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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  2007 Jeep Liberty 6 speed 4x4 - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By paullgj - September 16 - 11:40 am

  Ive been four wheeling in Chevy pickups since 1967. Well, time for a change, went to a Jeep Liberty 6 speed. It is much easier to drive. Where the Chevy used brute strength - torque and ground clerance to clear obstacles, the Jeep does it by finesse - the coil spring suspension conforms to the terrain providing traction. I love the 6 speed - nice and tight and a good feel. It is very European - snick, snick, snick as I run through the gears. The Liberty is set up for off-road - good articultion and little front or rear overhang. It is not a cross-over car-based SUV like the Honda CRV or Toyota RAV4 - it should not be compared to them in terms of fuel economy and ride.

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  New Jeep owner - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jamie Romero - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first jeep and if the liberty continues the way it has, this will not be my last. We traded in a suburban for this jeep. I was nervous at first, but absolutely love the jeep. That is a peppy little v-6 under the hood. The interior is great. It is one tough looking little sucker on the outside too. Gas mileage is about what the sticker said. Coming from a Suburban, we are ecstatic! Getting between 17 and 18 with a mix of hwy and city. Havent put it on the highway for a trip yet. Great incentives to buy right now too. I really like this SUV. Once we drive it a little more, Ill post another

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  I love my car!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mrs. Matthew - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for about 4 months and I absoultely love it!! I find every excuse I can to drive it. I love being up high in a SUV, I feel so powerful!! I love the color of my car, it is blue. I was warned about the gas mileage but I have found it to be better than expected. I highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Extremely dangerous in wet conditions! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tclaryuk - September 14 - 11:00 pm

  Ive owned my Liberty for 2 1/2 yrs now, with 47,000 miles. In the past year or so we have had terrible experiences of this car sliding and skidding when there is the slightest bit of rain on the road. The dealership recently checked it and said that the tires did not need replacing. Now we drive as if we are on ice when the road is wet. Even then we still have instances where we lose control. Unfortunately due to employee pricing incentives it will cost a lot of money to replace this car now as it has a low trade-in value. We have just taken the decision to spend $10,000 to replace this car with a Honda Pilot. A cheap price to save a life!

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  great overall/ great value - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jj - September 14 - 7:40 am

  I got this new 2005 Jeep Liberty for my wife. Compared it against some other mid-size SUVs and this is the best I could find for her. Easy and fun to drive (as a matter of fact I love driving it). Exceptional off-road capabilities. Its much more car than I expected. Its small, so dont expect to fit 7 people in it. But if you are looking for a 2 adult (+ 2 children) car, this is a great option.

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  Buy a warranty if you get a Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By bryancos - September 13 - 12:06 pm

  We purchased our nearly new Liberty Limited in April 2005, with only 12K on the odometer. We installed a set of new tires two yrs ago, installed a new battery and new brakes one year ago. It recently hit the 80K mark and in the last three months, they replaced the High Pressure Power Steering hose, the Alternator, Water Pump, Serpentine Belt, and today a brand new Radiator and new Hoses was added to the list. Fortunately we had purchased an extended warranty so everything except hoses/belts/fluids was covered, but we had to pay a $50 ded. each time... Word to the wise... its a Chrysler product and purchasing an extended warranty is well worth the money...

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  Not Sure - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By notsure??? - September 13 - 2:00 am

  It is a great looking vehicle for the money. But I have owned for 2 weeks and the dealer has had it for 11 days of those 2 weeks. Bad vibarations and air bag straps had to be replaced. They have changed the tires twice and are now working on replacing drive shaft to rectify vibration. I am now seriously questioning the quality, maybe I should have continued to shop around? It only has 400 miles on it and the dealer has put 300 of those on it trying to fix the problems. It is a thirsty little bugger but it is packed with a lot of options for the dollar. I would recommend if they can solve the quality issues. It built like my 97 wrangler that is for sure!

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  Great Mid-Size SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By PStardust - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My Partner has had a Liberty( 2002) for a year now and loves it. I had driven it for a while before I decieded to get one myself. I love the turning radius and the heighth of the car.The Liberty is a very utilitarian car. Simple quality with a little style.

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  CRD - 10 Rest of vehicle - 7 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By railguy - September 10 - 8:00 pm

  Best fuel economy in a 4WD in the US. Diesel has great power all the way to 11,000 ft. elevations on mountain passes. Best 4WD Ive ever owned for winter driving. Diesel performs marvelously off-road. Without serious suspension modification (at least a 2.5"-3.0" lift) and larger tires (245/75R 16 would be ideal), though, it lacks adequate ground clearance for anything but mild off-highway use. A Subaru Forester has much better ground clearance. As noted the factory tires are crap. EGR valve failures are a common problem, though mine have lasted pretty well. Fuel economy ranges from 16 mpg in dead winter starts and stops to 31-32 mpg on highway at speeds 65 mph or less.

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Lamont Johnson - September 8 - 4:06 am

  Have the 2006 CRD model w/tow package. Pros: Small size, good acceleration and towing capability. Fuel mileage in town is acceptable. Cons: High maintenance vehicle. Numerous recalls and limited engine part availability causing more delays w/service. Have had to replace EGR valve ($230.00 dealer part) twice (once was under warranty). Local dealer (San Angelo, TX) and manufacturer support and service is substandard. Overall, could be a good "project" vehicle but be prepared to invest time and money to get it to its full potential. Highly advise researching the Jeep forums to learn of other "issues" before buying.