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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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dody Lomax - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the jeep drives. I feel like Im driving a car instead of an SUV.

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  Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gotjeep - June 12 - 10:36 am

  Well no complaints, fuel mileage could be a little better but when compared with similar vehicles at least I can leave the pavement. I dont see any issues with the steering and the body roll on corners is perfectly acceptable. The ability to tow up to 5000 lbs is awesome(more then my friends trailblazer is rated for..) The 3.7 engine is a v6 version of the 4.7 in my Grand Cherokee, very simple to work on and in the Liberty the engine bay actually has room! For the features and price I would say its well rounded off. The little loss in the drive quality on pavement is more the forgiven for what she can do off- road. Love the solid rear axle and the IFS handles her own.

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  Our 04 Liberty (Libo) - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - June 7 - 5:16 am

  On Sunday May 30, 2005 after 4 days of online research I found the Jeep Liberty. I thought it would work for our situation. I test drove an 05 Sport on May 29. It was a basic model and those seats were flat and hard. Not to mention the price without 4WD or option even with discounts and low interest & incentives. I continued my research. I found an 04 Liberty, Columbia edition 4WD on an internet special & $10K less than a new one and it only had 12,900 miles. It was put in service March 04 and traded in on May 5th of 05. Lucky me. I walked out the door with the Libo for $17,000, warranties and ttl included. Shop the internet the deals are out there. We luv the Libo.

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  Lots of fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By corya - May 15 - 1:43 am

  I bought my Liberty used with under 15,000 miles on it. I have had it a year and six months. It has been an awsome reliable vehicle. It has over 40,000 miles on it and have had no problems. Handles great on and off road. Low range torque is great. Average 16 to 18 for gas mileage. In town or higway. Doesnt pull small trailers very well.

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  its ok - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By it`s o`k - May 8 - 9:50 pm

  Nice looking, easy to drive. Have squeaking noise from brakes every time I stop very annoying. Brought it to garage and brakes are good. But it will not stop squeaking. Gas not the greatest. Head light not bright enough at night. Feel like it wants to slid all the time on wet roads. Makes me very nerves. Use to drive a Blazer and felt a lot more safer.

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  GREAT VEHICLE - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By B - May 1 - 7:16 pm

  I have had my Liberty for almost 4 years now and I have really enjoyed it. Its been great, Ive had no major issues with the vehicle at all. I purchased it used and I have been very pleased, this had been my first used car purchase ever so I was a bit leery at first. Im very satisfied with my choice.

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  Could use some improvement - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Colorado - April 27 - 11:00 am

  Overall my Liberty has been a decent vehicle. Handles mountain snowstorms with ease. Like everyone else I have had issues with window regulators failing. Also had to replace the transmission after only 30k miles. Gas mileage isnt great but no surprise with an SUV.

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  love hate relationship - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tjm4349 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  our first suv. wife loves looks and handling of vechicle. horrible on gas, am getting 15-16 mpg mostly city. lack of storge and placement of window controls.

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  Flaking paint on door console - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Fan - April 17 - 8:33 am

  I had to have both door panel console parts that house the window controls replaced. They were actually peeling. My passenger window power switch has been replaced and I am hoping nothing else goes wrong. A sharp looking vehicle. My 2nd jeep - first was the redesigned Cherokee Limited

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  Update - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bryce - April 10 - 7:06 pm

  This is a follow up review (2 years old 30k miles). Overall we still enjoy the Liberty. It is an average small SUV but the american manufacturing is definitely show through. Still under warranty so all window regulators have been replaced at least once, some twice. Seats are very uncomfortable on long road trips (very little lumbar support). MPG is actually pretty decent for a V6 3.7L on road trips, city MPG is horrible (16 city 25 highway). Decent amount of cargo with seats folded down. We have enjoyed it so far but wont buy another. This is our first American car and we have decided to stick with foreign.