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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  Overall Good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet Lynn - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had mine since March 2004. There are some features that take some getting use too. One is that the window controls are in the center not on the door. Two- the headlight stay on for a few minutes after you turn them off. The first couple of times I thought I left my lights on. The front of my vehicle got hit by a tailgate of a truck the front grill just cracked and one of the headlight broke. There are many good points. It has quit of bit of pick up.It is generally fun to drive

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  Check your airbags! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Crash Test Dummy 101 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought a new Jeep 2002 Liberty Renegade and fell in love with it. For two months we were in SUV bliss. Then when we accidentally hit a curb the airbag went off and caused us to crash into a concrete column. The Jeep was totalled. This has been a really rough time for us. We have owned 3 Cherokees and this was our first and last Liberty. The airbag system needs a design overhaul - or - our Liberty was a lemon, I am not going to buy another one to find out. I guess this is what you get when you buy a 1.0 version of a new year run. The car only had 2000 miles on it.

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  2005 loaded Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rbinatlanta - September 26 - 12:46 pm

  So far, its a great vehicle. My first Jeep and its a better pick in this class than my 2001 Mazda Tribute. Sold build, classy interior (nice grayish leather, great steering wheel controls, overall good quality materials). Front driver and passenger foot room could be larger - not much room to stretch for the passenger, but comfortable nonetheless. Couldnt believe I was driving a Jeep. Comfortable ride on both highway and secondary roads and plenty of power. Road noise was acceptable, too, not at all like the really loud, annoying Tribute. Good visibility.

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  Beauty and the Beast - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By John G. Saittis - September 25 - 5:50 pm

  I have been driving SUVs since the 70s. Under the hood of this beauty is an inline diesel beast with a turbo with no lag, hesitation or vibration. The torque it produces gives it the strength of a small V-8 and a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. Add to that a range of around 500 miles per tank and Jeeps trail rating. I rate it as close to or at military specs for off road performance. Control and stability are first rate. I have added a light bar, brush guard, and winch. After all these years I am again in love with an SUV.

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  Not a bad SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By AJC - September 22 - 9:16 am

  I have had no issues with my 2003 Liberty Sport. The vehicle handles well and drives well in the snow. A bit bouncy on the highway. The limited cargo capacity is the biggest issue for me.

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  Liberty scores a home run - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dhmeieio - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving a 4wd Renegade for 3 months. This has included desert off- road and snowy mountain driving. Performance, reliability and fit/finish have been excellent. Gas mileage is not good (about 17.5 combined city/highway), but reflective of a fairly heavy vehicle with a strong engine.

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  Love everything but the gas... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By heather - September 12 - 11:00 am

  Absolutely love the Jeep! The ONLY thing I don’t like about my Liberty is that is guzzles more gas than a bowl of chili can produce. Living in Texas and having a family of chili lovers, that’s saying a lot! I have to fill up normally twice a week. I only work 8 miles from home and don’t do much traveling around as we tend to use my husbands Prius for everyday chores and still have a gad problem with the Liberty. I only get 14 miles to a gallon. NO LIE… check my bank account. Lol Otherwise it’s an excellent car. I have 45,500 miles on it and unless gas prices go down anytime soon (can’t see filling up my 14-16 gal tank at 5 bucks a gallon in this lifetime) then I plan on keeping my Jeep.

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  Love My Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ApolloGenX - September 11 - 1:40 pm

  I got my 4d sport used and I absolutely love this SUV. I have wanted a nice SUV for years, and when my old car died, I saw my chance to get a really amazing SUV for a great price. I have had nothing but absolute fun driving every since. The interior has lots of room, which I have already used to move. The clearance is great and although the engine likes the gas, it has the power when I need it. The styling is awesome. All in all, I love everything about this car. The gas mileage could be a bit better, but other than that I love it!

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  cute suv - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mopar - September 4 - 11:00 am

  This cute suv turns peoples heads, it needs to be a bit bigger inside and it needs to get BETTER gas mileage, other than that we just love it.

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  Great vehicle! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By dust2dust34 - September 2 - 7:50 pm

  Bought this Liberty in 2008 used and with around 45,000 miles on it. For the last four years, I had absolutely nothing wrong with it other than some recalls and brakes. Had to replace the roaters because of previous owner (boo). Drives just the way I would expect a Jeep to. Its compact and easy and has a lot of get up and go (not a great every day car though - more Jeep than commuter car). Recently have had to replace the transmission cooler lines, front drive shaft and had a leak in the head gasket but considering what Ive gotten out of so far, Im not terribly concerned and I expect to get many more years out of this Jeep. Great buy for me and will keep for a long time!