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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  Love my Liberty!! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Adrienne - April 14 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my Liberty brand new in 2002. It has been on two cross-country trips, one of them being a Jeep Jamboree off-roading event. I was the only Liberty out of 125 vehicles! My Liberty handled it all! Ive replaced the battery, replaced the serpentine belt, and had a problem with the AC/heat fan. Other than that, its only been routine maintenance. The mileage isnt the best, but I dont care. Its great in the winter, especially when I head up to Wisconsin in the snow. Its got the comfort of an auto, but with the feel of a truck. I did get truck tires for my Liberty and Im very happy with that purchase. I will NEVER go back to a car!

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  this car is great! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By anybody12431 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  this car is great, i love it!

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Judy - April 13 - 10:10 am

  My Jeep Liberty 4x4 is the best thing I have ever bought. I love the idea that if I get stuck in traffic and I dont have time to wait I can just cut through the grassy/swampy median. I would say if you are not sure of what kind of vehicle you should go check out the Jeep Liberty. It is also not true about it being a gas hog, it is a V-6 not a 4-cylinder. So dont expect it to get gas mileage like a 4-cylinder. It out preforms any 4-cylinder you could ever drive. I think the Jeep Liberty is top in its Class!

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  Jeep lover - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By m - April 11 - 9:36 pm

  My first Jeep, love the look, the interior was comfortable, gas mileage average. Tight steering, needs a little more hp in certain situations. Never had more compliments on a car before, in particular the color, salsa red, hot! Drawbacks, 2 big ones, the engine blew at 40,000 miles, never off road with it, oil changed every 3000. Good thing for the warranty, the bill was almost $9000. But the craziest thing about this car, is the battery, I have had 10 or more batteries since I bought it. Every time I take it in for service, they say its normal! Batteries last 12 to 18 months, thats a new one on me. Overall, Im buying a new Jeep, with the skyslider roof!

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  Gotta Luv It - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By dawg1 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Great all around car

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  Electric Window Problems - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bones - April 9 - 1:36 pm

  I too have had problems with my electric windows. Have had the car exactly 1 year now three of my windows have broke on me. Ridiculous that so many of us have repeatedly experienced the same problem, but no fix actions have been taken. Have heard many negative reviews about Chrysler products and this is making me think twice about purchasing another one. Several of the fitting for the outside plastic trim were also broken and the trim loose when sold to me. Again, quality control really needs to be addressed.

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  Jeepers Update - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepers - April 7 - 4:56 pm

  Well, we now have had problems with a window regulator. Luckily, the dealership replaced one with the new updated model that corrects the defect. Although the dealership would not use the word defective. Our mileage continues to be great after the syn lubes, PI in the tank, Costco Michelin tires with nitrogen. 25 mpg not too bad for 4x4. We cannot thank our Master mechanic enough for recreating our Jeep with great parts like Bosch Platinum+4 100,000 mile spark plugs and Amsoil synthetic lubes. We change oil only once a year now, we like that. And under the Magnuson-Moss act of 1974 syn. extended oil changes cannot void warranties. If the dealership says otherwise they are lying.

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  New Renegade Convert - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Sweeney6 - April 7 - 10:06 am

  I was going from a MINI Cooper S to an SUV. This was not going to be an easy transition but I feel like I have upgraded in lots of ways. I like the color (Light Khaki) and the interior is functional and very comfortable. Will be used for the daily 30 mile commute and getting out of the snow 30 miles from civilization. Doesnt seem too gas hungry for a real 4WD.

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  Gotta love it. - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Michael Bender - April 4 - 12:16 pm

  This is my second Liberty. The 2002 had the gas engine and averaged 18-19 on the highway at best. This diesel version approaches 30mpg at 58-65 mph. I love the tight turning radius which makes parking a breeze and the fact it is much more nimble than the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has proved very capable of pulling a heavy trailer and pushing through snow. We are very happy with it. The diesel is barely audible with the radio or CD player on and never smells like a Greyhound bus.

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  First Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jerry - April 3 - 6:10 pm

  This is my first Jeep. At 3500 miles theres been not one problem. Fit and finish of interior and exterior is great. Having been the owner of Honda and Nissan I expected less. Will be using it as a tow vehicle for a 2000 lb. 18ft pontoon boat as well as our daily driver. Wife loves it.