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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  Headache - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By vito1972 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I had wanted a liberty since last May. I bought one in October and it was great for about two months then my troubles began. Ive had to go to the dealership to have my front suspension replaced, but it seems that my rear suspension is bad too. My heating system has a tendency to smell like a skunk, and my brakes dont work well any more and I dont even have 6000 miles .Overall ride quality has just gotten worse. I was going to buy an Escape,but decided on the Liberty,I may have made a mistake.

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  Its all Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By duffer - May 2 - 1:33 am

  I have read previous reviews and will mainly reiterate what has been stated. It is all Jeep and is definitely no slouch. Very powerful but poor gas mileage. Has a nice exterior look but have to fold the rear seats down to even put my golf clubs in. Seats stain very, very easily! Plenty of headroom, but feel crowded laterally. Have never known any Jeep to keep wiper blades any longer than two weeks. Not a lot of front area storage. Handling is poor if tires not inflated properly or the wind is blowing. Love it in the snow! Final analysis, if you love Jeep, you will love this, if not, you wont. Next time Ill get a Toyota.

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  Oh, What a Feeling....Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Squirt - April 26 - 10:00 am

  This is our third jeep, my 91 Wrangler has 251K and our old Cherokee had 165K. Our basic philosophy is why buy an imitation when we can have the real thing.

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  UNCOMFORTABLE! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By traci - April 20 - 4:40 pm

  I am not a large person; however, the Jeep Liberty makes me feel like I am in a Barbie toy car. The seat is so small -- a friend that is 63 and 181 lbs finds it very uncomfortable as well. I like the bells and whistles. The ability to drive through high water is fantastic in hurricane ravaged areas. But, my bum is always numb after only 20 minutes of driving!

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  Liberty not bad! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By ridarc - April 9 - 10:30 pm

  I am impressed with the new liberty. When the first generation liberty came out, I wasnt that impressed. When I saw the new liberty before it came out, I couldnt wait to see it, and Hope to buy it. Well I bought and been pleased so far.

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  Blue Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By mikeyp53 - April 8 - 3:40 pm

  Its a great snow car! Its comfortable on and off road, handles well and easy to park and maneuver. It only get 18MPG though.

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  Jeep Liberty Returns - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Ira H. Schoen - April 4 - 11:23 am

  This is our 3rd Liberty Limited (01, 04, 08), and it is by far the best. Virtually everything has been improved to address any shortcomings. No longer the "poor sibling" compared to the Grand Cherokee or the Commander.

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  My Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By claude - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Not too big, not too small. We needed something to pull our 19 foot boat, this fit the bill

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  Jeep Liberty CRD Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Frank - March 30 - 5:26 am

  I purchased this Liberty used with 65K on it. Drove it home 350 mi. Ran great for the first 3K miles and then trouble hit. I had an oil leak that turned into a need for a new turbo, then a new thermostat. Great truck but the dealer cant get parts very fast. No parts available from the warehouse, so parts must come from other dealer inventories, if they will give them up. If you can, stay away from the Liberty CRD.

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  Thought it would be better - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By kbrown07 - March 25 - 12:52 am

  I downsized from a f150 4x4 5.7l v8 to my jeep liberty. Believe it or not... I was getting better fuel mileage in my truck... I am not impressed with the Jeep Liberty at all and if I could go back I would. I have had it for 10 months and feel it was the worst decision I have ever made. I highly regret not researching this vehicle before buying it. It looks very good, but it is not at all. Wish someone would steal it so I can get my truck back.... That is how much I honestly hate it. ive worked at a car lot and I know a lot about cars guess I just jumped the gun on this one bc the price sounded nice. I guess that is what I get, should have known better.