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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  Very Noisy and Bouncy - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By RJ - March 17 - 10:53 am

  Had it for 3 months. Found it to be too bouncy and noisy, especially when I go over 60mph. Engine sounds like a sewing machine when idling. Interior is very nice.Good quality. At 1500 miles, Im ready to trade it in. Bought it to replace a Nissan Murrano but it is no match for the Murano - gonna look for a new ride.

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  The jeep liberty rocks - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By chewysolo - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Me & My wife test drove the grand cherokee and the liberty and we both loved the liberty. It feels like it has more power than the cherokee, and the leg room is about the same. It also has more head room. the only thing you lose is cargo space.Plus you can get the liberty limited edition with almost all options for about the same price as a base model cherokee. Theres also plenty of after market upgrades out ther if you like Decking out your ride like I do.

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  My Libby - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By CavVet - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a great vehicle. Bring a gas card!

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  Brakes - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Tari Dec - March 2 - 3:40 am

  I have had concerns with the rear brakes so took it to Codiroli Service department. They checked it out and said they couldnt find anything wrong. Continued to feel something wrong with the way my car was acting when I used the brakes. Also, had a noise coming from the rear of the car. Sounded like something was moaning. This noise is loud when I first start driving and than gets less loud after I have driven it a few miles. Took car in for first service (3,000 mile) and was told there is a recall for the brakes but cant fix them until the recall notices have been sent out. I find this very upsetting.. This problem should be fixed immediately. Why do I have to wait? Other than this I like my car.

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  Bad Windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet G - February 23 - 6:46 am

  I love our Liberty. We take it just about everywhere, yet the windows on the driver side no longer work. The window lost its ability to go up and down and will be expensive to have it fixed. I tried searching for recalls but to no avail. I am glad that I am not the only one with this problem. The problem with the windows is a vehicle problem and not the owners fault.

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  Great SUV, but... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By pepper4 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  We intended to buy an older 4runner, but found that for the same money, could get the Liberty. Had 4K on it when we bought it. Loved it. It is a hoot to buzz around town and short trips. Not a long trip vehicle. It was set up as tow car when we bought it...it would be superb for that purpose. Has tow package, and tows our boat easily. Seats, even for for a short person like me, are a little short, but leather is broken in now, so more comfy. Kids in back seat can see out, a plus. Wish we could keep it, but must sell, mainly because need better mileage.

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  My 2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By crandreww - February 14 - 8:03 am

  We love our Jeep Liberty. It is sporty and fun to drive. Only drawbacks are interior noise when driving, especially on the highway. The major drawback for me is the gas mileage. I do mostly in town driving and it averages about 15-17 miles per gallon. On the highway it averages about 23 miles per gallon. It is a V6, so I guess thats not too terrible, but with gas prices hovering anywhere from 2-3 dollars per gallon, it hurts to have to fill it so frequently. Another drawback is the glove compartment is so small the owners manual doesnt even fit in it. Not much for extra storage space either.

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  Have Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Mac - February 10 - 2:40 am

  I have put on more than 113,000 miles in the 2.5 years I have had my Liberty. The only thing I have had to do is the standard oil changes and new tires. My Liberty is still tight all around and everything still feels new. I cant believe it myself. I will definitely get another Liberty after this one.

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  Drive=Love - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By [Jon] - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Hands down the best Small Ute out there. It may not have good on-road manners to match that of its competitors, but it shines once the paved road ends. It also has the biggest engine out of all its competitors, and can actually TOW up to 5000 lbs. The Exterior styling is a bit on the cute side, but it is unique, and classic at the same time. The interior look is hands down THE best out of all its competitors. Space is a bit on the tight side, but if you are creative enough, you can fit it. I just love driving this thing, on and off road.

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  solid, reliable, fun! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff - February 1 - 12:03 am

  I feel much safer in my Liberty than I did in my 3 previous Honda Accords. My Liberty feels solid and sturdy. I did replace the original tires after 15K miles because of sliding on wet roads and I am on my third set of brake pads BUT that is to be expected from a 4000 lb. vehicle. Other than that, no problems. After trading vehicles every three years in the past I have vowed to keep my Liberty for eight years. After a good washing it still looks brand new. My Liberty survived a fierce hail storm. I expected the windshield to be shattered but, no damage. Days later I heard advertisements for "damage and dent sales" at many local dealerships. So far Im quite impressed!