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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  Bought one for my wife. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Rusty - March 13 - 10:00 am

  It was time to by a new car for my wife. We looked at the new liberty. Bought one that same day. The V-6 blew me away. The ride is great. A big selling piont with me was the 5000 pound tow capacity. After 15,000 miles my wife loves it. I have only a few complants with the car. They include: not alot of foot room in the front. My legs feel cramped on long drives. Not alot room to move them around. The seat in relationship with the door armrest is in a odd spot. Overall, I like this car and would drive it every day. That is if I could ever get the key away from my wife.

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  At 2 bucks a gallon, maybe a mistake!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Leap - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Liberty to replace my aged Cherokee. Gas mileage seems much worse, used to go a full week on the Cherokee, now 4 days on the Liberty between fill-ups. Really wanted a 5 speed but cant get one.

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  I can live with it - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawnlark - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  Drives beautiful. Never had a mechanical problem with it, but very uncomfortable. I was hoping I would love it as much as I did my old Cherokee, but it doesnt compare.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Ms. Ross - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep handles Great. It drives like a breeze on the highway, but is not great for city driving. Poor gas mileage. BUT I STILL Love this JEEP.

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  Jeep Liberty Sport - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By kearneybe - February 11 - 9:03 pm

  First it was a 84 Cherokee, then a 94 Wrangler and now my 02 Liberty Sport. So far I love the Lib. I test drove all the other sport utes on the market, and the Lib stood out, not only because of its styling, but because of having a low range 4WD. My only complaint are the seats. Not as a comfortable as comparable seats but it is what Ive come to expect from Jeep. If you need a grocery hauler, but an Escape, if you want something to take offroad, you need a Liberty!

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  Mixed feelings on this! TRUTH - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mixed feelings! - February 7 - 4:03 pm

  I live in Santa Fe NM. I purchased the car this past April. Traded a truck and a sports car for this. and with an extra bank discount I got a great deal. I purchased the floor room Jeep 4x4 all black with the sky roof open... The undercoat was not painted and after 3 weeks with the Jeep everything rusted underneath. Jeep squeaks when I brake! The roof is lifting and at first I was more than in love with the fact it made not a sound but now it is a wind tunnel from hell that even the great radio SAT system wont block out! I have a color called Black Pearl? There seems to be a sun spot on the hood small but does not look finished.The biggest headache of them all is Jeep does not offer a loaner.

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  Great Overall - Mileage Could Improve - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By pcmr57 - January 23 - 5:33 am

  Purchased in September 2008 with 50000 miles(80000 km). Towing is rated for 5000lb which is impressive for its class. I pulled about 3000 lbs with no issues with no trailer brakes. The 60/40 Full Time 4x4 mode is truly excellent in deep snow. It has good traction with Rear Drive Mode with snow tires as well. Ive only put 12000 miles on it and the only things gone wrong are air bag control module and broken fan belt. Got a module on Ebay for $75.00. One recent tank I averaged 14 mpg(US) (17 imp) with mostly hwy miles. Best hwy mileage ever was 17 mpg(US) (21 imp) hwy on a full tank highway drive. Worst mileage was 10 mpg(US) (12imp) with all city driving in winter months.

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  02 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tim - January 21 - 8:50 pm

  I have 112,000 mils on this manual tranny & have enjoyed all but two when the timing belt broke & the belt tensioner broke. I suggest replacing the original tires as the Wranglers are awful. Mileage averages 23 mpg, much better than the 6 cyl. I will buy another one, perhaps a diesel.

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  liberty mania - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By libertyhillumc.org - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my two wheel drive liberty. It takes me to all the places I like to go as well as off roading. I am amazed how a two wheel drive vehicle can climb! Acceleration is good but noisy. Fuel economy is to be desired but the overall performance is nimble. Did I mention the comfort of the back seat and the ease of parking?

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  I feel Safe! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By moms jeep - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Jeep! There are a few flaws,but,there is with everything. Ill cope. Reliable in the New England weather!