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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  Can you say lemon? - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Valeri - December 11 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased this Jeep brand new 9/2006. In January of 2007 is was in the shop for a MAJOR motor problem that was a factory problem. I was without this jeep for a month and it has NEVER been the same. Nobody stands behind their vehicles anymore. I have an electrical problem in this vehicle and no one seems to know what it is. The fuel economy is horrible! The only good thing about it is its 4 wheel drive. This Jeep has been in the shop for so many things. You name it, its been in the shop for it.

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  Love My Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dee - December 10 - 3:10 pm

  I traded my Explorer for a Liberty and I have not been disappointed. While the Explorer scared me sometimes, the Jeep is a beauty. At 53" and 110lbs, I feel like my car matches me now more so than the Explorer did. I love the fact that I can manage my music from the steering wheel while I drive. Absolutely love the heated seats. unlike my husbands Corvette! ha, ha. Please buy one people, they are truly fun to drive.

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  SAFE JEEP - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By S - December 1 - 4:10 pm

  I was in two accidents in my Jeep Liberty and we came out with little to no damage. It kept me safe and held itself up. I will continue to buy Jeep.

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  Very Impressed - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By TonyC - November 30 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first American car purchase in over 15 years. I was impressed with the Liberty right from the test drive. This is a fun to drive SUV, with plenty of power and refinement. This is also my first Jeep, and from the looks of it, wont be my last. I would highly recommend putting the Liberty on your shopping list if you are seeking a great little SUV. Even if you are skeptical of American made cars (like I was), give the Liberty a look, it will be well worth your time.

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  Stick shift, Fun and Economical - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By movingalong - November 29 - 12:50 am

  My wife and I are in our fifties and wanted a car that we feel we are driving instead of it driving us. We chose the 6 speed and discovered that we are averaging 20 MPG. A good share of our driving is between 40 and 50 mph. It seems that with a stick you can keep the RPMs lower (w/o lugging) and still have the HP when you need it. We are now at 8000 miles and just love this car.

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  Nice Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ski - November 26 - 5:00 am

  So far I think it is a great vehicle. Drove from Iowa to California no problems. Average of 23mpg for the trip doing 78mph average. Would only buy one with leather for the power seats. Im 6ft tall and without power adjustment I would have a hard time fitting. It is a bit noisy but hey its a diesel.

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  my first jeep; boy i love it - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By cdallas - November 26 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive, interior great quality feel, very nice leather for small suv

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  MY 3rd Jeep pc of crap - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By nickels55 - November 24 - 5:10 am

  My Jeep is a pure highway vehicle, as my previous 3 were. My first 2 had $3K transmission problems at 80K miles, my 3rd, a lease, made several dealer repair visits. I bought the CRD because of the Mercedes built diesel but realize that anything Chrysler touches get messed up. I have 70K miles on the Jeep as it sits in the repair shop getting a new turbo. Stay away from Jeep, my 400,000 miles in 4 different models has shown they are recall/repair nightmares!

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  Best SUV - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By imlostnow98 - November 23 - 8:13 am

  I wanted to get a 4x4 and it came down to Jeep or Land Rover. Land Rovers are overpriced and not any better than the Liberty. This is the best 4x4 you can buy. It handles great and is great on the trail. I have had no problems with it so far. Overall a great vehicle with excellent build quality and great trail rated capability.

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  Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By linda landis - November 19 - 11:53 am

  Fun to drive, with all the features of a SUV as far as space with the fun of an off road vehicle. Great towing capacity, 5000lbs. I love it.