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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  She saved my life... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By derbygrl - November 1 - 2:25 am

  And now I only hope to replace my Liberty. No joke, I had a run-in with a semi and lost on a night in ND where the winds and rain were blowing over 50 mph. I bounced off of the underside of the trailer, totaled my Jeep, and did not even have a scratch. (Oh, by the way, the engine is perfectly fine!) While test driving other cars, trucks, and SUVs, I have not been able to find anything that has that snap and power I am looking for. I did my research here on Edmunds and other sites, and made sure all the ancient recall work was done before I bought it with 100,000 miles. I never had a problem! Sure it is thirsty at the pump, but I put it in my budget and dealt. I miss my Jeep!

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  Jeep Liberty 2002 - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Sschil7470 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Great car for work or play. Gas mileage for work is only 15 but hwy is 20. I have had the vehicle 3 mths and love it. It has the classic jeep feel with all the upgrades! Love the design of the vehicle. It looks very sporty but also very classy! Would recommend to everyone!

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  Great - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jbuford04 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car when my old Cherokee finally decided to die (at 300K). At first getting used to the controls was a little difficult. I adjusted very quickly to the placement of the controls and have actually found them to be more convenient. Never had any problems in almost any weather condition. Hardest conditions were about 9" of snow on the ground and I still didnt get stuck at any point. Very cold air very quickly in the summer. The heater takes a few minutes of warming up to get nice and hot. Overall I havent found any problems with my car so far.

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  Its a Jeep! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By M Birckenstaedt - October 26 - 6:16 pm

  Having owned and off-roaded a Wrangler previously, when looking for some more practicality we chose the Liberty. It is quieter, more comfortable, etc. than the Wrangler, of course; but it is also a REAL off-roader unlike the other wannabes from Ford, Hyundai, Honda, et al. Fuel consumption is reasonable at 20.5-21.5 mpg with V6 and the 6 speed manual (who else has such an option anywhere?). Build quality is very good, structurally much tighter than what I have experienced with Explorers, Trailblazers even Discoverys. Finally, for all the discussion on gas guzzling and pollution, the 3.7l is an ULEV certified engine.

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  Sporty and Affordable - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By BHSA24 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE my Jeep Liberty! The Liberty has all the room, performance and style I was looking for, without having to go much over $20,000. The gas mileage could be better, but it has a solid ride with excellent acceleration and a look that turns heads! The interior is spacious with a more refined look than that of some of its similarly priced competitors. A smartly designed tailgate allows me to pop open the rear window with one finger.

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  Go Anywhere - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By go offroad - October 24 - 4:26 am

  To have a car that can take our family (husband, wife and 2 kids) around town comfortably, but then be able to go off-road and conquer the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee in Jeep Jamborees makes me one of the happiest consumers on the road. There is no better SUV for the price that will give you that type of adrenalized off-roading capabilities and still be civilized enough for day to day. If I had a dollar for every Wrangler owner that was amazed at the rock climbing, water crossing, mud playing, and hill climbing pass I made, I could have my Liberty payed for! I just wish it got better mileage. Maybe the Diesel is in my future.

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  My JEEP Liberty Sport - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Micah - October 20 - 11:23 pm

  My Jeep Liberty has been a great vehicle. The overall exterior design is very sleek I think. The interior is very comfortable. It handles great with six cylinders and 4X4. Its a very fun vehicle to drive on the highway or offroad!

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  Tough little truck - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By keycat02 - October 18 - 10:30 pm

  Im quite happy with this vehicle. The full-time 4WD performs well in deep snow and on rutted, muddy roads, and also on wet pavement. The V6 is powerful and relatively thrifty given the weight of the vehicle (15.5-17.5 mpg city, 23 mpg on a long highway drive). The fuel economy improved substantially after 3000 miles. The brakes are strong and the optional ABS system has already saved me a few times. The vehicle easily towed a 1000 lb trailer and load. The standard factory stereo is decent sounding. The vehicle handles well on the road, but even better when things get rough

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  You have to love this thing - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jefr - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my liberty for 5 months now and drove it some 4000 miles, mostly on rough roads or no road at all. You have to love the performance this little engine (2.4L) gives, shure it could use some mor HPs but the mileage is quite decent, the comfort is amazing. Some minor glith at 2000 miles with a speed sensor, but the dealer replaced quicly.

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  Started Great But Getting Expensive - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By sw - October 17 - 10:06 pm

  I love just about everything about this SUV, which is why Im so disappointed that its starting to cost me a lot of money in repairs after only 4 years. I have put more than $3000 into this vehicle in both maintenance and repairs in just the last 12 months. The little plastic piece that covers the gear shift broke in the cold this winter (over $300 to fix), the AC doesnt work and needs to have the compressor replaced ($1000 to fix). I am trying to decide whether I should trade it in for a 2007 model just to stop the budget bleeding even though I have a year left of payments on it, or trade it in for an Xterra instead. The biggest factor in my decision will be the (un)reliability aspect.