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:

• 

  Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By slford - September 4 - 6:36 am

  Rides smooth, lots of space, nice interior design, handles well off road.

• 

  hesitation at 1200rpm - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By twigs - September 3 - 10:00 am

  i experienced a hesitation from new at 12-1500rpm in every gear, dealer thought i was a cronic complainer. i spent 35 years as a dealer mechanic and knew i had a problem. finally a service bulletin showed up to reprogram the computer and problem solved. i really like the car and feel it is a good value. it serves all my needs and is really a jeep.

• 

  i love my liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By brandnewmidnite - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I was first drawn to the jeep because they have a great rep for being dependable, stylish, and a vehicle that will retain its value very well. I drive about 30,000 miles every year and I was wanting an suv that would withstand alot of mileage. When I checked out used jeeps on the internet and in the paper, I kept finding ones with well over 100k on them and even quite a bit with 200k. More so than with any other make.

• 

  Decent SUV overall - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By bryce1984 - September 2 - 7:36 pm

  Overall nice SUV. Perfect for a little family looking for something safe. Ours has over 15k and we have not had any problems. The ac seems to struggle in the hot desert summer as well the windows do seem to struggle at times. We love the power and the versatility of the Liberty. The gas mileage isnt the best but what can you expect from a V6 SUV? It gets about the same as my 2000 Nissan Maxima (AVG 20) I wasnt fond of the body style but my wife loved it and it is growing on me. For the price you cant go wrong. Its our first Jeep so well see if we can run it for 10 years like I know they are capable of.

• 

  Jeep Liberty-The Real Story - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By J.ATL - August 30 - 5:20 am

  I bought my Liberty brand new in 2002. Only has 37,500 miles to date. First major issue to report-- A/C compressor totally choked this summer--2 weeks in the shop, Compressor reported on "National Backorder". Quote to fix $1050 dollars. Chrysler will not help-- noting Jeep is out of warranty. Note-- only 1500 miles out of warranty when the A/C breaks. Despite 4-5 recalls to date, brakes needing readjusted, dead battery replaced, A/C Compressor breakdown and a slighly leaky sunroof-- I still like my Jeep. Chrysler should be happy--they have not done so great on this model.

• 

  Jeep Liberty Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By shannon - August 28 - 3:46 am

  i love this vehicle. I paid cash for it and its the best vehicle I have ever purchased. It drives greatk you can hardly tell when you go over bumps in the road or train tracks. It gets good gas mileage. I can tell exactly how many miles I have left till empty as well as telling how much air pressure is in the tires and the XM radio is the best. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

• 

  2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4X4! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By 79elcamino - August 26 - 4:07 pm

  i traded my 01 monte carlo for this jeep, i feel like i made the right decision, the jeep only gets abt 4mpg less thn the monte did, wich was around 27. its a nice car with tan and black 2-toned leather interior. i have alot mre passenger room, but the cargo area isnt as big, my jeep has just about every option, im satisfied with my choice to get it, it looks good on the otside, and is fully functional on the inside. the one thing i have to complain about is the window controls, they are in a very akward place. the car handles very well in rain, the only thing i miss about my car is that i dnt have to slow down quite as much to make a turn, in the jeep it almost feel like ill tip over haha!

• 

  whats it gonna take.... - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By emraldeyzcat - August 24 - 1:06 pm

  Other than the window regulator going out on both Windows and the silly cloth staining seats I really dont have any problems with it.... But Im wondering whats it gonna take for this window regulator issue to be put on a recall list... The latest happened on my sons side of the car scaring him and almost injuring him... And me nearly wrecking from the noise it made.... Who knows where I can file a report about it? thanks

• 

  Not The Best - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ashwallace - August 22 - 10:23 pm

  One of the worse vehicles I have ever driven. I have only had my 2002 jeep for a year and i have had to replace the power steering 2 times, the oil had a leak in it so I had to fix that, we fixed the starter 2 months ago and now it wont start again, the heat went out in it and nobody can seem to find the problem with it. It is not a reliable vehicle and I wouldnt trust it.

• 

  I like my Jeep. - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By aj2003 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the Liberty! It has a great ride and responsive steering. Handled great in the snow! Much better than the Chevy Silverado 4x4s I have owned. The only major problem I have had was a fuel pump started failing. Dealer replaced it quickly.