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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  Fun AND Practical! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Hillarys Hometown - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a Jeep Liberty Limited and, so far, am impressed! This baby has power and good-looks, and is pretty darned comfortable as well! I think its a winner!

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  2002 Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By P.Keith - August 4 - 12:03 pm

  Great all around, Very reliabil on and off road. Tow package no problems. Very user friendly.

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  Liberty CRD is a great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Perry Clark - August 3 - 5:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty is a good vehicle; with the availability of the new CRD version, it becomes great. Not for everyone -- this is a Jeep, and a diesel, and it lets you know it, though in a calm and reasonable manner. (If that can be said about a diesel, which I believe it can.) Seats are firm, could have more/better side bolsters, and there are several interior details that could be improved upon, but its a fantastic vehicle.

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  Down sized - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By GatorPal - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Had Ford Explorer since 1995 so this is a down size. Might take a while to get used to but figure it looks good, drives well, and is sporty -- so what the heck! (Did love my Explorer though!)

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  06 Jeep Liberty Renegade Review - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - August 1 - 3:16 pm

  Bought this new in the summer of 06 and it has been fantastic. Really fun to drive, lots of power, 4WD system is fantastic and everyone admires the rugged looks of the Liberty Renegade package. No it isnt great on gas, but if you slow down on the highway, its not too bad (hey its not a Corolla!).

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  Not even a 4X4 er. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerald Heath - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Having purchased my Jeep in Feb I have not been able to drive it as much as I would have liked to. Great styling, solid ride, sound system good with upgraded speakers. Interior could be a little nicer but okay for my needs. In-town gas mileage about 19. Have not taken it on the road yet. Moon roof helps to cool vehicle but has some road noise. Vent position is good on hot sunny days to help keep interior bareable. (AZ) All in all with cash rebates and 0% financing I couldnt go wrong. Nice vehicle.

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  Great car so far - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ST - July 22 - 11:06 am

  I bought my Jeep used from a lady In TN. It had 12K miles on it. Now it has about 27K and I still like my Jeep. I wish it got better milage. I get about 17-19 around town. I also wish the seats did not stain like they do. Other than this, the Liberty has been a great vehicle. I really like the push button rear window opener. Thats a nice feature when your hands are full of groceries.

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  Great car - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By big D - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle rides firm simular to MB, BMW etc, all wheels stay on ground for better control etc. Great to drive on beach and mountains. Plenty of power to pull my 17ft boat. No problems to date. We feel we got what we paid for knowing fuel mileage is low ave. 18-21 mph.

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  My Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MassJeepOwner - July 20 - 1:26 pm

  Great curb appeal, solid build, low road noise, powerful V6 engine, great steering response, good interior design, great 4WD system, poor gas mileage for a V6. Overall I love the new Liberty and would recommend to anyone looking to purchase a compact SUV.

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  1717 - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 1717fairmount - July 19 - 2:00 am

  It is a great vehicle that needs just a few changes, see below, that would cost very little, but make the vehicle a 10 rating across the board except for the poor gas mileage.