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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  Its a Jeep Thing - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Ronni - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I test drove the Liberty, I knew it was the vehicle for me. I have always owned a Caravan and was ready for something smaller. Let my KIDS drive the vans now. I immediately bought a bike carrier for my Jeep that carries 4 bikes and take my older granddaughters biking with me often.

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  4th Jeep - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Chuck &Terri - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The Liberty handles well in city traffic, and is competent in the sand dunes and mud holes. The 04 Liberty does preform better than our Cherokees. We cant wait to try it in the snow and ice. The 2nd day we had the Liberty I tried to stick it in the mud, all I got stuck with was dirty jeep.

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  Not Good - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By jillcurry5 - September 4 - 7:55 am

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for 5 years, I have had to have my air conditioner fixed 3 times. The windows have dropped 5 times, there was a recall on some jeeps in 2006, bad luck for mine did not make that cut, I now have 2 windows broken and dont have 700.00 to fix them.Too bad says Jeep, The back seat is covered in stains,because of a the type of material used . I will never buy another car from Jeep, and very sorry I bought the one Im stuck with.

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  Loves to Drink Gas - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Valerie - August 30 - 4:50 am

  I just purchased my Liberty 6 months ago, and even though I love driving it, Im thinking of trading it in. With the soaring gas prices, and the way this SUV loves to drink it, it is costing me a lot of money in gas. It is very cute and I love the way it handles. There is plenty of room for the kids in the back, and I like the way that the back door opens. As I read in other reviews, the glove box is small...there is however, a slot over it that holds the owners manual. I dont like where the window controls are located and they would be better on the doors. To sum it up, however, it is a cute, fun to drive vehicle that has a lot of pep. I would recommend it if you can afford the gas.

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  Best vehciel Ive ever owned - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Dewey - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Flawless,Fun,reliable,tight,ease of entry and egress due to high entry height.Great for older people with disabilities.Torquey and responsive.Rear access door is great for groceries. Above features appeal to both sexes equally. $ wheel drive capabilities appeal to males for versitialty.Best overhaul vehicle Ive ever had!

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  2004 Liberty Columbia Edition V6 4WD - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By RCC - August 24 - 11:33 pm

  Got it new. After almost 6 years and 80000 miles I still love this thing. Its a "trucklet", not a flimsy crossover and its the best Jeep Ive had out of 2 CJs and a Grand Cherokee. Ive replaced the crank position sensor, the crappy Goodyear tires, air filter, brakes and heater fan switch. I change the oil at 5000 miles and have never touched the front end. I wash it by hand regularly and wax it twice a year. It still looks, works and feels like new. It has part time 4WD, 3.73 axle with Trac Loc and since I put mud/snow tires on it, I hardly ever need 4WD, although my highway MPG dropped from 22 to 20. Its a cute, nimble, tough, fun little beast and I intend to drive into the ground.

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  Too many miles too soon - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Hairyt - August 19 - 12:36 am

  Driven 52K since purchase and havent had any problems. Still no tune up, same tires, and no real squeaks or noises. Surprisingly sturdy vehicle, will likely get another.

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  Could Have Been a Good Vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Bud Trevor - August 15 - 6:46 am

  I own the Renegade model with the six speed manual transmission. I purchased this model to tow behind my motorhome. At 35,000 miles I started having problems with the ABS, ESP and related display light. I would be driving down the freeway and these lights would display and force the brake system to respond as if I were on a slippery road condition. I was not in that situation. I live in Arizona where most days are dry and hot. Naturally I took in to the dealership where it was purchased and explained what had happened. The first occurrence was in 2007. Its now 2009. During these two years the dealership has made fourteen attempts to correct this problem. The lights still come on.

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  Beat the Best of the Rockies - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By RoughNeck - August 15 - 3:53 am

  I am a oil and gas rig man that travels from Denver to Farmington New Mexico every 2 weeks. I get paid to drive my 2006 Jeep Liberty to and from work. I go over 4 mountain passes both ways and usually at night. Wolf Creek Pass is 13, 000 plus miles of of constant snow , rain and ice. My Liberty has yet to skid, and corners better than my old Ford Ranger around the mountain roads. I drive a constant 55 MPH the entire way and only use one entire tank of gas and that is at a price of $2.80 per gallon. This is a foo foo SUV but as a heavy duty truck driver I find it an excellent choice for saftey and reliability.

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  Fix the windows - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Terie - August 14 - 9:20 pm

  Its fun to drive, it hauls lots of stuff in the back, the seats arent comfy at all and hard for a short person to adjust. The gas mileage should be better for the size, but I love the 6 cyl power. Why did my windows break at only 1 yr/6000mi and the dealer tells me "they always do that in Libertys" and Jeep has chosen to NOT address the issues? I will not buy another Jeep. The dealership told me we will continue to have to replace the widow assembly, because they always break. Now my dash is buckling. The dealer says its because we live in the desert. Then why isnt it happening to our 2 other cars that are older?