaced rear differential housing, replaced fuel pump, 4-5 recalls. This car has only 40,000 miles, and most of the fixes done when it was new. I have never encountered such low build quality. Vehicle design is strudy, but mechanical parts start failing one after the other. I am about to sell this car, and get myself a nice Toyota pickup. Just tired of visiting the Jeep dealership...

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  For the price this is the best SUV. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Christop - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Just got the new Liberty. I have only owned Jeeps my whole life. From the Wrangler to the Cherokee to the Grand Cherokee. This is a great vehicle that not only is economical to purhase but has the great engine that wont ever die.

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  Look Mom, a real SUV. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By rv - October 17 - 10:00 am

  There are only 3 or four true SUVs on this site that have actually *earned* the classification -- two of which are Jeeps. If you want a car, buy a car. If you want a truck, buy a truck. If you want an SUV, buy a Jeep.

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  Awesome - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Eddybauer1 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  build quality is on par with Japanese, tight off road, no rattles, rides smooth on rough road. Switch gear feels solid, leather is of very good quality, vehicle just feels very solid. on par or better then a bmw x5 comparing interior trim.

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  Fun vehicle, needs improvement - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep fan - October 9 - 12:26 am

  Obviously the Jeep is geared for power not for mileage so any aftermarket improvements you can make will help the mileage. Never use Goodyear tires as their rolling resistance is horrible. 20% of the Jeeps energy is wasted just on tire rolling resistance. We use Michelin tires and that helps greatly. A friend uses synthetic lubes throughout and a cold air intake by K&N. The new Liberties are way to boxy and just dont seem to have the heart of the earlier Liberties... Others may disagree but that is my take. With some aftermarket improved parts you will have a better performing vehicle with better gas mileage.

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  Great idea w/ so-so execution - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bartleby - October 7 - 11:53 pm

  Love diesel RWD (when 4WD not engaged) small SUV. Strong towing--beats our 1999 8 cylinder Grand Cherokee. 23-24 mpg on highway. Diesel is real workhorse. But eats ERG valves. Transmission suspect (failed in Grand Cherokee at 80K miles too). Good pep even after mfr-recall transmission detuning. Not the best handling of SUVs, but no blind spots, spirited acceleration even at 70 mph, great ground clearance, great towing capacity, and good hauling capacity. If it holds up, would buy again. I suspect that ERG probs would vanish if I could find 50+ cetane-rated diesel, but valves seem to last longer w/ Shell & Chevron diesel.

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  My First Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By My First Jeep - October 5 - 1:23 am

  This is my first Jeep, and I have to say that beyond the shadow of a doubt my favorite vehicle so far. I feel tall in it and in power when driving. The Liberty has contrary to belief an extremely refined ride for a truck that is a true offroader. The materials feel great and the center console is easy on the eyes and very easy to use w/o having to stare at them while driving. fuel economy is great in my opinion, i dont own a Honda or Toyota I own a true to the bone truck therefore i pay for it. However, some of the features included in some of these new vehicles are not included in the Liberty, such as a tiptronic transmission with more than 4 speed, color lcd in dash found in audi,vw, cadi

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  Great Car, Bad Mileage - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By diagonalmayhem - September 24 - 7:10 am

  The car is a great everyday car, especially for commuting around town. I love to park with this car because it will easily pop over barriers and curbs with relative ease. The seats, although not leather, are extremely comfortable and easy to slide on due to the high quality fabric. The engine power is great, I just wish the mileage was something over 16 MPG, and I am not a crazy "off-the-line" driver.