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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  wow, i love the power and design - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MuscleLegs - August 13 - 3:56 am

  I test drove a Liberty Limited about 6 months ago and fell in love with it; so, when the time came to purchase I knew exactly what I wanted. Am impressed with the turning radius, the cargo space (roomier on the inside than it looks like from the outside), and the look of it -- is truly Jeep with sophistication. Love that on the weekends can take it camping and off road, then wash it up and out to dinner and downtown Chicago other times. Really impressed all the way around ... one minor flaw, the obvious; gas mileage is a little steep for a "compact" SUV. Jeep should be overall pleased with the product they have produced, I sure am!

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  Love this Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By DrBill - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Great fun to drive, solid feel, easy shifting into 4WD.

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  No more Jeeps for me! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bard123 - August 11 - 9:20 pm

  I will NOT purchase another Jeep Liberty - NO WAY. Cruise control is terrible (+/- 5 mph!), seats are extremely uncomfortable, engine is under powered, and gas mileage is 16 - 19 mpg.

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  05 Jeep Lib Sport 2WD - Too many problems - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By hate - August 11 - 7:57 am

  I purchased my 05 Jeep Liberty Sport new and for the first 2 years it ran great. After that, its been all down hill. Since, Ive spent $1,300 for a new A/C compressor, $300 for new brakes that still squeal, $2,800 for a rebuilt transmission, the CD player wont eject my CD and havent gotten that fixed, a fuse that keeps blowing out my brake lights, a passenger side automatic window that cost $400 to fix, and now I have the rear latch that wont open that I need opened to get to the brake lights that have, once again, blown out. Im told this will cost $500 to repair. I am FED UP with my 05 Jeep Liberty!!!!

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  my baby - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By delidel66 - August 6 - 4:36 pm

  This the best small suv I have driven. It looks small but is very roomy. Drivers side floor area is too small for someone big like me but I still can enjoy long rides and short fast breaks. I am at 62,900 miles and never a problem except mirrors. Power mirror has a short occasionally. It sometimes wont work, but only for a few minutes. I dont know why, I just accept it. I highly recommend this Jeep.

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  Air Bags - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By LeeF - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I loved my Jeep until I ended up in a frontal collision. The airbags did not deploy at 50-55 mph. I refused to buy another even though to this day I miss my old one! According to AllData - there was a recall in December 2002 re: Sensors that could be sheared off in a frontal/side impact. DaimlerChrysler lied to me in their "investigation" that the vehicle acted as it was supposed to.

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  ok car - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By noah - July 29 - 4:40 am

  had this car since it first came out in 2007 bought it new. had to replace all 4 of the power window units several times,the ac unit has gone bad twice due to an electrical failure in the switch the first time,the second time the condensor coils were shot,great for road trips just be prepared to make alot of stops for gas.sucks down the battery life really fast,we have to replace it once every year.had a factory recall just 2 years ago due to if it got rear ended it could explode,so they put a hitch on the back thats somehow supposed to help or prevent that .it took them 10 years before they realized this problem and sent out a recall.overall its a great jeep and i highly recomend it.

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  Freedom Edition is the best. - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeramie Murray - July 27 - 12:03 pm

  I love this Jeep, I have always been a Wrangler guy, but they are not the most practical for everyday use. This Liberty fits the bill, seats four comfortably and has some storage; also it is a JEEP. Will go almost anywhere which is the point of 4 wheel drive and the gas mileage is far better than the Wrangler I had previously. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Improvements Needed - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By John Palma - July 26 - 11:53 pm

  I find that the Jeep Liberty is a solid reliable vehicle. Fit & finish is of high quality. Excellent driving manners,with plenty of power. The 3.7 engine performs beautifully. However the drawback to the Liberty is that the driver seat doesnt have enough cushion. The interior lighting is very poor. Engine can be loud when you accelerate. Its a Jeep, and I mean it does have a rough side to it. I have to say in the snow there is no other vehicle I would rather be in. Its a blast to drive when snow starts to fly. Would I purchase another Jeep? I would consider it. I would look at the fuel consumption to determine if it would be worth my while. Aside from that I would say yes, Im am pleased with it.

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  Third-World Car - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Tennessee - July 25 - 10:00 am

  My husband has one of these lemons. Hes just dealt with his 5th window regulator issue. Stained seats are a total embarrassment. Congratulations to Daimler Chrysler for selling a piece of junk that looks and performs like something youd find in the third world. I intend to get results from customer service, or the CEO and board of directors WILL be receiving some very nasty, frequent communications until this is made right for us.