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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  jeep liberty sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By tappen - February 8 - 2:00 am

  the best 4wd i have driven. had a blaze never again. the jeep dealer was very helpful and did not try to sell me something i did not want.

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  Excellent Job Jeep! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Robbie - February 7 - 12:00 pm

  I love this SUV. I turn heads driving down the freeway. Love the sunroof and heated seats. The people at Jeep/Chrysler are very experienced, and know how to make a small SUV. I got the 3.7L V6, but also tested the CRD. I like how the V6 is very quiet. Ride is very smooth, compliant and comfortable.

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  gr8truck - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By newjeepowner - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I love the feel of driving this car and the ability to switch to 4WD when I need it. Was considering a Honda CRV but glad I made this choice. Headroom is good, plenty of room for child car seat(s when necessary) and it hauls what I need. Very comfortable except the shape of the seat back. Everything is in the right spot.

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  Love Love Love this car - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Nicole - February 1 - 6:43 pm

  Started leasing this car almost 3 years ago, and couldnt be happier with it. Only problem I ever had was the back wiper stopped working twice when I first got the car. I also had to get new brake pads and rotors but that was according to STS so who knows if I actually needed that done. SO much fun to drive, lots of power, love the available 4WD for when it snows. Mileage, of course, could be better. The lease is almost up and my dad is pushing me to get a dodge...I cried all the way home tonight thinking of how much I will miss my Jeep if I go through with the dodge deal :( I would love to have this car forever and ever and ever if I could.

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  jeep liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By headly - February 1 - 10:00 am

  so far so good,I feel the jeep is fun to drive handles well has good pep.you have to be careful in the rain it has a habit of sliding a little because of its pep.when rear windows are down wind makes a wierd noise that i cant handle and have to roll them up, no idea what it is. had a 300m before thid and found it to be horrible,so i was alittle worried about another chrysler family vehicle but so far so good no problems in 7 months but it does like gas

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  Copper Canyon - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C571 - January 31 - 7:36 pm

  My wife and I just returned from a 1800 mile trip in to Mexico which included the copper canyon. We were impressed with the comfort of the ride and seats and how quiet it was. But most of all its off road ability. We drove almost 100 miles round trip in and out of the canyon, all dirt with steep descents and inclines and in places mud. The hill descent control worked great, and the tight turning radius was great. 15k miles and no problems.

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  I have Issues - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By disappointed in WV - January 31 - 3:23 pm

  I very seldom put the back window down or up and the driver side rear window has already been replaced because it would not stay up. The seat cover is so bad to stain even water will leave a spot. Now I am hearing a loud noise from the rear end and was told that people are having to replace the rear end and that all the dealer wants to do is change fluids until the warranty in gone then the rear end has to be replaced. This is not good. Has any one else had a problem with the rear end going out on the Jeep Liberty?

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  Total Package - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Rhino - January 31 - 1:13 am

  1 year owner and 12,000 miles later. Everything works well with the exception of a transmission noise and a loud thump that comes from the rear when the automatic tranny shifts from 1st to 2nd. Dealer says the tranny noise is "normal" -- funny it was not "normal" when I purchased it.

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  Great all around Performer - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By traceit - January 29 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 2006 Jeep Liberty Sport here in Reno on 05-29-2006. It has great performance and handles great as well. It corners well, and has a lot of power for its size. I was impressed with its climbing abilities and the overall smoothness of the ride. It goes everywhere and is suitable for runs to the grocery store, taking the family to dinner as well as all of the outdoor activities that you expect a Jeep to be used for. The steering is a little numb (better keep an eye on the speedometer - youre going faster than you think!) and the 3.7 V-6 is a little thirsty at the pump, but it does have 210 HP and quick acceleration, so the trade off is well worth it. All in all, I give it 4.75 stars out of 5.

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  Best diesel I have had - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Charles - January 28 - 7:20 pm

  This is the most fun to drive of the diesels I have had, with the most power and no stick shift worry about. Better than the VW diesels I have had and the stick shift that you are always thinking - is this the best gear? Now I drive and have fun, not worrying about the power curve and gear best performance.