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:

• 

  Liberty CRD 4x4 - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By John P. Mc Fall - February 18 - 4:26 am

  The Jeep is powerful, can turn around on a dime and gets good diesel mileage. I love it. I would buy it again. It needs more cup holders in the drivers area in front of the vehicle thats all.

• 

  Great Truck - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Tito672378492 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  For those of you out there the News 2003 Jeep Liberty is a great new vehicle. With a choice of two four-wheel drive systems. Three different modles, Sport, Limited and the awsome Renegade. All with excellent off road capabilities. As well as off road, on road driving is superb, with a smoother ride than cherokee, and larger interior space for that added head and leg room. The 2003 Liberty is a jeep for all.

• 

  Great SUV - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Ms. Ross - February 18 - 2:00 am

  The Jeep handles Great. It drives like a breeze on the highway, but is not great for city driving. Poor gas mileage. BUT I STILL Love this JEEP.

• 

  Love my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By nzimmon - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle! Yes, the gas mileage could be better but every other aspect of this Jeep is a delight. The build quality is outstanding; not a single problem since I bought it last October. Its fun to drive and I find its handling better than what the reviews seem to indicate. Handling is tight and solid...Consider this vehicle if youre looking for a well-built, fun to drive, and capable off-road SUV.

• 

  Disappointed Liberty Owner - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Disappointed - February 14 - 4:26 am

  Mechanical issues from start. Stalled, would not start, transmission slippage, major tire problems with Goodyear tires, very noisy. Dealership consistently denied problems. I now see that my problems are a common occurrence with this vehicle. Finally was able to get a dealership mechanic to admit to me that the 02 year of this vehicle has many issues as it was the first year made. At least that was validation of my problem but does not resolve my problems. By the way, dealership still refuses to acknowledge what mechanic confirmed.

• 

  Jeep Liberty Sport - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By kearneybe - February 11 - 9:03 pm

  First it was a 84 Cherokee, then a 94 Wrangler and now my 02 Liberty Sport. So far I love the Lib. I test drove all the other sport utes on the market, and the Lib stood out, not only because of its styling, but because of having a low range 4WD. My only complaint are the seats. Not as a comfortable as comparable seats but it is what Ive come to expect from Jeep. If you need a grocery hauler, but an Escape, if you want something to take offroad, you need a Liberty!

• 

  Speed Sensor Defect - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By becautious - February 10 - 2:23 pm

  I had good luck with my Jeep Liberty for the first year that I owned it, but a year later the speed sensor went bad and I had it fixed. Four-five months later it went bad again-had it repaired. Four months later, bad again. At this time took it to manufacturing dealership for repair. $256 later and the following day, it went bad again!! I keep being told this is not normal on these models so maybe I am lucky enough to have gotten one with a manufacturing defect. It is pretty bad on gas mileage and cant wait to get a different vehicle. I was actually on my way to look at one, hoping to get good trade in value on Jeep when sensor went bad again. At 85,000 miles now.

• 

  Jeep Engine Failures due to Valve Seats - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By David K - February 8 - 2:13 pm

  major problem with the valve seat coming off and damaging my Jeep Liberty engine. We purchased the car new and have continually provided maintenance on the vehicle at your dealerships. What is upsetting is the lack of interest now from your customer relations department except for your local dealership who has been supportive, on what has occurred. This is a safety issue and this problem is a manufacturer defect . This incident could have caused my daughter to have an accident since she was driving this car as a high school senior. I will take

• 

  Mixed feelings on this! TRUTH - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By mixed feelings! - February 7 - 4:03 pm

  I live in Santa Fe NM. I purchased the car this past April. Traded a truck and a sports car for this. and with an extra bank discount I got a great deal. I purchased the floor room Jeep 4x4 all black with the sky roof open... The undercoat was not painted and after 3 weeks with the Jeep everything rusted underneath. Jeep squeaks when I brake! The roof is lifting and at first I was more than in love with the fact it made not a sound but now it is a wind tunnel from hell that even the great radio SAT system wont block out! I have a color called Black Pearl? There seems to be a sun spot on the hood small but does not look finished.The biggest headache of them all is Jeep does not offer a loaner.

• 

  great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By whitley - February 1 - 2:00 am

  i love libertys they r awesome