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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  2010 JEEP LIBERTY - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By STAN - December 29 - 5:53 am

  We bought this Jeep libert new, off of the show room floor. I have a 2005 Rocky mt eduction with 40k miles and had no problems with it. So when my wife wanted a suv we choose another liberty. The engine light keeps coming on for a thermostat problem the dealer reset it and said they dont know why it came on. It came on the next day again. They reset it again. That night the light came on again, my wife called again so we are off to Jeep again, maybe they will look it this time and try to fix it, not just clear the fault. Her gas mileage is terrible. It is so bad she got under the truck and checked for a gas leak.

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  It loves the snow!!! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By crimson2 - December 27 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Liberty 4x4 over a year ago because I tore up my sports car in the winter of 2010/2011. I figured I would wait to see how things went before writing the review. My only issue to date was a ignition switch went out to the tune of 1300.00 as it and the steering column are one piece. No window issues, but seat stains are as described in the reviews. Nothing seat covers wont fix. Now for winter reliability.... This is where this thing shines!!!!! on 02/21/13 The KC area got about 7in of snow in 4 hours. Just about every other vehicle was on the side of the road, as I passed right on through unplowed streets, I felt like a Boss.... The clearance and part time 4wd took me everywhere!!!

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  Jeep Liberty fun to own - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By wjp - December 26 - 10:00 am

  You cant buy a better vehicle for the money. Its a ton of fun to drive , with lots of power and plenty of room.

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  Diesel is the Future - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Zathrus - December 25 - 7:23 am

  I looked at the Escape hybrid and the Liberty diesel and the Liberty won hands down. The price was several thousand less and it performed better. At start up the diesel is not as quiet as the standard V6 but after it is warmed up there is almost no difference. There were no clouds of back smoke or foul smells that I remembered from the old Chevy diesels. Power is good and it is quiet on the road-even under hard acceleration. Even after just a few tanks of fuel the Jeep is already beating its 26 mpg highway rating. Once cleaner diesel fuel starts to show up in 2007, diesel vehicles will start to appear everywhere.

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  regret - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By sturnbull - December 23 - 9:56 am

  Never again. Nothing but trouble. Only 42,000 miles all valves replaced fuel injectors. One recall on something on front end and now the heater blower switch quit working.

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  My money pit of a car - 2009 Jeep Liberty
  By Lisa - December 22 - 8:20 am

  I bought my 2009 Jeep Liberty used 6 months ago. It was on a company lease program for 6 months before that. Since I have owned it the defrost as stopped, the back window gate latch broke and needed replaced and now the BIGGIE the transmission has gone!! and since Im the second owner no life time warranty on it.... Fresh out of college and this is my first car. I researched this car it was my dream car I thought. I hate it....

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  great vehicle - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By quinn1682 - December 19 - 6:56 am

  I have had my liberty for 2 years, and I love it. After I got it I read a lot of bad reviews, but I havent had any problems with mine in that time. It has had nothing go out, or be replaced. I drive a lot, close to 30,000 a year or so too. I love the 4 wheel drive it works great, goes right through the snow or mud easily. I think it handles great, I like tight steering. Overall I would recommend it to anyone. Its pretty small, but it is a compact suv. And it rides a little rough. But I like that, it feels tough to me. Gas mileage isnt great, but again, thats to be expected. No complaints here, Id buy one again anyday.

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  Causes lots of good stares - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By John - December 17 - 2:00 am

  well, it does live up to the JEEP way of life. decent handling on the pavement for such a rugged SUV

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  2002 Liberty Limited - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By love my liberty - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with my Liberty after buying it new from the dealership. I initially felt that it pulled to the right when driving on the open highway. My dealer got it in and adjusted the alignment. I have no complaints about the mechanical performance. Overall my expectations have been met or exceeded after 18 months of ownership.

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  Lots of fixes - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepy - December 13 - 1:06 pm

  I drive in NYC and it is a good vehicle for tight parking, driving, and potholes. Nice interior size but not comfortable on long trips. 160,000 miles. Lots of major fixes. Recall on ball joints done. Suspension is too weak for heavy city driving in a heavy vehicle and have never liked it. Wore out the shocks, now springs are shot. Transmission replaced at 130,000, heads at 150,000. AC does not work right even after recharge and fixes. Suspension is noisy and unstable clunky and unstable. Go through a set of brakes every year with rotors that warp easily. Gas mileage is OK but not a miser by any means. Cant trade it in so Ill drive it into the ground. Will not buy another one.