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 hate relationship - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By tjm4349 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  our first suv. wife loves looks and handling of vechicle. horrible on gas, am getting 15-16 mpg mostly city. lack of storge and placement of window controls.

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  Only in a Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Todd Hoggan - April 19 - 7:00 pm

  The Liberty follows the true Jeep tradition of unparalleled off-road capability. If you actually use 4x4 then Jeep is the only real choice. Id never even consider anything else.

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  New Toy All Joy - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By chiefaz - April 19 - 9:46 am

  Just picked this up last week. It is awesome. Traded a 2003 Liberty Limited. Totally great buying experience. No Hassles. Previous vehicle great. If it aint broke dont fix it. Stay with what works.

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  Flaking paint on door console - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep Fan - April 17 - 8:33 am

  I had to have both door panel console parts that house the window controls replaced. They were actually peeling. My passenger window power switch has been replaced and I am hoping nothing else goes wrong. A sharp looking vehicle. My 2nd jeep - first was the redesigned Cherokee Limited

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  My New Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By G. Ryan - April 17 - 7:56 am

  Just bought my new Liberty Limited a week ago. I LOVE this car! Its got Spirit! So glad that I nixed others in its class. I wanted a car that was not too big, and not too small. The size of the Liberty is perfect, and rear seating is fine. The chrome wheels, chrome grill and side strip really dress it up. Great pick up and all the power I want. Turns on a dime, and handles great. Fun to drive. Some have complained about gas mileage, but its not that far off from competing models and I decided not to make gas mileage the primary factor in buying.

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  My favorite vehicle ever! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By art7 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  After many weeks of shopping around for a mini-suv this was absolutely THE best choice for the money. I looked at the Honda Element, and the CR-V, but they didnt compare to what the Liberty offered. The Element failed because it had only 4 seats and the front seat belts were tied into the suicide doors. The CR-V was too small, had under-whelming power and was too expensive.

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  Update - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Bryce - April 10 - 7:06 pm

  This is a follow up review (2 years old 30k miles). Overall we still enjoy the Liberty. It is an average small SUV but the american manufacturing is definitely show through. Still under warranty so all window regulators have been replaced at least once, some twice. Seats are very uncomfortable on long road trips (very little lumbar support). MPG is actually pretty decent for a V6 3.7L on road trips, city MPG is horrible (16 city 25 highway). Decent amount of cargo with seats folded down. We have enjoyed it so far but wont buy another. This is our first American car and we have decided to stick with foreign.

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  Liberty Rides again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Liberty, Limited - April 8 - 10:43 pm

  Gas, Gas, Gas. It likes to drink. That is the only negative feature. I have a hard time not turning down every dirt road just to have a reason to go 4-wheeling.

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  Yah! Liberty Diesel! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lightnin4 - April 7 - 9:03 pm

  Great product! Averaging 30miles/gallon Canadian. No speeding in this thing although it is fast. Youll find the mileage will stink as the turbo kicks in, so Chrysler suggests best mileage is at 55 mph. Very practical with a 5000 lb. towing capacity, 4x4, very comfortable. Diesel option in a Sport or Limited and towing package at only $1000. Colors are nice. The patriot blue and salsa red pearl coat looks great on chrome accents and sport rims.

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  2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 2WD - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rich9294 - April 5 - 5:10 pm

  I purchased my Liberty in December of 2004. I had no problems, until year 5. In the last year, the transmission has had two repairs, the left rear window broke on vacation(the glass did not go backup), and there has been one recall. My extended warranty is about to expire, and I am left wondering what will break next when I have to pay the full amount of the repair. Also, town mileage is real, real bad, around 15 mpg. I can usually get 22 to 24 mpg on the road if I drive 65 mph. If I were to assign a letter grade to my Jeep, it would receive a D. I will not purchase another Jeep or Chrysler product, ever again.