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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  Needs Refinement - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By afguy - June 14 - 6:23 pm

  Overall a good vehicle. The engine has a lot of pinging and knocking which cannot be done away with. Steering is very touchy and gas is horrible (15-16 mpg average). It is hard to get non-Mopar accessories to fit the rear hitch due to the spare tire sticking out so far. I also wish I had the color matched flares and bumpers because they are starting to fade. Seats are a little uncomfortable too. I find my lower back gets tight after more than 45 minutes of driving.

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  Buffys - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Buffyb - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY JEEP!

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  Best SUV out there by far - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jack Tawil - June 9 - 2:00 am

  preforms like no other king of the road

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  CANT GO WRONG WITH THE JEEP LIBERTY - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Debbiedearest - June 8 - 9:26 pm

  The Liberty so far is the most reliable car I have had in my 40 years of driving. Great in bad weather plus you can view the road much better than a sedan which makes me feel safer and keeps me more alert. The color (I have RED) and style are very appealing. It is just a FABULOUS automobile.

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  I hold a record! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By libertysux - June 7 - 12:41 pm

  I bought my Liberty in 2007, and I currently hold the record at the dealership....14 times to fix the windows. The warranty covered the first 6 times or so, but when it expired I have to pay a "$100.00 for mfg ins.", then a year later I was told the Mfg will fix the windows until 2014. YAY? Six weeks ago I have all 4 windows replaced with "updated" parts meaning metal, well last week I took it in (time # 14) to have the back driver side fixed. My question is does someone have to get hurt before this problem is addressed, does a window have to fall out on the freeway and do damage to another, what, what will it take? Maybe a class action suite? theres a thought. HELP US!!

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  Not enough storage, seat not comfortable - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jackie - June 7 - 4:20 am

  My husband just brought this home for me last week. Because of the jump in gas prices over hurricane Katrina, he traded in my Suburban. This is a very fun, solid SUV. However, if you are looking for storage areas to put your stuff, forget it. The glove box isnt even big enough to hold my few maps, no sunglass holder and the seats are not very comfortable, so I am not sure how it will be on long drives. I think this car would be great for a 20ish year old for getting around town or a quick ski weekend, certainly not big enough for a family, and not comfortable enough for me, but until gas prices goes down, it will do, then it will be handed down to my two boys to fight over.

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  Yuck - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By nomorejeeps - June 6 - 1:06 am

  On the positive side Ive gotten to know the mechanics at the local dealership much better since this ill- begotten purchase. I have an old Ford Ranger with 155,000 miles which still gives me far fewer problems then this money pit Jeep Liberty. Bearings, transfer case, air conditioner, bearings again, and a new vibration just caused me to drop this junk off again. Thank goodness I purchased an extended warrenty for the first time in my life. Averages only about 15 MPG and for a V6 should do much better.

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  Robs Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By the911guy - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 2000 Ford Mustang for my Liberty and havent looked back. It has been an absolute joy to have. The only negative Ive noticed is that gas mileage could be better. Interior room is adequate and Im over six foot. Room for the kids and their stuff too. Peppy six banger and smooth transmission and transfer case make even off road use easy and fun.

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  I *heart* my Jeeperilla!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By lil whisky girl - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I love my Liberty! It was a great price and NEVER gives me any problems. I just take it in for its regular oil changes and tire rotation and she runs like an angel!

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  After a Year - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Todd Evans - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Good midsize SUV. Perfect for our family of two adults and one 4yr old . Sticks out in Traffic- people seems to have an eye on us.