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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  stalling problems - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By questioning - March 31 - 1:10 am

  My Jeep did great for the first few years. Now it is in the shop more than out. The dealership started by replacing the crank sensor, and now they say they dont know, or there is nothing wrong. The poetic justice is that the mechanic finally got stuck himself in it and had to be towed. However, I still dont have my vehicle. It is my second Jeep, but I am disappointed now. Wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same. It started with downshifting at odd times and now just stalls out while driving. I only saw one review that said the same, but several that mention a hard shift, etc. I wonder if it is a factory defect.

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  Nice to own - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Ian Neal - March 29 - 10:33 am

  Went on a trip just after buying the Jeep. I was impressed with the fuel mpg. It got 30 mpg on average. I had a small oil leak on the transfer case but got fixed under warranty. Other then it`s been fine. Put about 4500 km on that trip in one week with no problems at all.

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  JEEP LIBERTY 2005 LIMITED - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By GLORIA PATTERSON - March 27 - 9:56 pm

  I originally purchased the Liberty after having rented one for a family trip. We are average or better in height and found the leg room and comfort was supportive of our individual body makeups. My children enjoyed the long ride and never complained of being tired even though the ride was very long. The color and exterior look is attractive and easy to maintain. I love the material and design of the wheel moldings. I hand wash my Jeep rather than utilizing an automatic car wash facility. I enjoy the size and durability of the exterior design. It has been very dependable even in adverse driving conditions. The overall ride is smooth and the vehicle itself is easy and enjoyable to drive.

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  Its a Jeep !! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By giuma - March 27 - 10:00 am

  The strong points are: lots of power, comfortable and stable ride, great looks, and obviously a great offroader. The weak points are: a gas guzzler, regardless of the fact that it is a 4wd, noisy, a poor sound system, low quality plastic & trim, and weak headlights (yes I adjusted them). For the money, its probably still a bargain. But if you consider the money you could save on gas, especially if youre going to commute, maybe there are other vehicles out there that are a better buy.

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  First 90 days, and counting… - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bobh - March 27 - 10:00 am

  No problems yet. Only concern is smallish cockpit area. Fuel economy is not great and the tank is so much smaller than my Grand Cherokee was I am at the gas Station too often.I was concerned with cargo space but it is actually larger than it looks. Exterior tire is attracting vandals (punctured tire cover in the first two weeks!). Lack of cross rails on the roof was suprising, just another way to get more money out of us!! Engine is a little loud but at least it sounds good.

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  Suprising - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By colleen - March 23 - 3:56 pm

  I cant believe my jeep has 180K and still runs like new. I have not had one single mechanical issue with it. Oil changes faithfully every 5K, occasional engine tune up and some new brakes 50K back is all Ive ever done for maintenance. Am I just lucky or is this actually a decently made US vehicle?

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  Worst buy ever - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By mandalore04 - March 17 - 5:44 pm

  I traded in a great subaru for this vehicle (used) for a larger vehicle for my son and I. I had the vehicle less than 30 days and the electronics completely failed costing $600 in repairs. I still have issues after the repairs with the electrical aspect. The passenger side front and driver side rear window regulators have broken and I have had this vehicle for 3 months. Looking to trade it off for something else if Im able to. I like the vehicle but Im not happy with the quantity and price of all the repairs. I will never recommend another Jeep or Chrysler product to anyone, let alone by one myself.

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  Liberty CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Carl - March 15 - 2:50 pm

  Fun diesel to drive, lots of torque, good fuel mileage, but the seats are constructed out of park bench material. The hardest seats I have ever set in. Even my Wrangler was better.

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  Head gasket - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By nanafonda - March 15 - 11:00 am

  I love this jeep BUT it has a recall on the head or at least that is what I was told when mine was replaced at 31,000 miles

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  I Love the Liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kathy M. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my 04 Liberty 2 weeks ago. Have to travel 45 miles each way to work - all highway miles. I am so glad I purchased the Liberty. I just have a Sport model, but it has the anti-lock brakes and speed control. I also love the aluminum rims which were part of the package. This vehicle makes me feel so safe. It is smooth and sturdy. Even the gas mileage isnt as bad as I thought. I agree that this vehicle is so much fun to drive, you dont mind the gas as much. Highly recommended!