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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  First Jeep Ever Bought - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Nick - May 31 - 11:13 pm

  So far so good. Very surprised on the recall issued, but service was tops!

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  I love my Liberty-just not the color - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By amy foxx - May 28 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is white and I wished I could have a red one. Other than that I do not have much to complain about, except the mileage is horrifying. It gets terrible gas mileage.

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  2004 liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By waldheimgt350 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Mileage improves as I keep it at 65 mph or below on the expressways

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  Gas Milege, fogging of window - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Amy Fitzgerald - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Love my jeep, but it does eat the gas and since the gas prices have gone up, I have to fill up every couple of days. I have also notice that while on rainy days the backseat windows fog up very heavily, even with defrost on.

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  My liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jwcsrcpa - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Went from a grand to liberty and am very happy with the result. Great manuverability.

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  Transmission Failure at 90,000 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By bisjoe - May 24 - 9:15 am

  For the first 9+ years the Liberty did very well as far as liability, other than the several recalls. Even the original battery lasted 9 years. Then at about 90,000 it started to have problems. We had to rebuild the transmission at a cost of $3,400. Theres a leak requiring new seals on the rear differential, and the HVAC fan resistor is shot so we only get speeds 3 and 4. After spending so much on the transmission we will go ahead and fix the rest, and try to get another 50,000 out of it but Im not very optimistic. It is fun to drive, the body and interior are like new and it handles well in snow.

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By richgiles - May 20 - 12:13 am

  The Liberty is by far the best vehicle that I have ever owned. It has a great new look that that turns a lot of heads at intersections. The interior is simple, but nice. There is a lot of plastic but it is not nearly as bad as the cheap plastic of the patriot and compass. The suspension is very firm but does not throw you around. It makes the whole driving experience fun that you can only find in a jeep. The turning radius is amazing. Gas mileage is okay, Im averaging about 18.6 right now, and hope for it to get better after the engine is broken in.

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  SUV that ACTUALLY performs off road - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Patric Payette - May 19 - 7:13 pm

  One of the best SUVs Ive ever driven. It handles on road well and off road even better. With no after market parts Ive taken my Liberty far into the bushes and it handles mud pits with ease. When on pavement it drives nice, has good power and does everything an SUV should do on the road. Other SUV makers should take note. This is a true offroad vehicle unlike most SUVs in its class. If your a soccer mom Im sure it would fill your needs as well. Nothing is more fun than driving downtown with my Jeep Liberty covered from top to bottom in mud after mudding and seeing all the looks you get from "city drivers". I have absolutely pounded on this Jeep and havent had any breakdowns.

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  great car - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By RICK - May 18 - 5:56 pm

  Runs good and gets good mileage.

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  SUV that gets 28mpg - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Janet - May 10 - 9:10 am

  This is a great SUV, the CRD gets an average of 24 in town and out and has gotten 28 on a trip.