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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  Nice surprise - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jimmylake1 - January 22 - 4:16 am

  Great car. Wasnt interested at first since Id only seen women driving it, but Ive been very pleased and whenever there has been a little problem, Jeep takes care of its customers. Gas mileage is disappointing but thats the only thing that isnt great.

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  Do The Math...Buy it or Move On! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Curmudgeon - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Drove it for two weeks before signing the check to determine if this is what I want to live in for the next 72 months. I love it. Not happy about fuel eco, but it helps keep the mileage down! Recommend it highly. Jeep NEEDs to standardize its amenities. Never did get the package I wanted, but Im adding on and find it cheaper to do so post-sale.

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  Wow! a Jeep! - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By Dylan - January 17 - 11:33 am

  I love driving this Jeep. i drive it everyday. it drives in awesome in the snow an ice its really good off road. its really good to drive in the city its small enough to fit in a parking spot that is hard to get to. makes turns easy.

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  I love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - January 17 - 2:16 am

  I had my Jeep for over 2 years and I still love my vehicle. Its fun to drive and very powerful. I like the way it looks and the seats are very comfortable.

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  Liberty doesnt measure up - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepster - January 16 - 6:53 pm

  We had 7 flat tires. Recall on ball joints and transmission turbo charger. Have had egr airflow control valve and gasket replaced. Now it is leaking power steering fluid. Flat tires occurred with bad tire sensor valves and inferior equipped tires. The automated tire sensor system needs some work. If you buy this vehicle, purchase the extended warranty. You will need it. Also brakes make grinding, moaning noise. Friends who own Liberties have this problem also. Safety commission is investigating fires in dashboard.

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  1st Month - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By woody27 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving Jeeps for the last 8 years and have never had a bad exoerience with any of them. This is my first small size Jeep and so far all is well. The liberty really handles differnet from the Grands Ive driving in that the wheel gives you strong response to any movement. This is something I had to adjust to.

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  Terribly Disappointing...Major Problems! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By atay71 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  At 3,900 miles the transmission failed due to rusted-out connctions, transmission fluid leaked, and acceleration was horrible. Next... at 8,000 miles, the transmission failed again...same problem, same symptoms, same solution...spent four days at the shop. Next - 13,000 miles and the same problem, plus it wouldnt accelerate over 60 MPH without high engine revs and a burning smell. The car also lurched forward violently whenever shifted into drive. It also buzzed and moved forward slowly when put into neutral! When shifted, the transmission sounded like stones in a blender. My Liberty looks great, but is plagued with problems.

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  My 2006 Libby - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By suehalen - January 9 - 9:26 pm

  This is my second Liberty. I cried when I traded in my 2002 Liberty. Im in heaven. I absolutely adore it. Its easy to drive and I love how I feel when Im driving it.

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  08 Libertys are Awesome! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Aaron -n- Rach - January 7 - 4:30 am

  My wife and I just purchased an 08 Liberty, and we love it. It has a nice, smooth, quiet ride. The engine has plenty of power, and unless you are standing outside the vehicle, is quiet also. The reversible/ washable cargo tray comes in very handy. The stereo system sounds great, especially if you get the premium sound group option. The transmission shifts very smoothly. The mpg and price is better than previous Liberty models but could stand to be improved a little further. The interior design and placement of controls are well thought out. It could stand to have a grab bar for assistance getting in and out. But overall it is an excellent mid-suv for young couples and small families.

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  To Be Driven - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sboyle - January 3 - 2:23 am

  Excellent performance in and out of traffic, Wet road handling 4-wheel part time is outstanding!