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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  Love my Libertry - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By sccoast1700 - September 24 - 4:33 am

  I drive my Liberty 25000 miles /year. I can get 25 mpg on the highway if I use cruise control and keep the speed at 70. About 21 mpg around town. I is very comfortable on a long trip. Lots of cargo space. Very reliable so far. Ive had it for a year and bought it used. I would definitely buy another one.

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  Its a Jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By socal - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle, Fun to drive, great handling, and perfect acceleration. Can turn around on a dime.

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  Once I had a Wrangler.....Now a Liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By KevBSRT - September 9 - 2:00 am

  With a wife and two children, a Wrangler was no longer an option. I love the entire Jeep line. Living in the Northeast, the winters have become colder with more snow than I can remember! The Long Island beaches are tamed by the Libertys 4x4 suspension, 3.7 V6 engine, and 10.1 inch clearance. The interior is more "grown-up" and functional for family life than my 97 Wrangler. Jeep has another winner!

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  Very Satisfied - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By plocke - September 8 - 3:50 pm

  I drive about 80 miles a day to and from work. Even driving 70 MPH to and from work, I average 19 MPG. I have taken it offroad (mostly on hard and soft packed roads) in southern Utah and it performs very well. I wished the rear seats folded flat (as in the PT Cruiser). Only real complaint: lack of cubby holes to store odds and ends. I did replace the tires within 200 miles of new with a slightly larger set.

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  perfect for active gal - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By CindaLou - August 31 - 11:43 pm

  I love my Jeep Liberty. It was my 3rd Jeep after the Cherokee Sport and Grand Cherokee. It has a great turning radius and allowed me to parallel park in small places near campus. It has alot of pep to merge onto freeways or pass others. I lived in Wisconsin where we get 12 in. of snow and my Jeep got me safely to my destination every time. 4x4 is easy to use. I use for camping and hauling my bike. Fit 3 little nieces and nephews in the back. I replaced brakes around 30,000, but was doing alot of city driving at the time. Replaced brakes again at 109,000. The only other repair was a new water pump and serpentine belt at 95,000 miles. Im going to miss my Jeep when I switch to a car.

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  Love It #2 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - August 31 - 1:20 am

  This is our second Liberty. We gave our 2003 to our son. Only had it two weeks but so far we love it. Im sure its faster than the old one and I guarantee it is more comfortable. The transmission shifts a bit weird but Im getting used to it. The 2003 did feel more rugged for off- road abuse, but for what most people use these for, Im sure the new one will be just fine.

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  Great Mountain Tow Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Third Jeep - August 30 - 5:33 am

  My 1st Jeep was a Wrangler, then had a 2002 Liberty Limited, then a 2006 Liberty Limited. Im looking to buy a 2010 Liberty Limited because Im so happy with these Jeeps. It pulls a 15 boat/trailer in the mountains. I load kayaks on the top and 4-wheel it the rivers. I go skiing in the winter. The low gas mileage is a trade off for the muscle the Jeep has.

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  My jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By angela - August 26 - 3:43 am

  I couldnt wait to get my jeep liberty. This is my 4th jeep and will be my last. Its been a great car except for the window regulators. The first one went out while traveling on vacation. The dealer I visited was awesome but the part was under warranty. The 2nd window just went out and I am very unhappy with the cost of the manufacture defect. If this is the expense I will have to incur I am looking to get rid of this jeep now. I refuse to own another one now.

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  Love It - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - August 21 - 1:00 pm

  We LOVE our 2003 Liberty. We bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and have added 60,000 to it and only replaced the belt and belt tensioner. (plus brakes and tires) I replaced the original tires at 70,000 only because I was worried about them being so old. They still had 1/2 tread. When our son turned 16 last month, we gave him the 2003 and went and bought a 2008 Liberty. Like it even more and its hard to believe but the 2008 is even faster. These things are rocket ships. The seats in the 2003 are a bit uncomfortable but the 2008 has that fixed. You could nap in those puppies. And the new sky-slider roof is just about the coolest feature on any car anywhere.

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  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By sparkn1855 - August 21 - 4:30 am

  This vehicle is fun to drive and handles well. I havent had any mechanical problems with it. The fuel economy is a disappointment. I usually get between 15-18 mpg. The interior is very cramped and not meant for anyone with more than one child.