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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  Outstanding! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By curtpenn - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Liberty for almost 1 year and 14,000 miles now. Only been in the shop once soon after we got it to adjust a few things (rear windshield latch needed to be tightened). I got about 13-14 mpg until around 7,000 miles (in town driving). Now always get 17+ around town. Love the design, rock-solid feel, and nimble handling. I have 2 kids near driving age and will strongly consider getting a used one for them in a couple of years. Couldnt be more satisfied.

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  Love my Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Javier Andrade - June 24 - 8:13 am

  I love driving my vehicle. Like the way it handles the road and the way it also handles off road. I think it is very comfortable and powerful. I like how it looks too. Its been two years and I dont regret buying my unit.

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  Love my Jeep - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Deb - June 16 - 9:33 am

  I bought my Jeep in Jan 07, and wanted to drive it for awhile before reviewing it. So far I am very happy with it. I live in the snow belt and drive a lot for work, it handled the snow with no problems. I always felt like it was holding the road and it went through anything I asked it to.I have no idea why the window controls are in the middle, and wish the cup holders & shifter were reversed but not a big deal. I looked @ Toyota, Honda, & Chevy but think I made the best choice for the money. My husband bought a Ranger but now wants my Jeep, we race for the keys. Over all I cant find anything I really dont like, & my next one will be the new model with the huge sunroof. Great little SUV.

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  Love my Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By bgrn - June 5 - 8:26 am

  I traded a 2002 Ford Explorer full size with 102,000 miles, wanted a smaller vehicle with the features of the big suv. I was not disappointed. This Jeep is great! Although smaller it still has plenty of room. It does slip on snow covered roads sometimes when not in 4wd but just a flip of the switch and there is no stopping it. Very smooth ride. I test drove the old ones 3 years ago these are far better. It sits high off the ground and I cant wait to take it down the sand at the beach, got the skid plates intalled for this. I drive in this all day for a living and I love it. Mileage isnt awful, my Explorer was 13mpg/this does better than that approx 17-18.

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  What a Jeep in Diesel ! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By ronhale01 - May 29 - 11:46 pm

  This is the best thing to happen to any small suv. After driving this 4 cylinder diesel for two years I still am surprised at the power it delivers. What a shame Jeep does not offer the diesel in the 08 line-up for Liberty.

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  The perfect car for me - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Wilson - May 28 - 10:53 am

  This vehicle is nice to look at and so much fun to drive. It is diffinitely not a bumpy riding car. There is plenty of room for storage.

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  So far sooo good! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By desertjeeper - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my first American brand car since 1985. I am very happy with this car to date and not one regret. Traded in a RAV4L, what a difference! Way more fun to drive. Surprised at value for money in comparison.

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  The Liberty Twins - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RNman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  In February 2004 I needed a new commuter vehicle. I purchased a certified used Liberty Renegade in black with all the trimmings. It was on the lot and I stumbled on it. It was the only Liberty on the lot. after a test drive I (and my wife) was convinced that it would be the ideal vehicle to commute as well as be a workhorse on the weekends if I needed it. the problem came when I brought it home and My wife wanted to drive it more than her car (a new 2003 Concorde) I finally gave in, trading in the Concorde for her own 2004 Liberty. we now have two Jeeps and we are very happy with them both.

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  My First Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By JeaninesJeep - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car purchase and my first Jeep. I Love this Jeep. I am a forensic toxicologist and my jobe is 365 days a year. There is no such thing as a snow day for me. My Jeep gets me there and back no problems at all. I will join the rest of the Jeep family and never go back to another type of SUV again. Its very Kid friendly as well. I have 3 of them.The heat in this thing works so good you can cook a meal in it !

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  Very nice JEEP! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Joey - May 22 - 6:40 pm

  This is my first Jeep & I love it! Got the Limited, V6 with the leather, sunroof, heated seats & mirrors, 6 CD changer with Infinity speakers. The power is adequate for its class and has a lot of "get up and go!" I wish it was better at the pump ... only about 15-6 MPG. Im 61"/240# and I have plenty of leg room in the front; the back is a bit tight for me. Its fun to drive and handles very well. Recently took it on a long road trip, and its very comfortable and a smooth ride (It does get some wind noise). I was going to purchase foreign, but with the rebates and all that I got with this, I went with American.