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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  First time Jeep buyer - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By SUVLOVER - October 12 - 7:33 am

  Overall, the ride is nice. The mileage is better than I expected. I get 23 miles to the gallon, but these are mainly hwy miles since I commute to work. I love the style and to get a 4WD drive for $20,000 with all the features. I bought it used with 3,000 miles on it. I feel I got a very good deal. I traded my Camry because we are moving to the mountains I gave up some luxury, but there is no way my Camry could have handled the mountains.

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  Love the liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Murphy/Max - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the Liberty, wish the gas mileage was better!

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  Just driving it! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CAT - September 21 - 2:13 pm

  I love my jeep! This is my first Jeep and its not bad at all. It looks good, drives excellent and everybody I talk to wants one. I heard they dont hold their value and mines uses lots of gas which worries me. I may be forced in the 3rd year to trade it in for something bigger like a Jeep Cherekee or whatever. Will do homework next time before I buy for looks again! But overall its still worth the money I paid and I still would buy it again. I love it! Heading for the web site next to book the summer Jeep tour this year if its available, see you there!

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  poor rear suspension - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rough - September 18 - 2:00 am

  plenty of power from v6 but the goodyear wranglers that came on the liberty give very poor traction on anything but dry pavement. at about 8000 km. rear suspension started to bottom out even under light load by 10000km. it was so bad if you filled the gas tank it was enough to make it bottom out.

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  Love Liberty, why mechanical problems - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbie - September 16 - 12:46 am

  Just purchase a used 2006 Liberty 6th Edition 2 weeks ago. Has only 23,000 miles. Has already been back to the dealership for repairs twice. Rotors were warped, and now a problem with the windows. I love the Liberty and style, but why so many mechanical problems? I should have learned from the 2002 Liberty I owned, transmission went bad at 80,000 miles, so I traded it and vowed never to buy a Liberty again, but here I go again.

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  Great Northern Vehicle but! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By John - September 9 - 2:26 am

  Ive owned this Jeep since new and its a lot of fun to drive and for the most of it my wife drives it to and from work a two miles total but after it turned 50,000 miles a lot of little things started to loosen up like the front fenders, shift knob etc. Had to replace the alternator twice and went through three batteries. It now has eighty thousand miles and had to have the transmission seals replaced and now the transfer case for the four wheel drive. So if I ever buy one again I will have to BUY the warranty extended plan but what a shame when other vehicles come with a 100 thousand mile and ten year warranty for free.

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  Happy w/ Diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bob - September 8 - 8:33 pm

  Except for squeaky rear brakes at startup for about a week, our 2005 Jeep Liberty CRD has operated fine. We get 24-25 mpg, regardless of speed, which I guess is due to the fact that the difference between 70 and 80 mph is about 3500 rpm. This Jeep pulls our 17 ft boat better than our V-8 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited did. Both vehicles are 4WD, but the Libertys torque is more useful for towing, as it is in the lower rpms. Time will tell if the Liberty proves more reliable than the 1999 Grand Cherokee, which constantly wore out brakes and wore out its transmission at 80,000 miles. The Liberty is not nearly as stable in corners as the Grand Cherokee was, but it beats getting 16 mpg!

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  At least Daimler Benz is involved. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Imnochoirboy - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the first domestic auto Ive ever owned, and after 9 months Im still happy. Its only the second year for the Liberty, and unfortunately theyre still working out the bugs. Something behind my passenger airbag rattled until I made the dealership find it. Jeep service is pathetic, and will call all noises and rattles "normal." But it is a solid vehicle. I was surprised how well designed and built it was. Other than the pathetic gas milage (16mpg for a V6???), the Jeep is great.

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  Look before you leap. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - September 4 - 1:03 pm

  This was my first American-made auto purchase in many years. Decided to go for an SUV and spent many weeks walking dealer lots, test driving, and reading reviews. Finally went for the Jeep, based on price comparison, features available, and overall ride. Goes without saying that you never know your ride until youve ridden awhile. True in this case. Some nice bells and whistles. But for a guy with long legs, the drivers side compartment seems small. Gas mileage is awful. Cant say much for the power available when you push the pedal. Having said that, Im still pleased with my purchase. Certainly has the WOW! factor. Great feel for the road.

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  Reasonable vehicle for reasonable price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe Chocrame - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have done a lot of highway driving in my Liberty and it has performed pretty well--the Check engine light has come on several times and it difficult to get to stay off. Gas mileage isnt the best. Front seats are quite comfortable however the back seat is quite uncomfortable and crammed. I like having the spare tire so convenient. These Jeeps work great on bumpy roads although the ride is a little rough and noisy. Even in 4wheel high, my warning is not to drive it on the highway in any slippery road conditions. I have gone off the road a few times on the ice at . Thank God the vehicle never has rolled over!Over all its a cute little guy but do not expect to get out of a muddy ditch!