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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  Love my Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Rose - December 15 - 1:03 pm

  I am 6 tall - adequate head room and leg room (used to drive a Ford Explorer). Feel like I am in a larger SUV - can see above cars ahead. Nice handling. Little bit bumpy on rough road surfaces, but satisfactory or better. Buzzing noise obvious when front windows cracked, but back windows up. Have to open back windows a crack too. All in all, I love my Jeep Liberty and am a very happy owner!

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  Almost Perfect - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Maria - December 10 - 10:00 am

  My Honda CR-Vs performance at 60k miles was getting questionable so I traded into a used Liberty with almost every option. I really love it, as I am very picky. It handles well and has a powerful engine which makes driving it a hoot! It feels like an expensive luxury vehicle though it was quite affordable.

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  2005 Jeep Renegade 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Marc - December 9 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this because of the incentives at the time - 0.0% financing for 5 years PLUS $2500 rebate. Its early miles still and happily no problems to report. After being stuck in traffic for hours the seat became uncomfortable as most seats do. Drove through thunderstorms very confidently - nice to have security of Selec-Trac AWD. There is less road noise than I expected and braking is adequate considering how heavy it is. All that said, if price were the same, I would go for an Xterra for my specific needs, mostly because of Nissan reliability, but also the more aggressive style and the more powerful engine.

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  Liberty Limited Diesel in WI - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Roger - December 9 - 3:03 am

  The Liberty Diesels handling, design, and fuel economy have been above expectations. Fuel economy dropped off in Wisconsin winter driving, but never failed to start in the bitter cold. During the first week of ownership, mileage hit 29 on highway, otherwise, not unusual to average 24 city. Expect better fuel economy as the engine is broken in. Excellent maneuverability as you would expect from Jeep. Torque on the diesel keeps her steady when hauling uphill. For a diesel, my Liberty provides a quiet ride. Little noisy on warm up and with heavy acceleration, otherwise, passengers sometimes dont realize they are riding in a diesel until told, then marvel at how quiet it runs. Nice ride!

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  Love My Lil Rene !!!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Michelle Carbo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a Saturn coupe- hated it!!! On my birthday on our way to go eat we saw the renegades- after dinner about 9 oclock we went to check them out- that night we drove home in it- the next morning my husband asked if I liked it- I told him he could not get me out of it if he tried! I let him drive it a couple times a week- I love it!!! I have had it for almost 8 months and I love it!!!

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  310,000kms - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By dsantin - November 29 - 8:55 pm

  Still going strong 310,000 kms. Live in heavy snow belt, rusty Ontario- rural. 4x4 excellent-- never stuck- plenty of confidence in snow and mud. Have used in mud, lagoons, ditches, snowy farmer fields, towing, fording water-- works well. Unexpected good manners and ride on highway. MPG fair. Roomy versatile interior. Starts/ runs very well-- NO RUST? Did not get skyroof-- you guys that got it and have problems- shame- This was a first year North American redesign-- ant1icipate problems with gimmicks. Some little things-- blower gone at 300,000- so what! Rear liftgate hinge thing- broke but found replacement at junkers for $400. Differential rear troubles after 180k

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  Most Fun to Drive. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cassie - November 28 - 10:50 am

  I have owned Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, and presently own a 2004 Dodge Durango (Hemi--of course). After driving and enjoying them all I must say that this Jeep Liberty is the most fun to drive. It fits into parking spaces that most SUVs wont, and unless you have 4 or more kids, I feel it is the ideal vehicle for women from their 20s all the way though their 40s. The vehicle is functional for the administrative duties on the job, travels well and it looks great when I show up at meetings or when I want to spend a night on the town.

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  Tough Love - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.G. - November 28 - 2:13 am

  I have had this Jeep for about 6 years and it has been fun. The only trouble that I have had is replacing the cam shaft sensor and O2 sensor ($78 max). I suggest getting a new intake system, the stock intake is heavy (15 lbs) and bulky. Also, to make life easier for the people who cry about fuel, just replace the fuel pump with a performance pump ($330) in order for you to be able to get what you want. I now get 27 mpg/19 mpg, and yes, thats on the 3.7 6cyl 4wd model.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jj - November 22 - 12:26 am

  I was really apprehensive about buying a Jeep but looking at the Liberty with its features and price I decided to take the chance. Bought the 08 Liberty Sport 4x4 slightly used (2700 miles) and couldnt be happier. It was great on the snow this winter. Drove it 1700 miles cross-country. Comfortable drive even at 80 mph plus. Drove it off road on some of Arizonas most challenging roads. It performed well in all instances. No comments on reliability yet (still only have 6700 miles on it). But so far so good.

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  Problems - But Still Happy - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Vince - November 21 - 8:36 am

  Ive owned my Liberty Diesel for ~ 4 months and its needed service twice already. The engine died due to a wiring harness short on day 2 of ownership and it recently developed an intercooler (turbo component) leak requiring service. Nevertheless, Im still pleased. Mileage has been 25+ MPG on the highway, ~ 23 combined city/highway. Towing a 3000 pound boat is absolutely effortless. Im hoping all the bugs are worked out because this Jeep is a blast to drive!