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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  terrible - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Jen Losurdo - November 3 - 11:47 pm

  I have a 2009 jeep liberty that I have owned for 2 years. The heater core is shot,the jeep squeaks like every day I drive it, the sunroof leaks and my head liner is completely ruined. This is a piece of junk! Bought it from Drivers Village in Syracuse, ny and they had it back there 3 times to fix all this and never did. They sell lemons dont go there!

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  Definately Rethinking... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By emtinit734 - November 3 - 11:33 pm

  I am seriously rethinking purchasing this car. Within 50 of pulling out of the parking lot the check engine light came on. I made arrangements to turn it in the next day and before I could even get to the dealership I found two other flaws. The front passenger window was out of track (working but doesnt go up evenly leaving a crack at the top) and the drivers side rear outside door handle had separated from the door by about a quarter inch. Turns out it was the check engine light was for the catalytic converter. While the warranty covers the converter it does not include the door handle or the window. This is a used car that was a leaser with only two owners and 38000 miles when I bought it

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  Jeep Liberty 2002 - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Whitaker - October 29 - 10:00 am

  The only maintenance needed so far has been a brake job. It is a comfortalble ride for a tough little car.

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  2004 Renegade Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike - October 28 - 6:46 pm

  We bought our Libert in May of 2004. After 5 years and 93000 Miles. Its safe to say this may be the most dependable and solid vehicle I have ever owned. And I have had quite a few. It is great on and off road, currently have a 2" Body Lift on it with 30" BFG ATs on it. But I did get about 85000 miles out of the original Goodyears and they still had good tread left on them. Honestly dont have any complaints about this vehicle, fun to drive, looks great, easy to maintain, nice interior features such as the window controls, door handles. Actually continues to get better fuel mileage - Currently 18.5 mpg. Definitely made me a Jeep Person.

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  Fun but too small for my growing family! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Memphis slim - October 28 - 8:23 am

  Ive had no issues with this Jeep. Just routine maintenance and oil changes. Its fun to drive and has good power. Im 65" and the sets are uncomfortable for me. When I ride shotgun, my knees hit the handle/dash area. My wife says the same thing and she is 57". We take long trips (8 hrs) and it drives great but is hvery uncomfortable. Were trading it in since well be having baby #2 soon. This was fine for 1 baby but not 2 kids. Too cramped and therell be no room left when traveling. Also dont spill liquids on the seats b/c the stains will not come out! Ive tried everything and all detail shops say this fabric is hard to clean.

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  Early review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Geoff Clayton - October 27 - 11:36 am

  So far this diesel is light years ahead of the old style diesels. Now its a matter of computer controls being reliable for the most part. More and more, computers are the platform that control basically well made engines. If the electronics are sound this engine will last longer than I will.

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  A good vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By metmaniac2001 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  tough on gas, but a nice vehicle

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  Love 2005 Renegade! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By snoq - October 19 - 6:36 am

  Its comfortable to drive on freeway and in the city. The drive is more like a big truck than a passenger car. Stiff and a little bouncy which makes it fun to drive! Its so fun to drive off road! Weve went for off road test drive a couple of times already in Cascades. It drove through sticky cray-like mud, cross the water paddle (about 1ft. deep), drove up the steep gravel/dirt hill EASILY without any problem...all with 4WD High. We havent go to use 4 LO yet...need to be more extreme condition or tarrain to use it. (Maybe after heavy snow in the mountain!)

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  I like it - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By JimOH123 - October 16 - 3:06 pm

  I have a BMW with performance tires, so I needed a vehicle to drive in the winter. Purchased this car with about 85k miles on the odometer. I love my Jeep and drive it more than the BMW. Love the driving position, looks and its maneuverability. Very few service complaints. I have never owned a vehicle with so many miles, yet it is still very tight and rattle free. Would consider buying another Liberty like this one with fewer miles if this one ever starts giving me trouble. A great value for a used vehicle.

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  Its a JEEP! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ba50mF - October 12 - 4:46 pm

  Ive always wanted a Jeep and this has not disappointed. I bought used with 32,000 miles on it. Ive had the vehicle for 6 months now and it is excellent in the snow. Its comfortable and tall, but not too narrow of a wheelbase. The only drawback is gas mileage, but its a real suv not, a fwd wannabe. The 4wd is amazing. This is the 2nd 4wd vehicle I have owned and its excellent