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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  BIODIESEL ready Sweet economy 4WD SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By BiodieselDude - July 8 - 10:16 am

  They could have easily made the diesel get better mileage. The seats need more cushion - nice leather surface but they are hard as a rock on 8 hour trip. Feels like metal skeleton inside the seat is sticking in your thighs, maybe made for large heavy person? Windshield is almost straight up like a nice wind blocker reminds me of a Suzuki Samurai, worst jack system ever conceived - not very usable and takes forever to use, could use a particle filter for better mileage and lower emissions. Auto Only shifts gears at certain speeds, 4th at 50mph. Should be variable and able to hit 5th in city driving 40-45. Really nice to tow with, even pulling large trailers, like my 30, 600# camper.

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  Liberty is under rated - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dan - July 1 - 1:36 pm

  It appears that the Liberty is under rated by most review sites and is a very good vehicle if it meets your needs. I drive dirt roads almost daily and not all vehicles can take that pounding. The car is functional, rides comfortable and can handle the back roads. Made sure to get the all terrain tires (all of the vehicles at dealerships were 4x4 but only a few dealerships had the all terrain tires) and the Jeep green color is nice as well. Ample storage space inside and fun to drive as well. Although gas mileage is below average the vehicles are selling well below the competition and that more than makes up the difference. Only down side appears to be a little too much wind noise.

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  Nice SUV if you do the PROPER window fix - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By terryorr - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2006 3.7 Sport 4WD with full knowledge that the window problem would occur and it did a few weeks after I bought mine. Instead of letting the dealership suck me dry of cash I purchased new steel window internal parts to replace the hideous stock plastic parts that will fail every month. Chrysler knows this but will never admit the parts are junk. Other than that and marginal gas mileage this Jeep does everything a Jeep should do. It pulls a 20 travel trailer, its great off-road, looks good and feels like a real work SUV. People who complain about ride quality probably should have bought a car based SUV this Jeep rides firm and tough because it is built for work.

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  I love it! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By naturegirl711 - June 26 - 9:43 pm

  I have had Jeep jeep for 2 years and really love it. I didnt expect the gas mileage to be great and it is not. I love the interior; wish there was a bit more cargo space and the compartment space for the front is a bit small. Driving around town with 3 young kids is easy and running errands are no problem. Taking long trips are a bit more tricky since the cargo space is limited. We bought a roof top carrier to correct this problem and now long distance trips are a breeze! I would definitely recommend this Jeep Liberty to anyone looking for a small SUV. It is fun to drive and looks very sporty.

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  Too Good for me - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Itikuo - June 25 - 9:23 pm

  I bought this with 76,000 miles. It came with all the repairs which was a recall for some ball point pivot or something. Ive had for a little over a year now and nothing ever goes wrong other than not putting the gas cap on correctly and getting the light. I love how it has built in diagnostics which will save me money if/when anything does go wrong. I laughed at snow storm last winter in D.C I was pulling the Mail Truck around. Its more than I need so now Im selling it with only 86,000 miles and nothing wrong whatsoever.

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  Its a fine vehicle except for one thing... - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By herc - June 22 - 7:43 pm

  My Jeep now has 66,000 miles on it and it has been a very solid vehicle. It has also been stone cold reliable. The only reason I haven’t rated it 5 stars across the board is because while I like the design of the interior, the typical Daimler mandated cost cutting cheap plastic materials are everywhere. Also, I think some of the exterior design could’ve been better. I’m not a fan of the giant squarish looking plastic covers over the headlights. Give me the design Bantam/Willys started with..so that means round headlights please. Other than the interior plastic and some exterior design issues I couldn’t be happier with my Liberty.

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  I still like it, but ... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ducque - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles, the Liberty is still easy to like. However, it has been in the shop far too many times. And it still has a small engine running problem that no one seems to be willing or able to fix, even after repeated attempts. Equipped with UNSAFE, terrible tires from the factory. I love to drive it. Its just the right size and has the right features for me. BUT!

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  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Awayteam - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is the first Jeep that Ive owned and it has far exceeded my expectataion on quality and driveability. My only foray into the world off roading has been on some logging roads in Colorado, but the Liberty handled it with ease and provided me the confidence that I could get out of anything I happened into. I love sitting up high, above the traffic. I have owned a Rodeo and a KIA Sportage. The Jeep is superior in fit and finish to both and looks a damn sight better to boot. My only complaint has been the gas mileage. Hiway mileage has been in the 18-20 range,(at 70-75mph), but around town I get 13-15. Dismal...

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  2+ yrs in the Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve - June 15 - 10:26 am

  Very reliable SUV. I put 45k on it and tires are still in good condition. Have had 0 problems. It will get 21mpg highway but in mixed driving I get about 17.5. This SUV handles turns very well, much better than the Xterra. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively cheap, reliable vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep family - June 15 - 10:00 am

  All the fun of a JEEP, plus more room for family and cargo