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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  best car in the world - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By jordan - March 12 - 8:40 am

  Love this car it is fun and cool to get in to everyday... I have the sky slider roof and its so much fun. The car begs to be taken on vacation and very comfortable. Only problem is the mpg which is not that bad and driver feet space. Overall the car is great and you can tell Chrysler/Jeep put lots of effort towards designing this car.

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  Going Again - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By mattrix - March 5 - 2:03 pm

  Last year in October I had to go car shopping and bought a Jeep Liberty Sport 4x2. This year I wanted to upgrade to a 4x4 with all the toys. The pricing is right at this moment with the Employee Pricing and all rebates available. This new 2006 Renegade feels bigger than my 2005 Sport. I am averaging 18 MPG driving, 30% stop and go with 70% freeway so far. This is a solid performer and I have not had a chance to go off road with it but it drives great in town.

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  nice all around - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Enrique - March 4 - 10:00 am

  ive driven better but not for the price!

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  Well Pleased with our Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By SteveT - March 3 - 12:26 am

  We have had the Liberty for about 4 months now. It continues to perform flawlessly and delivers about 20mpg around town. With all of its torque you must be careful accelerating in the wet. Other than that its a blast.

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  2011 KK Limited - 2011 Jeep Liberty
  By staggerlee41 - February 27 - 5:14 am

  I traded in my 02 Liberty Sport and took advantage of Jeeps year end incentives. I bought the Limited version and couldnt be more pleased. Loved my 02 with 135k miles (engine still going strong) and felt right at home in this one. This vehicle is one that I can drive with confidence off road and on pavement, the vehicle is built to last, its a tank! It gets excellent NTHSA ratings. Im not sure which version the reviewer took out, but I dont find the engine to be unresponsive. Perhaps compared to a sedan or even a plush wanna be SUV crossover vehicle it may be. What a pleasure to drive, so comfortable! Its a Jeep, not sure what you would expect? Not a wanna be SUV, its the real deal!

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  Been Jeeped!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TWatkins - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The most fun and reliable vehicle I have ever owned!!! I own a 03 Liberty Freedom Edition, bought last August.I wont own another car other than a Jeep again. Only issue.... I figure the way I feed it at the gas pump it will eventually grow into a Hummer!!!!

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  trial by fire - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By maldo - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I purchase this vehicle in the midle of the german winter, and as luck will have it the day after I picked the vehicle up we have a week long snow storm in the area. I was concerned about getting stuck in the thick snow, as a saw several vehicles do. The 4WD capabilities of me jeep were amazing, I did not have any trouble, sorting through the bad weather. I love the style of the vehicle, it has a rough yet refined look, and it gets complements from other SUV owners everywhere I go.

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  Jeep Family - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Katobb - February 20 - 3:56 am

  We just picked up our new Liberty. We traded a 2000 Grand Cherokee and we also have a 2004 Jeep TJ. So far this Jeep is everything we expect and more. My wife would take my TJ because she loved the handling and the tight turning to park just about anywhere. This carries over to the Liberty but with the comforts that she wanted, like the heated leather seats, sunroof, power door locks windows, etc. The only dislike she has with her Liberty is that nobody does the "Jeep Wave" like they do with the Wrangler.

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  Lifetime Jeeper - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Lifetime Jeeper - February 19 - 10:06 pm

  I am a lifetime Jeeper owner. I had my Wrangler for 10 years before I got the Liberty. I think that I knew that I wanted it the second that I saw it at a local car show. This is definitly the "grown up" version of the Wrangler. It has more space, go power and overall class than the other compact SUVs. The Liberty has a style all its own, and is simply unmistakable on the road. Simply put... Its a Jeep thing, you wouldnt understand. :)

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  Love it! - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Mary - February 18 - 10:33 am

  I love my little liberty! My first car was a 91 Cherokee and I, had until now, been unable to find something that compared to that car. This is it! It is fun to drive, comfortable, quick and cute! I wanted a manual and had to search high and low to get it but I did. the gas mileage is very good highway, not so great in the city though. My only complaint is that there is rust on the rims and the car is still only 5 months old. The dealership says they will paint it, so right now I am battling them to have them completely replaced. Other that than that I am in LOVE with my car!