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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  Love My Liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Dody Lomax - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I love the way the jeep drives. I feel like Im driving a car instead of an SUV.

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  O.K. LIBERTY - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By TAMMYBRANT - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I FEEL LIKE IM TILTED TOWARD THE WINDSHEILD WHEN IM SITTING DOWN. I MIGHT HAVE TO JUST BREAK IT IN! LOVE THE JEEP LOOK INSIDE. PRETTY COOL!

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  Liberty - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Gotjeep - June 12 - 10:36 am

  Well no complaints, fuel mileage could be a little better but when compared with similar vehicles at least I can leave the pavement. I dont see any issues with the steering and the body roll on corners is perfectly acceptable. The ability to tow up to 5000 lbs is awesome(more then my friends trailblazer is rated for..) The 3.7 engine is a v6 version of the 4.7 in my Grand Cherokee, very simple to work on and in the Liberty the engine bay actually has room! For the features and price I would say its well rounded off. The little loss in the drive quality on pavement is more the forgiven for what she can do off- road. Love the solid rear axle and the IFS handles her own.

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  Still Needs Work - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Chester0 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  In total, not the worst SUV Ive owned, but still has room for improvement. Thirsty, lacking interior storage areas, and mediocre acceleration are common complaints that I agree with. Mechanically the Liberty is subject to bad ball joints, computer problems, rear hatch opening at random and bad ring and pinion whine. This last is my biggest gripe, as Jeep insists it is normal and acceptable for the Liberty to make a loud whining sound at 60-70 mph and refuses to try and fix it. Very irritating and sufficient to keep me from ever buying another Jeep.

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  Only a jeep thing - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By T-Dub - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this Jeep. Its outstanding preformance and fun to drive. No other compact SUV can come close to the Renagade.

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  Add Some Fun - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Amy - June 10 - 7:50 am

  I have never wanted an SUV of any type, but I love my Jeep Liberty. Her name is Libby... ha. The interior design is like that of a luxury car. She looks like Herbie the Love Bug all grown up. Its a fun and reliable vehicle.

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  Our 04 Liberty (Libo) - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Randy - June 7 - 5:16 am

  On Sunday May 30, 2005 after 4 days of online research I found the Jeep Liberty. I thought it would work for our situation. I test drove an 05 Sport on May 29. It was a basic model and those seats were flat and hard. Not to mention the price without 4WD or option even with discounts and low interest & incentives. I continued my research. I found an 04 Liberty, Columbia edition 4WD on an internet special & $10K less than a new one and it only had 12,900 miles. It was put in service March 04 and traded in on May 5th of 05. Lucky me. I walked out the door with the Libo for $17,000, warranties and ttl included. Shop the internet the deals are out there. We luv the Libo.

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  Do Not Buy - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By MWM - June 6 - 2:00 am

  From the time I purchased this vehicle a year ago, it has been nothing but trouble. I have had problems with the alignment (four adjustments), worn out shocks, power window and door locks, and have recently had to get new brakes. I am not at all rough on this vehicle. It was built poorly, and I would not recommend the Liberty to anyone. Go for an Eplorer or Sante Fe instead. I have had it in 11 times this year. That is ridiculous for a new vehicle. Do yourself a favor and do not buy a Liberty.

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  Thinking of buying a Liberty - Dont! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jenelle - June 4 - 2:40 am

  I bought my car new and liked it at first. Now Im having many problems with it - mainly brake issues. At 22,000 miles I had to replace the caliper and brake pads. Now, only a year later and only 4,000 miles later the brakes are bad again and they say I need to replace front and back brakes completely. They claim this is because I live on the ocean (which corrodes breaks faster) but I have lived on the ocean all my life and have never had to replace breaks at 26,000 miles on any other car! The seats put my legs to sleep when driving (and others have told me the same), the horribly designed seats stain extremely easily.Ive also had no luck w dealer. Do yourself a favor dont buy this car!

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  all kinds of trouble - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By rwestondsm - May 28 - 10:30 pm

  Bought my Liberty new and enjoyed it for first six months or so despite the design that makes it sound like a helicopter with windows open. Since then have had repeated electric problems -- dome light short, power window short, cd player quit working. The final straw is an automatic transmission that had to be rebuilt at only 50,000 miles with no abnormal driving conditions. The dealer was not helpful with this. Because of all of these issues, I wont purchase another Jeep product.