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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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By hoffdog - October 30 - 3:12 am

  I bought this car off a 3-year lease in March 2005, so Ive had it for 7 years. Its been a great vehicle! Ive put little to no money into it, just your normal oil changes, tires, tuneups, ect. The only issues Ive had with it is the AC and the rear window defogger. The AC hasnt worked since about 2007, Ive tried fixing it numerous times with no luck. Same thing with the rear window defogger, no luck fixing it. It has never broken down on me. My only major complaint I have is the gas mileage, I can only get about 17-19 on the highway. But, I knew that when I bought it so I shouldnt complain.

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  Good little SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bharvey67 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The seats could be a lot more comfortable but other than that this is a good SUV.

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  Repair Rebuilt - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepguy - October 21 - 6:56 am

  After 200,000 here is the rundown of what has been repair/replaced on my 03. I have essentially rebuilt this SUV, after I "gambled" on the transmission at 160,000 hoping not much else would happen and I could not afford a new car payment. Heads(machined)/Head Gasket and all supplementary gaskets for top of engine Cooling System, hoses, and Radiator AC Compressor Fan and Interior Temp Relay Serpentine Belt (twice) Battery (twice) Regulator Water Pump Transmission Front Transaxle Shocks Rear V Stabilizer Front Ball Joints (recall) Front Control Arm Never mind the brakes, rotors, and tires and I still like the car, sort of.

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  Pleased - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Rick - October 16 - 12:10 am

  My wife and I are very pleased with this Liberty Limited. It has all the options including sun roof. The MyGig Infotainment w/Nav and the Sirius system make this fun to drive. Evic lets you check tire pressures to keep them equal, which is important with an SUV. The chrome on the exterior makes the Black look sharp. Its not to big and handles and rides beautifully. We are very glad to own it. It will be one year old next month. A vehicle without MyGig Gps, siruis etc. and Evic sure would be dull.

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  Jeep Liberty vs Jeep Cherokee - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Strayhan - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I had previously owned a Jeep Cherokee and the sales person talked me into the Liberty. I do not like it compared to the Cherokee and the gas mileage in the the Liberty is poor. I wish I had purchased the Cherokee like I desired.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By _II_ - September 29 - 5:16 am

  Purchased new in early Jan. 30k miles later Jeep went to dealership only once for mud blockage in condenser (not under warranty). Air vents do not close, window switches located on middle console. Other than that, its of great quality. No problems at all, except there could be improvements on minor details.

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  Liberty Sport 6 cyl. of off road fun. - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jermac - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Excellent off road vehicle.I drive it at least twice a week on the beach.It handle well and nothing slows it down.It is a BLAST to drive.The jeep also handles well in the snow and heavy rain.I would reccomend it to anyone who plans on using the vehicle for occasional serious off road use.I have driven other small SUVs off road and their is no comparision.

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  Get a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By pokefan - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Have less than 19,000 miles on this jeep and it just got towed to the dealership again. First at 13,000 the waterpump went out and the serpentine belt broke while going 70 on a 2 lane road. Very Scary. Then at 18,000 the heat went out, took it in a got some recall item fixed at the same time. Diamler-Chrysler sucks. Maybe I am spoiled by Hondas. Had 3 w/ 250,000+ miles w/ 0 problems. Last Jeep I ever buy. Let you know my recent prob. later.

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  Fun, Small but Stains wont come out! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Whopper - September 3 - 4:20 am

  I wanted a Jeep Liberty for a couple years before I finally bought one! I traded in my Honda Civic when I became pregnant, thinking it would provide more much needed room! It didnt! Very little room for any passengers once you get a car seat in there! And the seats stain EASILY from anything! Especially any kind of liquid! If your drink sweats, dont let it touch the seat! The stains look horrible and nothing gets them out!!!

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  Third Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Joe - September 1 - 8:16 pm

  I like the performance overall, but acceleration from a stop is sluggish. Also lacks oomph passing on upgrades. I do like the 6-spd manual. I like the looks inside and out (vast improvement over 2003-2007). I hate the instrument panel and controls. Those little lights are difficult to see in bright sun. The radio controls are complicated and poorly positioned, including the Set button next to the first station button. Station buttons dont always work correctly. I hate that "Change Oil" message thats based on time and mileage and unrelated to actual oil changes. The vehicle seems rugged enough, but the springs squeak, even when you just get in or out.