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:

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Matt - October 23 - 9:33 pm

  I have owned a 2001 Liberty and leased a 2005 Grand Cherokee prior to this. The 08 Liberty is my favorite! Im getting about 19mpg, which isnt bad for a trail rated Jeep!!

• 

  Be Prepared For Repairs - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Broke in Indiana - October 22 - 8:30 pm

  If you buy a Liberty, be prepared to spend a lot on repairs. I have had to replace all brakes 4 times because of faulty calipers-approx $850 each time. The front right wheel fell off - lower ball joint recall issue-repaired twice). Front end 4x4 went out - $1,600.00. Catalytic converter failed- $2,200.00. Many other issues costing $200 to $400 each time. Other undesirable items: Very poor gas mileage. I avg 14.5 miles per gall mixed city/hwy driving. Good Things-Looks good. Like the power, but beware-on rainy/snowy days you can easily spin out

• 

  jeep liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jim - October 18 - 3:10 pm

  most uncomfortable suv on the market today, no power, seats are like seating on rocks, back seat awful, pwr window switches hard to locate at nite, can not dim instrument lites overall rating poor

• 

  Recall and Crush - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Corey - October 13 - 1:43 am

  Traded in 96 xj Cherokee with 298k on it for this Lemon,, What was jeep thinking.. Liberty Averages 13mpg, it cant tow, It is usless off road, It is slow, the interior rattles, Needed balljoints at 43k cv joints at 65k, rear spring broke at around 70, Traded it in on a 2001 xj with low miles.... Good riddance Jeep Junk

• 

  nothing - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By april thigpen - October 10 - 6:30 am

  The fuel economy is poor in this Jeep; 17 miles to the gallon in the city.

• 

  Fun SUV - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Becky R - October 7 - 6:00 am

  I have only had this =SUV for 2 days but I am already in love. I have never had an SUV but I was never very impressed. To be honest, I purchased this vehicle strictly on the great styling inside and out. Ours is a 4x4 Limited and I love the ride, the handling and the looks. This is the most fun vehicle I have ever had.

• 

  not happy - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By not happy - October 4 - 5:03 pm

  My ac has also gone in my jeep. I have replaced the speed sensor 2 times. I got into an accident last march and I barely slid and then tried to steer into the correct line and lost control and man can i tell you the jeep can roll. It is not a good vehicle to have!

• 

  After 105,000 miles still no problems - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By mikej - October 3 - 10:56 pm

  Other than the recall, this has been trouble free i have put 90,000 on it myself. bought it with about 15,000 miles. the reliability on this model is great.

• 

  CRD buyers take heed! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeff Kufalk - October 2 - 1:26 pm

  I have experienced a 50mph shudder which we believe is a flaw in the design of the torque converter, since day 1. DC has finally admitted to me that they know about the problem but can do NOTHING for it. So there, Im STUCK with a vehicle that has problems that I cant fix and will have trouble selling. The worst part is that I LOVE this thing! I just want it to run right. Strongly considering a trade to the new 4-door 2007 Wrangler with the 6 speed manual.

• 

  Beyond all my expectations. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By pttrillium - October 2 - 11:10 am

  We have wanted an SUV for a while but either could not justify the horrible mileage of a true off-roader or the pointlessness of a "cute-ute". Other vehicles we considered were a close-out Land Rover Discovery or a 2005 Freelander. Also looked at and disliked the Ford Escape and the Mazda/Mercury clones. I actually go off road and this Jeep is a joy to drive. The 5,000 trailer towing capacity is way more than we actually use but since we have been hauling rocks and firewood, we have made very good use of it so far. The fact that it is a diesel makes it all the more unique and fun to own.