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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  What can I say, its a Jeep - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By brillo2 - July 14 - 9:53 am

  An everyday experience. This Jeep is the best to get in and around traffic. Handled the recent ice storm we had in Maryland. Never needed to use the 4-wheel drive. The greatest heater ever.

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  First Jeep - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By phllyntv - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Jeep Liberty its my first SUV and first jeep and it rides very smoothly and handles well. My previous car was a honda del sol and I was nervous about the size and parking with the liberty but come to find out its shorter in length then my wifes toyota camry and it rides better to me then her camry but definitely better than my del sol.

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  renegade - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepergirl - June 22 - 10:00 am

  good car overall...very fun to drive

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  Mixed Emotions - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By maddogca - June 14 - 8:24 pm

  Mechanically, I havent had one issue with the vehicle. The vehicle has never left me stranded and it has always sent me from Point A to Point B. I have never had a problem with the windows like many here mentioned and I have never had a problem with the electronics of the vehicle. My biggest issue is with the interior. Not only do the seats get uncomfortable after a while, but anything can stain the seats! And I mean ANYTHING! Pour water on them, and you have a nasty dark mark all over it. The gas mileage is also terrible on this vehicle. If I knew I was going to get such terrible gas mileage, I wouldve gotten a Grand Cherokee. Never getting a Liberty.

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  suspension problems - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rough ride - June 14 - 2:00 am

  overall the liberty has been very reliabe.the 3.7 V6 pulls really hard if you put your foot into it. the downside is the goodyear wrangler s/r tires very poor choice for 4x4 lousy traction in the wet or snowand the rear suspension. at about 8000 km. the rear started to bottom out the dealer replaced the shocks and said itwas fixed. NOT!!by 10000 km. itwas so bad you couldnt carry apassenger in the back seat. the dealer test drove it said it seemed fine to him. I finaly got the service managerto come for a ride with me. put him in the back seat. he says I may have a problem.

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  The Jeep Tradition lives on. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Don in CT. - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I have driven My Liberty for about 4 months and 5000 miles. I love it.No problems what so ever. For an SUV it has a nice ride especially on the Highway. Even on bumpy roads it is not bad. Plenty of room. It performs well. Excellent in snow and ice. Gas mileage is not great but that goes with the territory. The Jeep Tradition lives on.

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  Satified customer - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By satisfied driver - June 14 - 2:00 am

  My Liberty has been a terrific car. No problems in first 15,000 miles. I have it serviced every 4,000 miles, including tire rotation. My dealer is a five-star dealer and has been most interested in how the customer feels about service.

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  In Liberty I trust!! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bigdaddy - sd - June 8 - 10:00 am

  It looks great, it rides great. I just wished I had more time to drive it. Ive only had it 3 weeks, but its the funnest vehicle Ive ever driven.

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  Great little ride - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By D. Rose - June 6 - 10:23 am

  I LOVE MY LIBERTY! I traded in a luxury SUV (Lexus GX470) for this little baby and I couldnt be happier. While nothing rides like a Lexus, the Liberty is smooth to drive -- not to mention fun fun FUN. The sound system is terrific, there is plenty of room, its sturdy, rugged and has great personality. Makes my day just starting it up.

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  A Sleeper Hit - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By tailgate - June 5 - 6:56 pm

  This medium sized Liberty CRD SUV is a blast to drive. Its quite, gets good fuel mileage, comfortable power range, coupled with a 5 speed transmission, and a seating/steering wheel position that fits me like a glove (unlike my Jeep pickup). When on the highway, I think its best on the open road, then again when driving around town, I think this is its best suit. This tells me just how much I enjoy the Liberty CRD.