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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  Jeepers-Creepers Wherd ya get that car? - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Aceswild - May 4 - 2:00 am

  For Liberty,Justice & for All (well,at least most!)I get compliments almost everyday!Still room for improvement,on MPG,but this SUV has good Pick-Up&Go! It puts me higher than most SUVs incl. Cherokee,(which I also own)&has some nice standard features.Getting use to the window controls in the middle console,is the hardest feature to overcome,but makes it great for driver/front psngr. As a former Rav4 owner, Liberty gives you much more interior & leg room,it also has more Grip to the Road.I always think there is room for improvement in Any new vehicle,but am extemly happy with the performance this vehicle has shown mus thus far. I give it a "10" for the fun it brings driving!

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  power windows stink - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By TerryP - April 26 - 11:36 am

  I actually love our jeep liberty diesel, except for one stupid design flaw--the power windows that constantly fail. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves given that it is clear this problem has been present for years. The problem is they havent fixed the problem, even with replacement parts--I had all four regulators replaced, and now (after warranty) another has failed.

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  2006 Jeep Liberty Windows - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jaime513 - April 17 - 6:50 am

  I have had the SAME problems with my windows sliding down into my doors. Ive had the problem fixed, and it still keeps happening. Right now, I have duct tape holding them up because I refuse to keep paying to have the problem fixed. All of us need to make complaints to the NHSTA - I think thats the only way Chrysler will do something about this, and recall the window regulators. Also, is anyone having A/C problems with their Liberty? Mine stopped blowing cold air and Im praying this isnt the compressor. I cant afford another fix on this car.

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  Fun, Affordable, and Well Made - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Terry Day - March 27 - 6:16 pm

  Before buying, I drove the Escape, Tribute, Santa Fe, and Freelander. The Liberty is quiet and fun to drive, though the ride is not as smooth as some of the others. The V6 has very good acceleration, and the automatic seems to always be in the right gear. Powerful brakes. Build quality is excellent and the doors close with a solid thunk. I think the white instrument dials in the 2004 model are distracting and cheap looking. These were replaced in 05 with easier-to- read and more tasteful dark faced dials. Rear seats are easy to fold, and lay almost completely flat. The front seat height is fine for me, but is non-adjustable. Overall, a good design and a good value.

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  Nice SUV for good price - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Cory Wise - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Nice look love to drive rides smooth and has a nice 3.7L V-6 under the hood for the price better then other small SUV out there.

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  Fun Fun - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jpichicago - March 14 - 10:00 am

  We bought the car a few days before an 800 mile trip and didnt have a chance to break in the car before leaving. It performed like a champ. I arrived feeling rested and without body aches! Aside from routine maintenance and a recall to tighten up the suspension system (Jeep was very accomodating while dealing with the recall issue), the car has been great. Wed buy another!

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  Just Bought This week - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By DJK - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Jeep Liberty. This is my first SUV ever. I have wanted an SUV for a while and decided I really wanted a Liberty Renegade. I received a great deal with great financing, and the 1,000 customer cash back. My total with taxes and the incentive was 27,784.66. This has to be better than my Volvo was.

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  Not meant for 4X4 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By POS_Liberity - February 24 - 6:43 pm

  Dont ever drive the 6 speed manual in sand. I did twice and the bell housing got full of sand, lost the clutch on the way home and now have to pay big bucks to get fixed. I called corporate office and nothing can be done. Why buy a 4X4 you cant use. Jeep is no longer what it used to be. This thing is a big joke! My Tracker was a better 4X4 than this thing. Never had a problem and drove it on the beach all the time. Anybody want to buy my useless 4X4?

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  Confused Liberty Owner - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Vander Woude - February 24 - 1:33 pm

  Drove all mid-sized SUVs reported to be the best in class, Highlander, Outlander, CR-V, saw ads about lifetime warranty for Jeep products and decided to test drive the Liberty, could not believe how the Liberty handled, read Consumer Report review and was confused if they drove the same Liberty I did, have tried to find a good review on the Liberty with no luck, vehicle may lack refinement the others have but considering incentives and warranty this was a easy decision.

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  bad to good - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nattasha - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 jeep cherokee sport, last year made,poor quality... could tell it was one of the last. Had a 1998 and the quality was much better. The liberty has a much more sound build. Things seem to fit better together. The comfort of the seats are also better. Gas, ulk I really thought it would be a little more efficient than it is. I really like it.