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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  Good vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cindynpete - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy with my purchase!

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  2005 LIBERTY - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete K. - August 4 - 4:36 pm

  The 2005 Liberty is very reliable, I have close to 12,500 miles on it, and drive approximately 550 miles a week. It has been very responsive in tight situations, braking is controlled and solid, handling is excellent and it turns nicely (great when towing, very maneuverable). Good visibility, gas mileage is poor when driving in town, but I have averaged close to 22 mpg on the highway with proper tire pressure & regular oil/air filter changes. Seats are a little firm but the extra support helps when your off road, interior panels scratch easily, cargo area needs a mat. Engine power is perfect great for passing & going uphill. Transmission could be smoother, 4x4 is right on the money. A great vehicle!

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  Overall - its the bomb - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By SuzyQ65 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This is only the second American car Ive had, and I went from a 2000 BMW 323 to the Liberty. I was afraid of the change, but the Liberty is great. The only other SUV Ive had is a Pathfinder, and it doesnt even compare to the Liberty. So far Ive only had one small issue (a noisy fan) thats getting looked at next week. Overall, Im definitely a happy camper.

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  engine feels like it is vapor locking - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By charles Hilliard - July 18 - 7:36 pm

  This vehicle must be a lemon; I really try to like it. Had egr valve replaced at 9000 miles as engine light had came on to stay; dealer had to order the part which took about a week to get. Engine still misses and just throws a fit every once in a while; took it to dealer to get it fixed and they said it was ok. Little do they know. ha ha ha

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  Great vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By D. Kissell - July 13 - 9:40 pm

  Really nice Jeep, pretty comfortable to drive/ride in, has a lot of good features for the price. Seems a little smaller on the inside than it looks from the outside, but theres adequate storage space. Pretty good value and a great warranty program and has a 5-star crash rating.

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  Good entry SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By juggalonic - July 4 - 3:00 pm

  Overall I love my Liberty. For the money you can not find a better small SUV. The only negatives I have found: small-ish gas tank (roughly 300 miles to a tank); plastic trim pieces scratch easily (but are not too noticeable); sitting position takes getting used to in front seats (wide transmission tunnel, I heard that this actually better after the redesign). The exterior looks are aggressive and the 3.7 L engine has plenty of PEP. It did fine hauling 2 motos on a trailer also. The basic options are better than the competitors and the safety features are tops too. No small SUV holds value like a Jeep (and I am a Ford man!)

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  2006 Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Miti - July 3 - 11:53 pm

  Its a nice driver. Power, though not great, is more than adequate. In town, its difficult to keep the speed down less than 40. Power windows on console took a while to get used to, but it works well. Good vision all around, and I like the solidity of the side view mirrors. I also like the versatility of the vehicle. The 60-40 rear seat is a good idea. So is the pop up rear window. Saves damage. All in all, its a good car, although Id like it if it were a bit more fuel efficient.

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  Straight Review - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepman18 - June 29 - 8:09 am

  Jeep liberty 2003 V6 3.7L 4x4 This is an AMAZING vehicle! Ive read so many bad reviews on this and I have never had any problems with ine AT ALL! I have driven a wide variety of vehicles From Hyndaui accent to a Dodge Ram and this has to be my favortie! All these people ho say they have to replace their brakes every 4000 miles are full of crap! How many times do they slam on their brakes bc they werent paying attention to the car infront of them? Alot Im willing to bet on that.

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  escape eat your heart out - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By mike in phoenix - June 28 - 10:00 am

  owned a few suvs this is by far the best rides like a tank off road like a merceds on the hi way i highly reccomend the limited

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  A stick in the spokes, but better now - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Paul - June 27 - 8:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Liberty 65th Anniversary Edition last month. I was deciding between the Dodge Nitro and the Liberty and am glad I chose the Jeep. I should mention that I had a major problem after the first week of ownership. The engine light came on and it turned out, I needed major engine work. Sounds dire considering I just bought the vehicle but everything was covered and the dealership fixed the misfire problems that were internal. Moving on I must say I love driving this vehicle. Its a delight to hop in and just shoot around town or taking it off-road which is the real reason I purchased the vehicle after owning a Mazda Millenia for the last 4 years.