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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  Stay away from Liberty diesel! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By garbagediesel - October 15 - 9:40 am

  Thank god we leased this vehicle because the lemon law wouldnt cover the numerous different problems this thing has. We only had it 2 weeks before the check engine light came on and the nighmare began. It sat at the dealership for 3 weeks while they waited on a new egr valve. They got it and put it in only to go back 3 more times for 3 glow plugs and eventually a glow plug control module. All this before it had 7500 miles on. Fast forward 9 months later and the turbo explodes and takes out the new egr valve and strands my wife on the side of a busy road. We have Chrysler road side assistance so no problem, right? WRONG! It took them 33 ( yes thirty three) hours to tow it away. STAY AWAY!

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  Shouldve got the ford fixed - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By cjthomas - October 14 - 9:06 pm

  I got this truck from my sister after I crashed my ford escape because she wanted to get a new car, it had about 207,000 and was in pretty good shape but about 2,000 miles later the engine started making noises and I wasnt sure waht it was so I took it to my friend who was good with cars and he told me that it was a knock which means that the engine is basically on its way out and its gonna cost me $$$ to get the engine replaced and I already scraped the escape and handed over the title so Im pretty much screwed, wouldve cost way less to repair my escape.

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  Great Value for the Real Thing - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By arbitrader - October 13 - 2:00 am

  We were looking to replace my car with a wagon type vehicle that would handle the unimproved work sites that I occasionally visit. After testing the Ford Escape (too expensive, no 2 speed transfer case, not as nice interior) and the Honda CRV (too car-like)we took a test ride in the Liberty Sport and were immediately impressed. Fantastic styling, fit, finish, quietness and ride quality. I have owned a few SUVs and this does not ride like a truck but still maintains its poise on rough roads. Even though it appears tall it remains flat in the turns. We only have 1,100 miles so we are looking forward to logging some more miles under different conditions.

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  New OLs Jeep - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By oldmac1 - October 10 - 8:20 pm

  Traded the OLs JGC in for improved economy on gas mileage on another Jeep. Liked the Patriot but once we drove the Liberty 100" we knew this was it. This is our 7th Jeep and is ideal for the OL car as she sits high and is in a sturdy vehicle so she feels safe.

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  197,000 Miles and still going strong! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By shemp76 - October 10 - 3:26 pm

  Just hit 197K miles the other week and have had very few issues outside routine maintenance. Replaced the AC compressor two years ago, rotors twice (due to my own neglect). Still only on 3rd set of tires and they have at least another 30k in them. Local mechanic said it will need new rear shocks soon. Tremendous value for my money vs. needs and it still averages 21 mpg hwy!

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  Long Term CRD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeepster - October 9 - 5:16 pm

  Bought new back in April 2005. Have had the normal problems that all CRD owners have had, including 3 EGR replacements. It is a great vehicle for every day use and for some off- road fun as well. I have 500 miles left on my extended 100k warranty, so Im hoping all will stay well. Most recent problem was my 4wd/2wd sensor going bad - said I was in 4wd, but wasnt. I have learned not to get upset with the dealer when there are issues, but rather DC. I think they put this vehicle out, but werent ready to support it with stocked parts. I will hit 100k by this weekend, and even with all the CRD issues, I would still buy another, but hoping they put a diesel in the Wrangler Unlimited!

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  Fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By toku - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Got 2003 Liberty Limited 4WD a month ago. Its fun to drive. Good performance. Minor tire alignment and weired sound problem, will take to dealer for inspection this weekend. Great SUV.

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  No problems except gas - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Lorraine Haluga - October 6 - 8:06 pm

  Never had any problems with parts or performance. Only thing replaced was tires after 6 years! Biggest problem was silver paint chipped off of tire rims. Never saw this on any other Liberty! Great in the snow, no worries. Seats fold down for large purchases. Love this car except for the gas hike!!!

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  Great car - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By dzeppfan77 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have liked the look of the Liberty since they came out. I waited for a year until the 03s arrived, then I drove one. I traded for a Liberty Limited and have been pleased with it. It has a very smooth highway ride for a 4X4 Jeep. It does great off the highway as well. Jeep is the reason why the U.S. won WWII according to President Eisenhower. Jeep has been around since the 1940s so they must be doing something right. Bottom line is great car for great price. Will take you just about anywhere offroad and does great on the highway.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Cynthia - September 30 - 6:46 am

  I have no problem with the way the vehicle handles. My only complaint is the gas mileage. My fuel costs (I commute approximately 80 miles per week day) average about $250 per month. Average mpg is around 16.7 mph.