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 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By zeppelinprncss04 - August 30 - 1:40 am

  My Liberty was purchased with 77000 miles on it and I am about 200 miles short of 100000 and its still running as well as it was the day I bought it. It has plenty of power and as a college student, I have plenty of cargo room to take stuff back and forth. It goes great in the snow/ice and in the mud! I love my liberty so much!

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  engine failuer - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rocky79 - August 20 - 11:34 am

  I purchased my 2002 liberty in 2004. I have loved this vehicle since I first purchased it, the maintanence cost have been very low, I have maintained this vehicle almost to perfection with regular oil changes etc. One day it stopped working with no warning, Come to find out the engine is blown, now with more research I am finding this is a known issue. I dont even have 109,000 miles on this vehicle, it is in almost perfect condition. Now I am stuck with a worthless vehicle that I cannot even trade in, I am very disappointed I would have purchased another Jeep in a heartbeat had this not happened, now I will never touch Chrysler/Jeep again.

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  Great Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By mdammann - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up the jeep. Rides pretty well, but ofcourse it is a jeep. Dealership did a great deal on jeep. I was considering a Kia Sorento. What the hell was I thinking? Jeep has a better name and better reliability.

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  unhappy sound check - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By j jacome - August 11 - 12:20 pm

  The Jeep is nice to ride. Its the radio that is the Bad one! I had to replace it 4 times; the first time was because the CDs got stuck and the other 3 times was because the units cut off/on with an explosive noise. i have called Chrysler and all the say is we are not responsible for this. and they will not upgrade unless I pay for it! It is a brand new car, I shouldnt have to be paying for upgrades in a radio that since the beginning was defective. Its a 2005 and it should be upgraded for the future.

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  All American Vehicle - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gregg Schoof - July 29 - 6:43 pm

  Initially, I had some doubts about an SUV, but the Jeep Liberty has convinced me otherwise. It is a very solid, reliable vehicle. Great in the snow. Nice seating position. Nice feature content. Needs a bit more refinement of materials and ergonomics on the inside. Hidden compartment in trunk area would be nice addition.

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  after a long line a jeeps, finally one. - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim S - July 25 - 4:00 pm

  Generally, I love my jeep. Its my 3rd, having had a 1991 Cherokee and a 1995 Grand Cherokee. I was initially sold only because of the warranty and features (the previous 2 had a lot of problems). Now, Im really happy with it. It rides well off roads, is amazing in snow and mud, and drives reasonably on the road. Its been reliable, even compared to more "reliable" cars a few of my friends purchased at about the same time. The gas mileage seems to be about the same as my 5.2L V8 Grand Cherokee while being a good bit smaller. Also, the ground clearance is limited compared to my previous jeeps. which are my only complaints. Some complain about window controls, but Ive had BMWs-same place :)

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  Jury still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By JimWalker - July 24 - 9:06 pm

  I have submitted an earlier rating, "My Jury is still out". That was with 1000 miles. My main concern was MPG in my new Diesel, about 20. Its gotten worse after 3000 miles, 18. I am a very conservative driver with 80% of of my driving highway. I am returning the car to the dealer with instructions to check out the engine and transmission. In order to shift into the top gear I have to run the car up to 65 and then coast back to the desired speed. I spend more time watching the tach than the speedo. I hope the dealer can do something because I enjoy driving the car. The main reason for me purchasing the diesel was for the fuel economy.

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  Jeep Lib Ltd 02 -review - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Nocky54 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Excellent first year production vehicle. Very German in feeling, esp steering. Quick response times both turning and accelerating. Has more power accelerating than braking, but brakes are very good when used hard- if the need arises. Comfortable interior. Great for long trips and fine around windy local New England roads as well. Requires some effort to jump up and into seat, esp with a skirt on- optional running boards would probably help solve that.

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  Liberty 4x4 Limited - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Brent - July 17 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned my Liberty since April of 2007 (used of course). Purchased with about 51,000 miles. The only complaints that I have about it is that the stock tires on it are terrible even when the ground is just slightly wet. It is very dangerous and I think Chrysler shouldnt and should never again sell any of their cars with these tires. Im having the tires replaced with Bridgestones, a much better tire than the Goodyears that come on it. In addition, when you are coming to a stop it is almost as if the car sputters or clunks Im not too sure how to describe it. Im thinking it is coming from the transmission and I hope this isnt going to turn into a problem. Overall a very stable vehicle.

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  Great Car! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By PJChloe - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 6months and I love it!! Its a great "looker" and rides good too. More room inside than I thought at first. When I laid the seats down, I was able to fit a recliner in there. It has great pick up when pulling out into traffic and can turn on a dime.