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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  Rust Bucket - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Don - August 26 - 7:43 pm

  Owned the vehicle for 4 years and with only 19,500 miles had to replace the brake rotors (and pads) twice. The last straw was the rusted-out transmission coolant line. Body bolts (under the top of the hood in the engine compartment) also rusted. Nostalgia aside, this car is the epitemy of the US car industry of the 50-60s. Poor fuel economy, handling, performance, body integrity, etc. When we purchased the car four years ago, we had to search hard to find one with the "optional" ABS package and side air bags. Doesnt everyone who wants four wheel drive also want four wheel (controlled) stopping too? Our 2005 Liberty was finally replaced with a 2010 MB GLK 350 4-matic...GOODBYE JEEP!!!

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  BUYER Beware! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By gberger1 - August 11 - 9:03 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2005 Jeep Liberty Diesel. I have been a gentlemen with people who really DO NOT CARE about my poor experience. I have had so many problems that I cannot get into it. I would be very careful about buying one as I would NOT want another person to go through what I have had to endure.

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  I used to love Jeep, until..... - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Simone - April 8 - 3:16 am

  I have owned 4 Jeeps and this was my first Liberty. It is only 18 months old with 25,000 miles and I cant tell you how many times it has been in the shop. It had to have the engine taken apart after only a month! It is in the shop now actually for another 7-10 days having the engine taken apart again. Unfortunately I am past the lemon law point and am frustrated because I have always loved my Jeeps, but this is getting ridiculous. I am having all these problems now, what is going to happen as soon as the warranty expires. I dont think I will be able to keep it that long.

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  2005 Liberty has been in shop 3 times - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Bryan Peters - January 15 - 12:06 am

  My 2005 Liberty Diesel has been in the shop 3 times for powertrain problems and on this last time the transmission completely went out. I only have 30k miles on the Jeep. This is a major concern for me as I work at Daimler Chrysler in a transmission plant. The first vehicle I ever bought was a Jeep and Ive stuck with them for past 9 years however after these problems I am strongly considering a new brand....

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  08 Liberty Limited - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By silverado - December 23 - 8:13 am

  Like the looks of it. Traded in a Honda Element for it, but not sure if it was such a good trade. Has been in the shop a number of times for numerous things: leaking back window, ticking steering wheel when turning it sharply, leaking skyslider roof, noisy skyslider roof, brake issues, transmission issues. If I had known all of this would not have traded in my Element....regret it. Will more than likely go back to an Element again soon.

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  Piece of Junk - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By jpf - December 9 - 9:20 am

  After 75,000 miles, I had to replace the transmission at a cost of nearly $3000. One would think you could get just a little more mileage than that. The water pump went out at 58,000 miles. Just in time to be covered by the warranty. A lot of rattling which is typical of Jeeps as they age. Goes good in the snow, which is what Im going to use it for now. But wouldnt buy another one for everyday commuting.

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  Jeep Liberty - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By bailey26 - August 11 - 12:43 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 3 years, in that time I have spent over 5,000 dollars just in repairs. The rear windows both have fallen off, that is about 350. each time. I have had the air conditioning, heat, transmission, misc electrical and switches fixed. The fabric that they use for the seats is horrid. It stains instantly, even if you drip water on it you cant get the stain out. The seats are uncomfortable and there is not much backseat room.

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  rear pinion bearing - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By liberty - August 7 - 8:40 am

  I got this after owning a ford explorer.....wrong thing to do.After only 11,000 miles we had to replace rear pinion bearing.Here we are,only 2.5 months and 4,000 miles later, we have to replace it again.Its not reliable,not comfortable,not roomy enough, no storage room, and the list goes on and on. Worse vehicle I ever owned and I cant wait to be rid of it!

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  Window woes - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Pappy6 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very poor pwr.window mechanism. Two windows have completely failed and expensive to repair and get replacement parts. Except from dealer with NO assistance from Chrysler whom is aware of the continuing problem.

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  Window Regulators - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By MelisaRob - June 6 - 7:16 am

  The window regulators are a constant problem. They have been fixed five times in four years and Chrysler refuses to issue a recall even though I have found thousands of complaints about this on other sites.