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:

• 

  2005 Jeep Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jamie - June 21 - 5:13 pm

  I upgraded to the 2005 Jeep Liberty Limited from a 2000 Toyota Corolla. The Liberty sits high and is very comfortable to drive. It came with a nifty little cargo shelf that has dividers in the top portion. The only downside of this is that you cant use the cargo cover with it. Its one or the other.

• 

  I still like it, but ... - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By ducque - June 20 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles, the Liberty is still easy to like. However, it has been in the shop far too many times. And it still has a small engine running problem that no one seems to be willing or able to fix, even after repeated attempts. Equipped with UNSAFE, terrible tires from the factory. I love to drive it. Its just the right size and has the right features for me. BUT!

• 

  Fantastic Vehicle - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Christopher Flood - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I owned and 1990 Cherokee with 150k miles on it when I bought my Green V6 4WD Automatic Jeep Liberty Sport in May 2002, and what an upgrade it is! I have had no issues with the vehicle whatsover. Steers simply and more carlike than many competitors, and handling is very straightforward. It is super sure footed in the winter, and a breeze to drive on and off-road in the spring, summer, and fall. The front seats are comfortable enough to drive between New York City and Columbus Ohio without much discomfort. It is great to tool around town, and it has safely taken me through feet of snow in the mountains of West Virginia.

• 

  Lovin Every Minute Of It - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Awayteam - June 19 - 10:00 am

  My Liberty is the first Jeep that Ive owned and it has far exceeded my expectataion on quality and driveability. My only foray into the world off roading has been on some logging roads in Colorado, but the Liberty handled it with ease and provided me the confidence that I could get out of anything I happened into. I love sitting up high, above the traffic. I have owned a Rodeo and a KIA Sportage. The Jeep is superior in fit and finish to both and looks a damn sight better to boot. My only complaint has been the gas mileage. Hiway mileage has been in the 18-20 range,(at 70-75mph), but around town I get 13-15. Dismal...

• 

  Sky Slider does have wind noise - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Texas Man - June 18 - 12:40 pm

  Great vehicle. I have only owned Toyotas in the past and my wife currently has a RAV4, but I am EXTREMELY impressed with my new Jeep. How can you pass up a Lifetime Powertrain Warranty for free, and a Lifetime Bumper to Bumper warranty for only $2400? I will never buy an over- priced Toyota again! I absolutely love the Sky Slider roof and always drive with it open, but when the roof is closed it does create pretty significant wind noise on the highway when driving 70-75 mph. Overall, I have only experienced minimal wind noise with the Sky Slider closed in the 60-65 mph range!

• 

  Exceeds our expectations - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By RonK - June 17 - 8:46 am

  This is one excellent SUV. It has not needed anything but lube, oil and filter changes since we purchased it new in 07. Gas mileage averages 20+ MPG around town. The AC keeps us cool even in Tucson, AZ where we live. We also pull it behind our motorhome as it is so easy to disengage the drive train and get rolling. It rides like a car and is very quiet inside. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. I installed a K&N air intake system and it increased the power while increasing MPG.

• 

  2+ yrs in the Lib - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Steve - June 15 - 10:26 am

  Very reliable SUV. I put 45k on it and tires are still in good condition. Have had 0 problems. It will get 21mpg highway but in mixed driving I get about 17.5. This SUV handles turns very well, much better than the Xterra. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a relatively cheap, reliable vehicle with 4 wheel drive.

• 

  Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By cuellm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The best vehicle I have ever owned

• 

  I LOVE THIS SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MEDIALIZ - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS SUV ... ITS LUXARY ON THE INSIDE AND HANDLES GREAT - HAVE PUT IT THRU SOME PACES ... TERRIFIC, ONE SNAG - WISH IT GOT BETTER FUEL ECONOMY- FRIGHTENING $2.25 PER GALLON ... THE PRICE YOU PAY FOR THE CAR YOU LOVE

• 

  Great SUV - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By jeep family - June 15 - 10:00 am

  All the fun of a JEEP, plus more room for family and cargo