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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  Liberty is a winner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By savvy4 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  We traded our 2001 Toyota RAV4 for a 2002 Liberty Limited 4wd and couldnt be more pleased with doing so. The RAV was a quality vehicle, but too much like a car. The Liberty is very truck- like (it rides a bit firm) & solid and has a nice torquey motor. Besides feeling so solid, its also fun to drive. The pricing is very reasonable, the quality is very good overall, the styling is awesome, the towing capacity is class-leading, and its off-road capabilities are hard to beat. This is your do-all small SUV that gives the most bang for your buck. Were glad we snagged one.

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  The best fun for the most economical price - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Collins - August 15 - 11:40 am

  The best fun for the most economical price in a small compact SUV on the market today! Try this 6 cylinder with 4WD.Take it everywhere - mountains with ice and snow and watch this baby perform. Yes the Cherokee is nice too but check the handling and quick natured torque of this puppy of a Jeep and you will just see that maybe it isnt just a puppy after all. All weather conditions, try it! Its amazing fun, need to do a quick turnaround - go for the 360~ on a dime. Tight parking no problem, fits right in with NO effort, None! A must try first vehicle before you make any other compact SUV purchase!

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  Worth the Money! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Kinsan - August 5 - 4:53 pm

  It seems like a lot of people who write reviews on the Jeep Liberty do nothing but complain- about the ride, about the poor gas mileage. It will never be confused with a BMW or Mercedes SUV, but neither of those vehicles will ever perform the double duty of driving to a concert on Friday night and then hitting the trail on the weekend. That is where the Jeep Liberty excels- being a little bit of everything. Sure, the interior is plastic, the seats are rock hard and the 3.7l six cylinder engine is sluggish and a gas guzzler. But, the Liberty looks stylish enough to be an "adult" vehicle and provides enough performance to get you to any destination your heart desires.

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  Glad we bought it, love the Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - July 27 - 6:36 pm

  Three recalls but normal for a new model. Now have over 40,000 miles and no problems at all with it. Fuel consumption is good for the amount of power (16-22) and handles really well in snow. Comfortable for driver and front seat, rear a little tight for large passengers. Watch out for dealers servicing, 3 of them have tried to rip us off on regular maintenance service.

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  Liberty is a good all rounder - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Chris - July 25 - 6:20 am

  We bought this Jeep when it was a year old with under 20,000 on the clock. We initially had problems where the speedometer stopped working; this was fixed under warranty after the 3rd attempt. Since then the Jeep has been very reliable and is now approaching 40,000 miles. Its been excellent in the winter with the snow and is a true SUV. The engine is smooth and quiet and its nice to drive on long trips. My major complaint is the gas mileage is poor. If Toyota/Lexus can manage to produce excellent mileage from the Highlander/RX330 from a 6 cylinder engine then surely Jeep could improve in this area!

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  So Disappointed - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By rhondajones - July 20 - 5:50 pm

  I traded my 2004 Jeep Cherokee for my new 2010 Jeep Liberty hoping for better gas mileage. The back hatch sensor has been replaced, the hood sensor has been replaced which caused the remote car start to fail. And now at 42,000 miles my heat and a/c is stuck on defrost even when the a/c and heat is completely shut off. The "auto" light position on the headlights is broke now (after warranty is up of course) and the dash reads "Low Spare Tire" which Ive had checked numerous times and the spare is not low. So that sensor is faulty. Im told the computer software needs to be updated, but cant afford to take into a dealer.

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  Love my Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By edman - July 17 - 10:26 am

  First time owner of a Jeep, test drove the Wrangler but the ride is too much for daily driving. The Liberty gave me a great alternative. I have a Honda CR-V w/ AWD but I missed the control of a manual true 4WD. Bought the car used as a second family car but loved it so much it became my primary form of transportation. I love this SUV, my wife drives the Honda now.

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  so far, so good - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Peter - June 28 - 10:06 pm

  I have only had my car for a month now. I am pretty happy with it so far. Its a fun car to own and to drive. I was very disappointed to find that the 20 mpg was a dream that I would never reach. I really hated my car in the beginning because of the terrible service of my dealer. I am still trying to get over it and not blame the car. This car is definitely not a car to be driven above 75 mph.

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  Does What It Says - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dvwoud09 - June 25 - 11:33 pm

  I live in the mountains and this car has performed well in the past year. Plenty of power when I need it and surprisingly I can brake well with it too. The only issue I had was a leak in the power-stearing fluid hose. It also use a little more storage space. But after a recent insurance revision, the car was rated impecable.

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  I Love My Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Karen - June 24 - 6:36 am

  I reallly enjoy my Liberty. I feel secure while driving in inclement weather. I appreciate the visibility because Im up higher than an average passenger car. I also think its cute.