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:

• 

  3rd Jeep & Cherokee Satisfaction - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By davis - February 8 - 1:33 am

  Ive previously owned a 1990 Cherokee and a 2001 Cherokee Sport, both great vehicles. This new Liberty redesign was the perfect fit for my family now and my wife loves it, despite some reviews of it being too masculine. Its a pretty incredible vehicle and the fact that you can get a fully loaded, roomy real Jeep SUV for ~30k is amazing. I was very sad when Jeep discontinued the classic Cherokee in 01, but the new styling, size and features on the Liberty definitely show that it is the real successor to that line.

• 

  my Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By susan - February 5 - 2:36 am

  The Jeep Liberty Sport is so much fun to drive. I drive a lot in my work and have found going to work more fun. i love the fact that I sit up high and can see all around. I just feel safe in my Jeep!

• 

  FOR REAL! Best SUV / CAR in the World for the money! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By 08jeeplover - February 4 - 6:47 pm

  Have owned s-class Mercedes, 7-Series BMWs, Audi A-8 etc. But they are all way over-engineered hence have allot of problems. Our 2008 JEEP Liberty is the best suv / car in the world. Its great looking, safe, reliable, offers tremendous value etc. The best thing that I have done in 2010 is sell our 745Li and purchase a used 2008 JEEP Liberty. and but a 2008 JEEP LIberty.

• 

  My Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bdr - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I didnt like the Libertys when they first came out, but I took one for a test drive, and bought it a few days later.

• 

  MY NEW JEEP - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bethtylbrand - January 18 - 10:00 am

  MY HUSBAND AND I BOTH OWNED JEEP GRAND CHEROKEES. I TRADED MINE IN ON THIS LIBERTY. AT FIRST IT WAS A LITTLE GETTING USED TO, BUT WITH ALL OF THE ADDED FEATURES IT DIDNT TAKE LONG. THE ONLY THINGS I WOULD CHANGE WOULD BE THE WINDOW CONTROLS,AND TO PUT SOME TYPE OF HANDLE ON THE BACK FLIP UP WINDOW TO AVOID THE HAND PRINTS. WHEN YOU CLOSE THE WINDOW YOU HAVE TO TOUCH THE GLASS. THESE ARE LIVABLE AS THEY ARE, BUT SINCE YOU ASKED, THAT WOULD BE ALL WOULD CHANGE. THANKS, DIANE

• 

  Love My Liberty - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By bponik - January 14 - 2:40 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace a minivan (which was overkill) and wanted to be able to tow a 21 foot boat. My old 1989 4.0L Jeep Cherokee had trouble pulling the boat, so I was worried. No need to, the Liberty is more than capable of towing this load. It also handled the Northeast winter like a Jeep, Snow problem. :)

• 

  Love my Jeep! - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Sybil Moon - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I also have a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Sport and I loved driving that one until I got my Liberty! I have nothing but good things to say. It handles great, the suspension makes it a comfortable ride on the highway. I travel about 2000 miles per month and I know I can count on my Liberty! When we are ready to trade in our Cherokee it will be for another Liberty.

• 

  A love hate relationship - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By munckin001 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love the Jeep, Sturdy, responsive, good towing ability, good power on high end lacks power in mid range.with 55,000 miles I am getting 19-22 mpg. Get ABS! have had 2 accidents due to brakes locking up while making turns on slick surfaces or turning on to gravel, have had 5 near miss accidents. No dealer help on this issue, that is the hate part of the relationship, dealers are not willing to back up thier product...Visit National highway transportation safety site for consumer complaints.

• 

  Great buy for the money - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Sarah - January 8 - 12:10 pm

  I have had my Jeep Liberty for just over two years and have never had a problem with it. This is my fourth Jeep, and with my Liberty, I have not run into some of the problems I had with prior ones. There was one window leak recall, but other than that, it has been smooth sailing. There are some great features with the Jeep, and I especially love the responsive handling and added features. Its fun to drive and very safe feeling. Its comfortable from the front seat or back and has good cargo room if you arent trying to bring home large furniture or more than one stroller. All Ive ever done is routine maintenance, no other break-downs or problems!

• 

  Jeep Liberty 4X4 Diesel - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Gary - January 8 - 6:13 am

  I have only owned this Diesel Jeep Liberty for about 6 weeks. Traveled over 1000 miles on a vacation with it as well as in town with A/C on. We are in the Mojave Desert. Jeep performed as advertised. Fuel readily available. Better handling than my old 2002 Jeep Liberty and a lot more safety and handling features. Much more economical. Very satisfied. Only one embarrassing feature. Rear passenger door opens and tall guests legs, socks, pants get rear tire marks on them (fender is part of door). Embarrassing! Otherwise, excellent performance and handling.