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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  Long Term CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepster - October 9 - 5:16 pm

  Bought new back in April 2005. Have had the normal problems that all CRD owners have had, including 3 EGR replacements. It is a great vehicle for every day use and for some off- road fun as well. I have 500 miles left on my extended 100k warranty, so Im hoping all will stay well. Most recent problem was my 4wd/2wd sensor going bad - said I was in 4wd, but wasnt. I have learned not to get upset with the dealer when there are issues, but rather DC. I think they put this vehicle out, but werent ready to support it with stocked parts. I will hit 100k by this weekend, and even with all the CRD issues, I would still buy another, but hoping they put a diesel in the Wrangler Unlimited!

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  2003 Reneade - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Erich Jeep - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great Truck Overall!! The truck could be lighter, more fuel efficient, with better braking.

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  Very Cute Car! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By hollie - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep!! Its very cute and such a fun vehicle. All my friends love to ride in it and its perfect to haul around my son and his football friends. The ONLY drawback - it slides tremendously on icey or slick roads. The 4x4 is great, but you cant go over 50mph, which makes it impractible on the highway during these conditions. Otherwise, this vehcile gets four stars. P.S. get the sun roof - it makes a difference!!

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  Love my Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cassaroo - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle, fun to drive, great sound system, cool interior and not as "truck" like as other Jeeps I have driven.

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  Excellent Performance - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By luvmynewjeep - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This Jeep turns on a dime. Its unbelievable! I love it. I can whip it into the tiniest parking space with practicaly one finger!!!! I love it, and it looks fantastic as well. I have the 3.7 liter, V6, I did not get the 4wheel drive model, and it does seem to take small bumps a little hard. I would recommend going with the 4W if it comes with better suspension. I get 300 miles per tank on city driving, and using super gas a fill up was 25.00. I really really love the way this Jeep handles! It really is too new to rate the reliability. Please note this.

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  Very satisfied Liberty owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Felix - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Very easy to learn the attributes as a new vehicle. Has the best turning ratio of any vehicle I have ever owned. My only negative comment is very bad fuel economy. That is made up for by the very solid vehicle it is, and it is a great looking vehicle.

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  Piece of JUNK - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By jdouglas218 - September 23 - 9:06 am

  I have been a loyal chrysler customer, that WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE! This is my third, including a new 300 off the show room floor, and have never been more angry with a purchase! The seats stain if water touches them, and the windows are a joke! The regulator is made of plastic and breaks every other day! I am so disappointed with chrysler and never plan on buying anything else from them once I get rid of this piece of crap!!! If you havent purchased one spare yourself the hassle, you will spend more time having the windows fixed then you will get to drive the car!

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  Fun, secure ride - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary - September 20 - 5:30 pm

  Ive only owned it one week. For the last two years Ive been looking at the Jeep Liberty. Im not quite used to being up so high (previous car was a Grand Prix). Its fun to drive and I feel very secure. Having horses, its very practical for me. I think Ive made the right choice.

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  10k in 6 months and still amazed! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - September 17 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my Liberty in the beginning of January, so far I have put 10,000 miles on it. I upgraded from a Geo Tracker, and Ill tell you what...Jeep are spectacular. The only issue Ive had in 10,000m miles is that I had to replace the right rear brake caliper. The room inside is amazing. I am 62 and there is probably another 5 of room between my head and the roof. The only quirky thing about the liberty is the power winder controls for the front and rear passengers are all located on the center console. Its awkward but Ive grown to love it.

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  A Sport Utility Vehicle big on Sporty. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pagodacook - September 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought one of the first Jeep Libertys available in July 2001 and have been pretty happy with it ever since. We love it for its size and stylish design. Only serious complaint is the fact that ours did not come with antilock brakes and it has slid on barely wet roads and in the snow even in 4WD. Once slid through an entire intersection on a road that could maybe pass for damp...luckily no one else was intersecting at the time. Gas mileage is what finally set us back and we have decided to trade it in.