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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  way cool - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By rlbrich - January 1 - 9:30 pm

  I love my Jeep, right now it is a totally stocked Renegade. I plan on adding a lift kit and larger tires. I keep on eye on the Liberty websites for news and ideas to improve my Liberty. The family loves to go off road and to go geocaching. This is an awesome vehicle. My Liberty is so much better then my first Cherokee was.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By MOM68OF1 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my Liberty. I looked at many suvs and the Liberty stood out.

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  I like my Jeep! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By terrence - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my 2004 Jeep for four months and have been really pleased with it. I dont mind that it is not "car-like" because if I wanted that, I would have bought a car. It handles well, looks good, and is worth the upgrade to get the Limited. The only down side is the gas mileage, which honestly is deplorable. I dont even get the low sticker MPG of 17/19, which is a shame because I pay for good gas & drive relatively normal speeds. However, if something happened to it, I am positive that I would just go out and buy another one at this point.

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  Love My Liberty! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By SgtIvansWife - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE IT!!! Rides great, not bumpy. Sound system rocks! Driving a "fishbowl" is wonderful because you can see everything around you! I feel very safe in my Liberty!

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  I love my Jeep Liberty! - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By gagonzo - December 30 - 10:00 am

  You have to find an oportunity to go off road with this Jeep. It is a little mountain goat, for sure. Loves to go fast on the freeway and gets much better gas mileage at high speeds. Can pull anything with ease, but gulps gas when it does. I am looking for ways to increase the gas mileage now. Leave it dirty, because will all the fancy body cladding, it is hard to wash.

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  My 6th Jeep !! - 2010 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom - December 29 - 10:40 am

  Waited for this one. They got it right. Comfortable seats with thigh support. Excellent visibility. Super Selec-trac transmission. Very proud to own this vehicle!

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  Awesome vehicle - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Gina - December 28 - 4:50 pm

  Great during snow storm, felt safe driving. Great overall comfort, easy to manage.

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  Third Jeep - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Wayne Thompson - December 28 - 12:13 pm

  Not a CJ-5 or CJ-7 (have had both) but still basically a Jeep (my third). Took it out last weekend in dirt, mud and snow which it handles acceptably. Would work better with more aggressive A-T tires. The power windows/doors strike me as un-Jeeplike (especially lack of conventional locks on 3 doors & rear tailgate).

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  FRONT DRIVE SHAFT - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By lam57 - December 25 - 3:02 pm

  I bought my Liberty RHD new in 2005 for my mail route. I am on my 7th front drive shaft. Instead of replacing U-Joints in the drive shaft you have to buy the whole shaft. The rubber boot around it leaks dust which in turn ruins the drive shaft. The back doors have such a poor wrap around design, the doors get frozen shut during any bad weather. I have had to have the transmission rebuilt and have had numerous problems with the front end. If I didnt need a RHD vehicle I would never recomend this vehicle. Very expensive to maintain!

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  Great SUV - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Jack D. - December 15 - 4:56 am

  I bought this Liberty Sport V-6 4a in June 05. I am a previous Wrangler owner. This Liberty rides well and is comforting on long drives of 400+ miles. The gas mileage is ok if you dont have a heavy foot, but if you need power it has it! The stock tires are limiting if you off road much. I purchased some BF Goodrich T/A tires and that solved the problem. The interior is great. I have hauled 600 lbs. of wood pellets in the back with no problems. People complain about the window controls but I like where the are located. All in all, it is a great 4WD. I kinda wish I had bought the CRD. It will probably be my next vehicle.I installed a K&N air filter and it made it better.