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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  CRD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Van - September 13 - 9:33 pm

  So far so good; the window controls seem to be a universal complaint. It would be nice if all the little extras were included: dead pedal, fog lights, storage, etc. Foreign makers seem to include these as a matter of course. The diesel mileage is OK (not spectacular) at 2000 miles. The inclusion of ABS, steering control, etc. is great. Diesel is a little noisy (not like past diesels); so far no smoke or smell. One recall for steering.

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  Jeep Libby Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Geoff Clayton - September 4 - 1:03 pm

  EGR problems; DC replaced under warranty. Tires of poor traction quality.

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  Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By slford - September 4 - 6:36 am

  Rides smooth, lots of space, nice interior design, handles well off road.

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  Jeep Liberty-The Real Story - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.ATL - August 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought my Liberty brand new in 2002. Only has 37,500 miles to date. First major issue to report-- A/C compressor totally choked this summer--2 weeks in the shop, Compressor reported on "National Backorder". Quote to fix $1050 dollars. Chrysler will not help-- noting Jeep is out of warranty. Note-- only 1500 miles out of warranty when the A/C breaks. Despite 4-5 recalls to date, brakes needing readjusted, dead battery replaced, A/C Compressor breakdown and a slighly leaky sunroof-- I still like my Jeep. Chrysler should be happy--they have not done so great on this model.

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  2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 79elcamino - August 26 - 4:07 pm

  i traded my 01 monte carlo for this jeep, i feel like i made the right decision, the jeep only gets abt 4mpg less thn the monte did, wich was around 27. its a nice car with tan and black 2-toned leather interior. i have alot mre passenger room, but the cargo area isnt as big, my jeep has just about every option, im satisfied with my choice to get it, it looks good on the otside, and is fully functional on the inside. the one thing i have to complain about is the window controls, they are in a very akward place. the car handles very well in rain, the only thing i miss about my car is that i dnt have to slow down quite as much to make a turn, in the jeep it almost feel like ill tip over haha!

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  whats it gonna take.... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By emraldeyzcat - August 24 - 1:06 pm

  Other than the window regulator going out on both Windows and the silly cloth staining seats I really dont have any problems with it.... But Im wondering whats it gonna take for this window regulator issue to be put on a recall list... The latest happened on my sons side of the car scaring him and almost injuring him... And me nearly wrecking from the noise it made.... Who knows where I can file a report about it? thanks

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  I like my Jeep. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aj2003 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Liberty! It has a great ride and responsive steering. Handled great in the snow! Much better than the Chevy Silverado 4x4s I have owned. The only major problem I have had was a fuel pump started failing. Dealer replaced it quickly.

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  Window Regulators - Keep Breaking - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RNewman - August 21 - 12:00 am

  I too wanted one of these vehicles and mine is a CRD - diesel 2006. I loved this vehicle except the rear window regulators broke a year after I leased it. This year both rear window regulators have broken again within 4 months of each other. If Chrysler wont fix it I have no choice but to trade it or sell it and purchase another vehicle.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet Lange - August 18 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. Its peppy and fun to drive. Its good looking in and out. I have always had confidence in its performance when I took it out. It does not ride like a luxury car, but like the little SUV it is supposed to be. I would highly recommend it for the young and the young-at-heart.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By winter2 - August 10 - 10:06 am

  Bought it mostly for the engine. Excellent fit and finish (near Toyota quality). Amazing amounts of torque. Very wide band of usable torque (1400 - 3200 RPM). Merging onto a highway is effortless, very quick around town. Hills and mountains are no problem. Good handling but tends to wander a bit on the highway. Firm yet comfortable ride. Good seats once you get them adjusted the way you want them. Powerful A/C takes little or no power from the engine. Potent brakes with ABS. Very easy to modulate. Smooth five speed automatic transmission. Shifts could be a bit firmer and bit quicker.