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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  Much Better Than Reviews - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By CDS1946 - April 5 - 3:03 pm

  Bought the Liberty Limited for my wife. What a solid, well built vehicle this is! One look underneath at the suspension will tell you that this vehicle is built to last. Nothing cheap about the interior either. Leather seats are so so soft but very supportive. The build quality just oozes every where you look inside. And thirsty gasoline V6? Not on this one. If you drive it like you wish to keep it for a long time as we do, youll see 24-25mpg easily on the highway and 18-19 in the city. Those numbers aint bad on a 4000 lb plus vehicle. The ride thats supposed to be not quite up with the rest? Thats a bunch of nonsense! Test drive one and YOU be the judge.

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  Great looker - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Jason Smith - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Well I have to admit Iam a first time Jeep onwer and I have to say I am loven it. Great feel, and its a SUV you can d anything with. We have a cabin up in the woods and live in the city, this SUV give you the best of both worlds.

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  Beware of 3.7 - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By MostAnnoyed - April 1 - 2:46 pm

  Absolutely loved the vehicle, turning radius was incredible, seats very comfortable, power was more than adequate, absolutely loved our Renegade UNTIL at 85,000 the engine seized up at a stoplight, never to run again. Web search indicates there seems to be a random behavior of these engines gumming up no matter how religiously you change the oil and filters or how well you maintain the vehicle. Most disappointed. After five years, the vehicle is worth $1000 as SALVAGE.

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  It pays to do your homework - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Richard Waters - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I did countless hours of research on the internet. Having never bought a "new" car before, I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into. I just about bought a Ford Escape, but then test drove the Jeep Liberty. Best move I ever made. After driving the Liberty, there was no comparison between the two. The Escapes interior and overall build quality was dismal compared to the Liberty. The build quality of the Liberty seems more akin to the likes of a Mercedes or Lexus (Its that good). Fun to drive and handles great for an SUV. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a small SUV.

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  miss my liberty - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By stretchlp - March 25 - 9:49 am

  i bought my liberty used with 140k on it. put 34,000 miles on it in one year (90% highway miles). it always gave me a smooth ride. she was so fun to drive, and so reliable. i had to replace the transfer case, as well as the front differential, but considering i drove in one year what most people do in 3, it was well worth it. sadly, a week after getting it back from the repairs, i flipped her. she did a complete barrel roll, and kept me safe. didnt have a scratch on me, though i wish the same could be said for the jeep. in any event, she kept me safe and was a fun, reliable vehicle, who was capable off-road. i will miss mine dearly, and would HIGHLY recommend one!

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  Liberty (-: - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By james kober - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV so far. Only 3 complains. Right rear window has significant wind noise. Pulls to the right. Gas milage sucks. Not bad for 12000 miles. I have not taken it back to the dealer for the minor problems yet because my wife wont give it up for a day yet. Havent been off road yet, but I plan too soon.

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  2005 Limited - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By richard - March 18 - 1:00 pm

  I use this Jeep both on and off road. Superior to my Forester especially in mud. Gets 23 hwy and 18 city. So far at 20k no problems, ride is good and I can pull a horse trailer with it.

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  Fun in the sun, dark, rain, snow, or? - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By green genes - March 16 - 7:13 pm

  We like our Jeep more every time we drive it. We now have 7,100 miles, and have gotten 21.7 mpg with A/C at 70 mph. We had a recall on the engine computer; at first we got 14 to 16.5 mpg and were concerned, but reprogramming fixed it. The heated seats are great. The tire pressure on the overhead really works, saved us a flat. Everything works great, no problems. Style inside and out is well done. This is a solid, smooth riding, top notch 4X4. Perhaps the best of any car or truck we have ever had. We like the new front end, and the radio controls on the steering wheel, the leather seats, and the power sun roof. Everything exceeds our expectations, even the price was more than fair.

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  Jeep stinks - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By So Sad - March 16 - 7:00 am

  I downsized from a Nissan Pathfinder that was truly a jem but had too many miles on it. The Jeep is really bouncy and I am embarrassed to have my mother drive with me to shop. The front seats feel like you are sitting in a high chair. The gas mileage is absolutely horrible. I am looking to purchase another foreign SUV for more comfort and reliability. It feels like the transmission has to catch up to the acceleration. Not happy after less than 3 months.

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  Love it but... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Andrew - March 13 - 2:03 pm

  First things first:This is a great 4x4 for off road use.It goes practically anywhere and Ive never been stuck in it yet.It has power to spare.Goes like a bat out of hell when you need it to.Of course,its a bit thirsty at the gas pump(mine gets 16mpg in town and 24 on the road)but its worth it to have the great performance. My only real complaint about it is of course the crappy window regulators.Chrysler need to get off their buts and make a permanent solution for this problem pronto.Either that or they should fix those regulators for the life of the vehicle for free. Maybe some group of owners needs to file a Class Action Lawsuit over this problem?