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:

• 

  Boredom - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By furry s - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have been very happy since buying my jeep liberty freedom edition. I wish that the cross bars on the roof rack came with the vehicle standard instead of an accessory. With the manual transmission, a drink in the front cup holder hits your hand on the 1st to 2nd gear shift. I dont like the auto door lock feature. These are the only things I could think of that could use attention, and it took a while to come up with them. I would definitely buy the liberty again.

• 

  The worst vehicle I have ever seen, bar none. - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By sal42 - May 6 - 7:30 pm

  We bought it new in 2008 and it was the worse mistake my family ever made on cars, EVER. On the test drive the dashboard was literally coming out and you could see the wires and tubing under the dash. I pleaded with my father to not buy it, yet he was swayed by the exterior styling. During 3 years of horror (aka vehicle ownership), 3 of the window motors broke leaving the windows stuck in place, the plastics/materials are horrendous and the dashboard popped out twice. Besides that the seats were the most uncomfortable I have ever sat in, like sitting on concrete!!!!! The car is crampt, and the MPG figures are A LIE!!! The car barely got 10 MPG in the city, and maybe 16 or so freeway.

• 

  Good Engineering and Finish - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By gerryme - April 26 - 2:00 am

  It has been a really fun experience driving an SUV and I think that this is one of the best.

• 

  bring in the sky! - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By OX - April 25 - 9:26 pm

  Traded 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee w 150k on 09 Liberty Limited with Nav, skyslider, leather, chromes- loaded (prem pack II, Nav, roof). The Liberty is a much, much, much nicer truck- it is very close to the same size, similar power to the old 5.3l V8, with better mileage. The feature content is amazing. The Nav is easy to use and was easy to pair with cell phone. It is well stuck to the road in snow- recent travel in heavy snow has reinforced the decision as a safe and stable vehicle. They say the 09 has improved ride over 08, better seal on SkySlider roof, and the tan leather (single color) looks nice- 09 also has more leather trim inside

• 

  Love everything about this car, except the mileage! - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By derrtydave - April 24 - 3:54 am

  Ive been a Jeep owner for many years. After my 3rd Cherokee started showing signs of old age, I traded it in for a pre-owned 2006 Liberty Limited. When the Libertys first came out, I didnt like the design, but it has grown on me. (I still compare the Liberty to the Cherokee, as youll see). Everything seems intended specifically for convenience and space efficiency, well done Jeep! I also test-drove the new 2008 body style which I didnt feel was built as solidly as the original Liberty body style-- somehow felt cheaper and flimsy, like a bad rental car.

• 

  A Good Value in an SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By prospyder - April 21 - 9:30 pm

  Bought to replace an Expedition. Its a more "gas friendly" replacement. Didnt enjoy the hassle of negotiation, but its a good vehicle for the money. Good towing capacity and performance. Only problem so far is installing towing package parts: the wiring is a major hassle, but there were no Libbys with towing package available in stock at local dealers when we bought ours.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By D Ackerman - April 21 - 8:30 am

  We love out Jeep Liberty. This SUV is so practical and fun to drive. It meets all our needs, fits great in the garage, has not had any problems and looks great. We are very happy with it. Would get another one.

• 

  Yet another Jeep..Yet another good one.. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Drivecrazy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Drives well, it is fun, has a distinctive style and most importantly it is comfortable on longer trips too. This jeep is well made and nicely shaped. Looks sturdy and massive, yet has nimble manners. Fuel economy? Well, consider the 210 horses and the tall shape and it is still matches the fuel consumption of my V8 206 HP T-Bird. The interior room is incredible. I am 64" and have plenty of room all around. Comfort is good even in the back. Go and test drive all the SUVs in this class and leave the Liberty for the last, because you will and up with it... Did I mention 5 star collision ratings? Well, let see how this baby holds up on the long run....

• 

  Jeep Liberty with a nifty diesel - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By nursecrd - April 17 - 9:53 am

  Special ordered this Jeep. I have been quite pleased with this car in spite of some quirkiness. Love the 2.8 L turbo diesel. It is a bit noisy but the torque is phenomenal. This little guy is no slouch on the road. Great fuel economy, 30 - 31 MPG (calculated) when kept under 65 MPH. Fairly good reliability. Torque converter is weak link in the drive train and I am on #3. Engine requires a bit more care than the gas version but it is an easy engine to maintain. Some aftermarket engine parts available (filters) but all else you have get at the dealer and they are not cheap. Adequate long distance road car but very good off road and in heavy snow.

• 

  boya - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Elderado - April 16 - 10:00 am

  it great, it is very fun to drive and it has a nice comfort zone I would recommend this to any one who likes to have fun