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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  MY GREAT LIBERATION - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RBURNS1061 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD GREAT EXPERIENCES WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF JEEP DEALERSHIP.

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  My New Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Marino - December 1 - 2:00 am

  needs to ride like the gc. should get better fuel milege after I put the bosch platinum + 4 plugs in . the k&n filter system was my best mod so far.

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  1 year and still going! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave In Snohomish - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a review on the 2003 Limited. I have been extremely pleased with the overall reliability of the Liberty. It has not had any mechanical problems to speak of yet. It handled great in the snow on forrest service roads this past winter. The highway ride is a little bouncy, but that should be expected in an off road vehicle. The mileage averages around 18 normal driving, and 21 at 70 miles an hour on the highway. A very fun ride with excellent exceleration. A very nice combination of ruggedness, and refinement!

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  Electronic Problems & Gas Hog - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Toby - November 24 - 8:03 pm

  Doing it over again, I wouldnt buy a Liberty. It is a gas hog; I get about 15 miles per gallon. Plus, I experience chronic electronic problems. For instance, I pulled over for a failed left turn and brake lamp. I got home, and the light worked fine. The dome light goes on and off, and the turn signal occasionally turns on and wont go off without stopping and restarting the engine. There is also a slip in the transmission. When I brake, it down-shifts violently. I take it in, they hook it to a computer, and it works fine for a few months. Then, it gradually comes on again.

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  what I think - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By smith jones - November 21 - 10:00 am

  It is great I think I handles fine on the roads

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  Liberty Limited - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Thor - November 18 - 5:30 pm

  Compared to other small Utes, the Liberty Limited has them beat. Little things, such as: Memory Seating, easy exit, remote start. Put this rig above the rest. The V-6 is lack-luster and it doesnt get great mileage in town, but I got 23 MPG on a 2000 mile trip. The seats are very comfortable and even though the foot wells seem crowded, there is plenty of room and Im a big Norwegian. I had a 4x4 Escape before and thought that was a great car, but the features, such as: 4 wheel disk brakes and real 4x4 put he Escape to shame. The Jeep didnt even cost any more than the Ford. It rides well and runs great. Looks good too!

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  Happily Surprised - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By FirstTimeJeep - November 15 - 3:13 am

  American car companies make the best SUVs and the Jeep Liberty fits the bill.The tires are a little slippery on wet roads and the gas mileage could be improved. This attractive model has great interior design and spacing for a small SUV. I know a lot of people complain about the position of the window switches, but I have adjusted ok. Ive only received one recall to date. Of course the true test will be how well it runs after its paid off.

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  Lacking interior details - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathi - November 12 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 3rd Jeep, first Liberty Ltd. Performance is great, poor gas mileage, but is good locally or on the highway. Better comfort in back seat than prior Jeep Cherokee Ltd. or Grand Cherokee Ltd.

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  Havin a good time - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Kneedles - November 7 - 10:00 am

  July is 1st year anniv. for 1st time UTE/Jeep owner. Ive enjoyed driving my Jeep very much. Tranny downshift during deceleration was pretty jerky. Dealership put it on the computer to "re-learn" which seemed to have taken care of the problem for the most part. Still not as smooth as others have reported. Love the stiffer suspension and knowing that this puppy will be able to handle anything that crosses my path. Very responsive vehicle - am quite content w/the power of the V6.

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  Tranny feels crummy - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By robc - October 31 - 4:06 pm

  Overall I love my Jeep, I have never liked the feel of the transmission (4 speed auto). Shifts hard. Tows nice, cargo space somewhat limited though. My wife has a 2002 Escape, and my Liberty is quieter, feels more solid, has better build quality and rides a lot smoother.