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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  2003 Liberty Sport - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By khurt1 - May 8 - 9:03 pm

  Contrary to many of these negative Liberty reviews, I would like to say we love our Jeep. Milage is ~ 12L/100KM city, 9.5L Hwy loaded. It hauls my 19ft. travel trailer very well. Great in snow and ice. Major repairs: front rack and pinion unit @ ~ 120K kms. Mileage is now at ~ 150K kms. Bought vehicle at the end of 2008. No other major repairs.

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  Jeep 2006 New - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By dslizzy - April 26 - 2:36 pm

  So, I have had this Jeep for 4 months now. Runs okay, no major defects. However, I am getting 13.3 MPG. My low fuel light or chime does not work. Loses power and does not shift correctly when putting strain on Jeep , like going uphill. Took it to dealer, and they naturally found no problem. The dealer told me as far as the low fuel light not coming on, "You have a fuel guage dont you?" I told him yes, and he said that I must have more reserve fuel than what I thought. So I went to fuel up. I put 18.5 gallons in. That chime and low fuel light should have worked. In my opinion, there are better SUVs out there. MPG on sticker is no where near the actual MPG that you get.

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  Liberty 2.0 - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Walt - April 3 - 10:43 pm

  This is our second Liberty. Our 1st was a first year 2002. I noticed that the interior did feel like a step down from last gen. The ride is smoother but it feels a little slower on the on the freeway on ramp. I got another Liberty for the 5000 pound tow limit. We do pull a coleman camper with it, and needed that option. I do like it overall and feel and it fits my towing needs better that the rest of the cute ute crowd. My wife loves the Skyslider roof. Its what sold her on the new jeep.

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  Expected a little more - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty Limited - March 21 - 12:20 am

  I have very mixed feelings with my Jeep. Aesthetically it looks nice inside and out yet once you begin to familiarize yourself with the SUV you begin to notice the abundance of plastic both inside and out. Cheap plastic that scratches easily. The MPG sticker says 20 mpg on the hwy. True if you reset the gauge doing 55 mph on a flat low wind hwy. 16-17 mpg combined city/hwy is realistic. The drive train should have been updated with the rest of the Jeep. Same drivetrain as in the previous version/yrs. Normally this would be a good thing however the additional 200-300 lbs that the vehicle gained with the remodel has made it lethargic from a stop and forcing the trans to constantly look for a gear.

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  Great Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jints72 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Jeep Liberty Limited Edition at the end of 2003. Got great financing and have been generally happy with my purchase. My Liberty is loaded w/ options at a great price. Might I suggest that any one thinking of purchasing a Limited Edition get the Chrome Grill in the front. It makes a big difference in how it looks. Trunk space is kind of limited but other than that its a nice choice for a someone in the market for a mid to small size SUV.

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  jeeps - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lilypad713 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Having two kids its a vehical that I can get all my things we need into it and its NOT a mini van!!!!

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  Loved my Jeep but she is no more... - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - February 19 - 12:26 pm

  I absolutely loved my Liberty. Fun to drive, loved the moon roof, leather heated seats (especially in the winter time.) I have, however, rolled it. It rolled about 1.5 times. I just really wanted to say I would buy a Liberty again just for the simple fact that I walked away from the accident. The accident was only 5 days ago and I have very little pain, soreness but completely bearable. Granted, I was wearing my seatbelt and I am young. Felt safe and would recommend the Liberty.

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  My jury is still out - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Jim Walker - February 17 - 4:56 am

  I upgraded from a 2002 2wd Sport Liberty to a 2006 Sport CRD. I love the diesel. The vehicle is a breeze in traffic and parking. Not bad on the highway. After all, its a small car with large guts, heavy. Good storage with the back seats down. The dash is laid out well. Best looking compact SUV on the road. My previous 3.7 Sport delivered 17, plus or minus, MPG for 4 years. I am a bit concerned, however, with the CRD. So far, 1000 miles, I am achieving 20 MPG. I love the power and smoothness of the CRD over the 3.7, but my jury is still out as to "was it worth the upcharge?". As the motor "breaks in" I will keep you posted.

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  SO GOOOOOOOOOOD! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tamara - February 13 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jeep Liberty is amazing. The drive is smooth, the jeep is reliable, and the stereo is awesome!

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  Like the vehicle, but not the service - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By kevin _123456 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  At first I was very happy with my Liberty. It had okay acceleration, roomy interior, a great sounding stereo, and a nice over all look. Then I took my car to have the oil change. Chrysler service departments are the worst I have ever experienced. They nickle and dimed me every chance they got, tried to rip me off, offered to do work that wasnt needed, were very unprompt, and rude. It took one hour just to have them start on my car, and I had an appointment. This was at a 5 star service department.