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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  Love it! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mike & Jenny - December 30 - 10:00 am

  We love our Jeep. It handles very well and has plenty of interior room. Im 65" and my wife is 510" and we have plenty of head room.

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  My 2nd Jeep Product - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - December 29 - 11:50 am

  I traded my 1999 Cherokee 4x4 Sport for the 2010 Liberty 4x4 Sport. I like the looks of this vehicle. So far so good. Have a small water leak in the rear thats annoying and hopefully will have that corrected soon. Vehicle feels solid on the road. I am happy with the Liberty.

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  I ROLLED!!! Be careful. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SAM6748 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Am very sad - loved my Liberty, but at 3800 miles was hit by an Explorer in the rear quarter panel and I flipped on my side!! We were both going only maybe 25 mph - I was swerving to avoid, but dont think it should have flipped. Only had it 3 months - Jeep was totalled, now am debating buying another for safety reasons. Gas mileage sucked, which I did expect (but didnt have to like!). I know I can drive it w/out rolling it - the other drivers are the problem for me.

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  Good Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve Hansen - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2002 Liberty in Nov 2001 and I use it for business travel. I currently have 78000 miles and have had not one problem with the vehicle. I do most of my own maintainence and it still rolls on down the road. Great Jeep!

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  Fun vehicle, but frustrated sometimes - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep18 - December 16 - 6:10 pm

  Im a big fan of the Jeep brand, especially Liberty and Wrangler. This is my first Jeep and Im considering buying a Wrangler in the future. What I like about this car is its exterior design, sleek, bold, and different. Its a SUV 4WD but it doesnt look heavy or clumsy. The overall performance is good, but start to have some mysterious rattling sound recently. However, its power window system is a disaster. The regulator for the same window has broken five times and now the door is falling apart.

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  Great Ride - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Paully - December 16 - 10:00 am

  As far as SUV is concerned, the new Jeep Liberty has one of the best rides available today. The ride is supple and soft and it shruggs off road bumps with ease. The over all build quality is impressive. Quite unusaul when we are talking about an American made SUV. Attention to details are nice and over all interior design and exterior design are first rate. Well see how it will hold up in the long term. The engine is powerful and it has a nice growl to it.

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  2003 Liberty LTD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RWS - December 13 - 7:06 am

  I have had no problems with my 03 Liberty LTD. For the price it includes features I have never had in any other vehicle Ive owned.

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  Fun but Issues - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bfolz - December 11 - 8:56 pm

  My Jeep is fun to drive and I have gotten a lot of compliments on it since I bought the vehicle in 10/01. It handles very well and can turn on a dime. The main issues I have had include rust around the middle of the wheels, which they said was due to water erosion, and a power steering rack that leaks power steering fluid. I have recently been told I have to replace the steering rack (54K miles) and it will cost $500 for the part and $500 for labor! Other garages have quoted me same. An extended warranty may of helped me but seems it should be covered anyways. I have also have a seat belt that seems to stick a bit. Overall happy with the vehicle but think the steering rack issue is a bit much.

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  Saved me in a rollover - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By siii - December 5 - 12:29 am

  I loved loved loved my Jeep Liberty. I bought it at 108k and drove it for 2 years. I also drove it home, 500+ miles away at least once a month. The pickup and acceleration is slower than other cars, and the gas mileage was usually 20 mpg (highway). Weird noise in the rear breaks when he was running at ~30mph but it stopped over 40mph. Always had it since I changed the breaks.

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  Love My Liberty - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By cdomasco - November 29 - 4:06 pm

  I bought my Liberty from a private owner in 2003. I have absolutely enjoyed my Jeep and hope it has a long life. Currently, it has 53,000 miles on it. The only major issue I had with my Jeep was that I had to have the entire steering column (rack) replaced because of a loose pin and a leaking seal. The dealership quoted me a price somewhere around $3,000, but fortunately, I had the extended warranty and the cost was covered. Moon roof motor also had to be replaced under warranty. Only complaint that I have is the service Ive received at multiple Jeep dealerships.