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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  Jeep Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By arstevrich - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Just bought this on the advice of a friend who has had hers for about a year says its the best car she has ever driven or owned.

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  2004 Jeep Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ELIZCF18 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Driven Jeep YJs for 15 years and this is a nice change. Had to lift the front end 1.5 inches to make it level though. Much better looking and visability now.

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  Its a Jeep - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By MC - November 15 - 5:23 am

  I just purchased The liberty about a week ago and i have mixed feelings about it. I was in The market for a small SUV and came across the liberty. I test drove the patriot but it lacked power. The Liberty is a smooth comfortable ride. The vehicle handles great on snow covered roads and that was one of the major reasons i purchased it. i have averaged about 20mpg mostly highway at this point but i expect that to go up once its broken in. Coming from a civic this is alot different and feels like you are driving a truck. the U-connect is a awesome feature that allows you to have bluetooth and ipod integration. Got a great deal on it but you have to shop around.

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  Jeep-Burt! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Krista - November 11 - 6:40 pm

  I have never had any trouble with owning a Jeep. This is now the second Jeep Liberty that I have owned. I have noticed that the 2005 model drives a little smoother. I have noticed that when the wind is blowing hard and driving on the highway that the change in the suspension has helped out tremendously in the new model. Also, they put the window controls in a smarter place in the 2005 model. But you could never go wrong with a Jeep!

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By ybbag1 - November 10 - 3:13 am

  Despite poor gas mileage I would buy this car in an instant again. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. The steering wheel radio controls and heated seats make it an extra nice drive! The information panel makes me feel safe and updated on whats going on with the car, problems or needed maintenance.

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  Practical AND Fun - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By darkprince - November 9 - 6:30 pm

  Bought my Liberty Renegade used - 40k miles on it. There are some minor quirks to it I find annoying, but overall I love my Liberty! I found documentation in my owners manual from the previous owner- apparently the transmission issue was handled by him (Thank You!). This Jeep is a ball to drive and handles better than any SUV Ive ever driven. One note: Lose the Goodyear RS tires. They slip on wet roads; they wont get the opportunity to try snow/ice. No way!

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  New Jeep Owner - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By dvkiel - November 8 - 6:04 pm

  Weve only had our 2012 Jeep Liberty Sport for about a month. So far I am very pleased with the overall performance of this vehicle. It is very solidly built and handles very well. I am a bit disappointed with the gas mileage (20 mpg) thus far, but with only 800 miles on the it Im hoping it will get better. The overall interior, and exterior design are very nice. The media center with gps and satilite radio nice as well. The hard drive is an added bonus. I think the professional reviewers are selling this vehicle short. Hope to have it for a very long time to come. This is used as pleasure vehicle.

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  Love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By J. Heikkinen - November 7 - 5:36 pm

  I owned a Wrangler and Cherokee prior to this Liberty and I am completely satisfied to this point. Fuel economy is horrible but I am trying a Mopar fuel body spacer and air intake system to help with this. I am driving this vehicle in Germany and it is wonderful on the narrow streets and pretty stable at high speeds on the autobahn. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone wanting an SUV but one small enough to drive like a car. The leather interior is wonderful and no complaints about workmanship to this point. I do wish however that American automobiles like this Liberty had a better re-sale value for future purchases.

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  Worst Purchase Ever (Lemon) - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Poor Decision Maker - November 7 - 8:50 am

  Purchased the Liberty Diesel in early 05 and have had nothing but problems. Every part under the hood has been changed due to continuous stalling, shuddering, etc. EGR valve, torque converter, fuel rail, braided fuel lines, turbo charger, etc. Its been in the shop over 15 times in 18 months and thats only because I have difficult getting it over there. Its left me stranded once, and neither the dealership nor Chrysler is very helpful. Get the extended warranty and keep track of all service records and out of pocket expenses, as you will probably need to pursue under Lemon Laws. Its unfortunate that its so unreliable as its a great performing vehicle when its not in the shop!

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  Jeep Liberty a real lemon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By premiepower - November 5 - 7:40 am

  My Liberty is 4 years old. We have had nothing but problems. No A/C since July, a condenser problem. Rear differential seal leak, transfer case leak, window regulator went bad, tail light filled up with water and shorted out the electrical system, 2 ball joint recall notices. And the gas mileage? On a good day, 18mpg. NEVER AGAIN. Im going for Kia or Hyundai next vehicle. My 12 year old Honda Civic with 125,000 is a more reliable vehicle.