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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  I LOVE my Liberty!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Lorrie Mitchell - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Liberty. It is a blast to drive! Its a cute, sporty, perfect size for me and my 2 kids!

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  Its A Jeep ! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ssgtells - March 7 - 10:00 am

  It rides excellent on the highway and around town. And it drives like a Billy Goat off road. It leaves all others in its class in the dust. And ALWAYS turns heads.

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  At 2 bucks a gallon, maybe a mistake!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Leap - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought a Liberty to replace my aged Cherokee. Gas mileage seems much worse, used to go a full week on the Cherokee, now 4 days on the Liberty between fill-ups. Really wanted a 5 speed but cant get one.

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  I can live with it - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Dawnlark - March 2 - 10:33 pm

  Drives beautiful. Never had a mechanical problem with it, but very uncomfortable. I was hoping I would love it as much as I did my old Cherokee, but it doesnt compare.

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  Great Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Glowtoes - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride, great design - True Jeep.

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  Its Ok - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Look around - March 1 - 4:33 pm

  The vehicle has been in the shop quite a few times almost from date of purchase. Key wouldnt come out of the ignition? Factory radio replaced three times, window rattle, mirror separating from a pillar causing a loud whistle after 45mph. The ride is fun but gas is expensive so it turns into a from A to B vehicle. Average 16-17 in town and 18-22 on the highway. Dont use the AC or it could be worse. Not much space either. If you want an SUV buy something else. Some wagons have more room. Jeep hasnt been the most supportive either.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Pete - February 28 - 11:00 am

  Bought Jeep new in Jan 04. Had transmission issue shortly after getting it but was fixed under warranty and never had any further maint. issues at all. Just had to trade it in for van since 3 kids will not fit in it.Was great vehicle, made several long distance trips up and down East coast, and cross state trips. Had plenty of power, decent gas mileage avg @20MPG. Did my best to follow Manufacturers maint schedule. Besides hiccup with trans. had absolutely nothing go wrong with it at all. Held up very well was very happy with it overall and would recommend to anybody.Very fun to drive.

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  Bad Transmission - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Mad - February 26 - 1:30 pm

  At 5000 miles I needed to have the torque converter and valve body replaced on my transmission. Both are MAJOR components. About 500 miles later the same problem with the transmission came back. it was not upshifting or downshifting properly especially in traffic. This time the dealership replaced the entire transmission. Now, 2 months after the transmission was replaced we are back to square one with even more issues. I like the design and feel of the Liberty but be aware that there are automatic transmission issues with this vehicle. I have talked to other Liberty owners that have experienced a lot of the same problems that I have experienced. My problems are still not over.

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  Tough comfort - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bruiser - February 22 - 3:53 am

  Bought this for my wife. Cant wait until it gets 75k on it so I can use it for outdoor stuff. Im 62", 225# but the drivers seat and area are much more spacious and comfortable than the Ford Explorer we had. We live in a remote area with bad roads so the off road capability, plus the option of being in rwd, awd, 4wd, or 4wd low was a plus. Engine has a lot of zip. Rides a little rough, but not as much as I expected.

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  05 Renegade Review - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By 05Renegader - February 20 - 5:33 pm

  Recently purchased 05 Liberty Renegade. Black, 4x4, V6, Auto, 6 CD changer w/tow pkg. The new Liberty has upgraded looks and styling. They now have a more rugged appearance by raising and flattening the hood/grill area, thus eliminating the "bug-eyed" look of earlier models. The ride is very comfortable and the engine feels strong and accelerates smoothly. The seats feel better and the overall ride is relatively quiet and smooth. Other makes and models I drove were whiny and not as refined as the Jeep. The instrument controls are all easy to access and operate. Fuel economy lacks, but I would not want to take away from the positive engine performance characteristics.