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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  LOVIN IT! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By RMICHELLEB - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I really love my Jeep and so does my 3 year old son, her name is Libby. We have driven a lot of highway miles and even though the gas mileage is only about 17 mpg, its a fun trip and we dont want to get out.

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  I Love My Jeep! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By C.SIMS - April 20 - 12:56 pm

  I recently got this Jeep and I cant tell you how much fun I am having. First of all it is really sharp and commands attention. It has plenty of power for such a heavy SUV. It rides very smooth, and it does run very quiet! Everything is within easy reach, and easy to use. I am really enjoying having a sunroof-some people asked me if it was a new Hummer. I tell them the Hummers have copied and mine is all Jeep! Good job Jeep

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  Very Happy with it, love the Sky Slider - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - April 11 - 1:13 pm

  Its a Jeep, so fuel economy is not going to be good by any means. But the performance and capabilities make up for it. We bought a Sport model with the Sky Slider which performs flawlessly. We love it and couldnt be happier with our decision to trade in an 06 V6 Commander for this one. Some reviews claim that it lacks a bit of power. Maybe it does, but to me its got plenty of juice. Think about it, it is the same engine they put on the V6 commander but having to handle over 1200 lbs less. In my opinion the engine moves it pretty good. It takes time to get used to the 4 speed tranny instead of 5 on the commander so you will have to press the pedal deeper on hwy driving to pass. Very happy.

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  Jeep Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Kerendawn - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car!! Fun to drive

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  Best vehicle Ive owned! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By jeepsrock1 - April 9 - 10:12 pm

  We have had this Liberty for over 8 years. Its reliable, would drive it anywhere! For 8 years weve put new tires on, brakes, oil changes and thats it! It has not needed anything but normal maintenance nothing!! Its so easy to drive and park being small and theres only one thing I wish was different and thats the MPG, which can be helped some by driving sensibly.

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  Solid vehicle! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Gus - Pittsburgh - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Just bought my 2nd Jeep Liberty (2004).This is the first time I have ever bought the same vehicle back to back. First was a 2002 model. I have been extremly impressed with the reliability and quality. After almost 3 years still no squeeks or rattles. If you live in a snow belt area there is simply nothing better to get you through the snow and ice safely. Great stock stereo and excellent visibility. I find the seats to be very confortable and plenty of versitility in hauling items. My neighbor has a Mercedes-Benz SUV which I have driven and I can honestly say I wouldnt trade him even up. Great SUV at a great price!

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  Heck of a value - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Dave - March 28 - 3:46 pm

  We compared this to rav4, Forester, Mercury Mariner, Kia Sorento, Saturn Vue. This has more features than the others for a better price. Weve had the vehicle 2 months and its great. No problems, fun to drive, controls easy to use. Important to us was the lack of road noise at highway speeds. Others we tested were much noisier than the Jeep. We average 19-20 mpg local, 23 mpg highway only. Much better and quieter than the 05 Mazda tribute we traded.

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  Jeep Liberty will set you free - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By natep - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about my Jeep Liberty. Ive had it since 11-01-01 and it hasnt disappointed me once. The price tag on these jeeps should be about 5K higher. No joke. The ride quality is superb. There is alittle wind noise at speeds of access of 70mph butif you have the radio on you at all you wont even realize the minor wind noise. As far as power is concerned when is there ever enough? The 210 horse power v6 is plenty enough to do all an SUV is ment for. Ive personally went through some deep mud pits in my Liberty and never once have I got stuck, I have a 4x4 of course.

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  First Time Jeep Owner - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By California Girl - March 22 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty Renegade 4x4 is kick-butt awesome!! When the Liberty first hit the market, I was in love with it and knew that it had to be my next vehicle. I set out to get a Liberty Sport 4x2 5-Speed (because it was more in my price range) but the dealer made me an offer that I couldnt refuse~I LOVE everything about this vehicle and I am so glad that I upgraded to the Renegade. It is fun to drive, its high up off the road, interior is spacious, it looks tough - it is just the best!!

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  Having Fun in NYC - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Carlos - March 17 - 11:53 am

  Having a career in scouring construction job sites from Brooklyn to Rockland, I need a vehicle to comfort like a mobil office and remain reliable to get me back home safely under any conditions. Thank you Jeep. The Liberty 08 is fairly spacious, large enough to load 5 grown men and compact enough to parallel park tight spots throughout the 5 boroughs. The 115-volt outlet powers my laptop, the fold down passenger seat is a great desktop and the storage compartments keep my Jeep from being cluttered. Airbags all over with great crash test ratings makes the wife happy, and for a truly capable off-road 4x4, it handles comfortably on and off road through all weather. Bring on the potholes.