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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  Never again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jules24 - June 5 - 9:56 am

  My Liberty is a very handsome vehicle, but they can be handsome all day long and it wont help you much if they are in the shop with something wrong, like tail lights that fill up with water, differential seal leaks, ball joint problems, A/C problems, windows that fail to go up and down all at the tender age of 4. And gas mileage that really stinks. Come on Jeep, you can do better than this.

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  (O!!!!!O) - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By (O!!!!!O) - June 4 - 9:26 pm

  Well I never owned a Jeep but considered because of the outdoor activities I do. The Jeep Liberty 2010 is the perfect ride for me! I am in Management and do some company traveling and the Jeep Liberty has the classy appearance for my rep! Although after work, I hunt, or fish off the beach and haul moto-cross and 4- wheelers so the ruggedness and off- road capabilities are there!!! Classy on the outside, all Jeep underneath!! The back road travels use to feel like I was busting my old car apart!!! Not any more!!

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  everyone wants it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By rj7138 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  no promblems ,lots of fun and looks

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  New owner review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dambio - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my Jeep Liberty. Ive only had it for about 1 month, but I just cant find enough time to drive it. It is the perfect size vehicle and is absolutely exciting to drive. I love the way it handles and especially love the power of the 3.7L V6 engine. My wife and I are both tall (shes 510" and Im 62") and the head room in the front of the car is perfect. There are still several inches left even when I sit straight up (which is rare in any type of vehicle). Most people complain about the handling and ride, but I say an SUV is a truck, not a passenger car or a minivan, and I expect one to behave accordingly.

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  Repeat Liberty buyer - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Gerry - May 26 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my 2005 Liberty in Dec.2004 to replace my 2002 Liberty. I did not expect to do this since I had bought the 2002 as a compromise vehicle because my Audi could not navigate a rough trail to a cabin in New Hampshire due to low ground clearance. To my surprise, I got to like the Liberty (although not its thirsty habits) and once the brakes and tires were upgraded in the 2005, I could not resist renewing the experience. The lights are much better in the 2005 also. Some say the cargo volume is small. However, I got a full dresser, nightstand, mirror and various other bedroom items inside the Jeep with all doors and windows closed and put the two headboards on the roof. No problem!

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  Great car if it were reliable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By diesel guy - May 26 - 4:10 pm

  We have owned several diesel cars and had hoped this car would perform as the others. It has a lot of nice features. My wife loves the heated seats and the 6 cd changer in the dash but the cup holders are awkward. Our trouble is with the engine reliability: Turbo boost hose, EGR valve and the numerous recalls. The transmission is now making noise and popping out the dip stick. The sevice engine light is always on. Im thinking of trading it for a VW

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  bad cyclinder heads - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By al - May 26 - 10:40 am

  At 14000 miles 3.7L needed new cyclinder heads due to use of regular gas. From 2006 forward Jeep decided you need to use higher grade (more expensive) gas! How could all the geniuses at the Billion Dollar design center not know they designed an engine that needed Hi-Test Gas?

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  FYI all 2007 jeep owners... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By fafe013 - May 26 - 10:14 am

  We all know the problems with the windows are terrible. Luckily I recently received a letter in the mail saying the windows will be warrantied for 7 years from the break date! YAY, I got all my money back from the 7 times my 07 jeep liberty has broken. I hate this car so much. It is a nightmare. Water stains the seats, they hold absolutely no value what so ever. NEVER BUY A JEEP! The gas will also break your wallet, I am lucky if I get 5 miles to the gallon. No joke, I work 7 miles from my house and it costs me 10$ a day there and back! AHHH

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  Red, Racy but Rough on the MPG - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By D Cowan - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Reasonable cost to buy and maintain, but mpg is only 12.5 avg. spirited driving in town traffic. With care, can get 23 hwy. Visibility is great.

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  5th window - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By lilmeggiant - May 24 - 7:23 am

  Im probably gonna trade in that piece of junk since it was the 5th or 6th time my windows have fallen down. its so frustrating have to pay 100.00 with my warranty in order to fix something that isnt my fault in the first place. the first 3 times where covered under warranty completely. ugh this car cost a fortune its so not worth it. the cars blue book is going down so quickly. I wont buy jeep again unless its a build prior to the last couple of take overs. wow i might even see what Toyota has as long as the brakes work of course.