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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  02 Liberty Sport - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By 71charger - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Very solid. Much higher build quality than any of the Cherokees weve owned. No squeaks, no rattles. Absolutely bulletproof so far.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff C - February 5 - 8:56 am

  Ive had this 4 wheel drive 6 years now and plan to keep driving it until it dies. I would buy another one if they still made this body style. It has been a surprisingly reliable vehicle. I have never taken it to the shop for any repairs, just maintenance. (knock on wood) I just checked the milage and got 19 MPG in mostly city driving. I got 65,000 miles on the original tires.

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  LOVED IT - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Sean Jackson - February 5 - 2:58 am

  I had a 2004 Liberty 2wd I purchased in 2007 with 20k miles. Other than the window motors on the drivers side going out all I ever had to do was change a couple headlight bulbs, change the oil, and 2 sets of tires. Never even put a set of brakes on the thing! It handled everything I threw at it and I never once thought twice about driving it across the country. I sold it with 180k miles on it in 2014 and I absolutely miss it. I will be in the market for a 4 door Wrangler soon!

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  2006 Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Clarence Larsen - February 4 - 10:26 pm

  Soon after purchase we took a drive around the Olympic Peninsula. We did a speedometer check and noticed that the speedometer was off by 3 miles per hour. It reads 3 mph higher than actual speed. We double checked it with a GPS and the GPS agrees with our findings. During the first visit for its 3,000 mile oil change I mentioned to the sales team and the service tech that this speedometer discrepancy will affect getting an accurate mileage and asked if anything could be done to adjust it. Sales said that it was adjustable, service said it wasnt that easy. It is a beautiful fun 4 X 4 to drive and my wife and I love it, and we will learn to live with the speedometer if necessary.

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  Jeep does it again! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MCSD_Cadet3 - February 4 - 8:26 pm

  Purchased it used in February wwith just over 5k miles. Overall excellent vehicle. The side view mirrors have a killer blind spot so I always check over my shoulder (which is probably the safest option anyway). Some of the options should have been standard on the limited but when you buy a car used you dont get to be picky. For instance it would be nice to have leather seats standard. So far no problems mechanically/electrically however its only been a few months. I did just get a recall notice on the ball joints so well have to wait and see.

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  The "Just-Right-Mobile" - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Al Jr - January 30 - 9:46 pm

  All I can say is that this vehicle was a splendid surprise. I went from 95 Cirrus to a 98 Astro (Great) to this cute little Liberty. I bought it used with 4000 miles. It immediately had some serious vibration and lurching (it was fine on test drive) and took it back the first day and they gave me a nice loaner and promised to resolve it in a timely manner. They showed me what they replaced and why (all brake associated). They were professional, made sure I had my registration plates (no paper tag!), full tank, and a letter of apology for the problem with a coupon for free oil changes. OUTSTANDING. Factory defect on the bumper, repaired with new bumper and paint.

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  LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Topherious - January 27 - 7:23 am

  I really enjoy this vehicle. I had previously owned a Ford Explorer Sport, and in Comparison I might have as well owned a Small car. This jeep has more towing capacity, better off road capabilities, and is superior in luxury. Heated seats, 5 disk CD changer, The list goes on and on.

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  I hate it - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By alm - January 26 - 6:46 am

  We bought this Jeep thinking it would be reliable for our daughter as she just turned 16. So far shes terrified to drive it because the car has spun multiple times from poor traction. Ive sat it in more now and see that the seats are extremely uncomfortable, the technology/music is hard to reach and you have to lean forward to get to it. The wheel base is short and the vehicle is hard to turn and maneuver when you are an inexperienced driver, I wish that my husband and I would have gotten a better car for our daughter and we are highly considering getting her a different car.

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  Its Great - 2012 Jeep Liberty
  By truckres - January 25 - 10:18 am

  We spent over a year researching and testing vehicles before we decided on the Liberty. We wanted something that did 3 things. Could go off-road on some fairly tough trails, could tow a camping trailer, and can still be used as comfortable daily driver. The Liberty does all three very well. We have had it a month now, and find it to be very comfortable to drive, quiet on the highway, maneuverable, great in the snow, and though early perfectly reliable. The Limited has a nice leather interior and other nice to have features like power seats, bluetooth, etc. We strongly considered Xterra, FJ Cruiser, Wrangler, and 4-Runner. All were either too big, too expensive, or not daily driver friendly.

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  Its decent. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Gixbusa - January 23 - 5:00 pm

  I used to build show cars and trucks but I ended up leaving all that for a stock vehicle. I bought the liberty a few years ago, have not been to happy with it to be honest. all the a/c vents have broken and fallen out, need repair. The light in where the shift column went out and i have to bump the box for it to come on (short in wire). A/c, radiator, window regulators, overhead light, radio wire all needed to be replaced. The driver and passenger seat levers broke off in my hand trying to lean back. I have been trying to sell it for the past 7 months. I have 108k miles on it now and it makes a weird sound when i turn at low speeds.