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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  Jeep - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By angelabysea - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Good buy for smaller SUV

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  a little bigger but just as much fun - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bosslady - October 16 - 10:00 am

  had a Wrangler for years. loved it but needed a skosh more room. Liberty fit the bill. its quick, comfortable, cute and oh so easy to drive. love it..love it..love it too.

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  Less the MPG its perfect - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Purple Lie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Finally a small to medium sized "truck- based" SUV. Its a well mannered truck that is well suited to proudly in front of the club house at your favorite golf course and is equally well suited to get you to the top of the mountain to your favorite hunting spot.

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  Love my Liberty - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By Bears8b - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV we have ever owned. My wife and I both love the handling, the room, and the design. So far, so good. Was a little hesitant about buying a Jeep, as we have always owned Nissans. Have been very happy with its performance to date. Also Great AC

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  Love my Liberty! - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Brianne - October 13 - 12:06 pm

  My Liberty is a definite upgrade from my 00 Neon that was totalled. I bought the Liberty based on exhaustive research and an excellent deal from being a recent college graduate (1% below invoice plus rebates). Got mine fully equipped with Sirius satellite radio, sunscreen tinted glass, power sunroof, and all-terrain tires. The V6 gives it awesome power. I dont really intend on going off-road, I just wanted a secure vehicle for New England winters, and I definitely have it!

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  Loving it less.... - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By Libby - October 11 - 12:40 pm

  The Jeep has been a great vehicle. Its easy to drive, easy to park, easy to see out of, and easy to get in and out of. Plenty of storage and travels well. If you want a plush ride, might not be for you, as its a real jeep. Not a disguised mini van. Its been rock solid except for the window issues. Trail rated perhaps should be turned to Tear rated. I love my Jeep, but I am really getting tired of having the windows repaired. It goes in tuesday for window repair #5. After owning a Wrangler, two Cherokees and this, this Liberty will likely be my last Jeep as the window issues are souring the whole experience. Would give 9s on build and reliability if not for the windows.

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  Good, But Not Great - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By Samuel - October 10 - 9:03 pm

  Our 2008 Liberty Limited is our second Liberty. We traded in a 2003 Liberty Sport that we drove for 5 years and 50,000 miles without a single problem. We wanted a fully loaded Liberty and the end of year rebates plus lifetime powertrain warranty were too tempting to resist. The 2008 feels a little more "grownup" than our 03 and although it has the same engine does not feel as quick. The mileage, never particularly good on our 03, is even worse on the 08. It has been to the shop for minor things such as a 4WD warning light that wouldnt go off, a defective bow that caused a wind leak on the Skyslider top, and a hood prop rod that came off in my hand.

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  Jeep Liberty 4wd w/ sunroof - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By hbtexan - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just crossed 1000 miles w/ my Liberty. This is my 3rd Jeep (previous Jeeps were 95 Wrangler then 98 Cherokee). My overall impression is a LOT of thought went into this vehicle. We bought it because it looked to be a good combination of car (ease of driving, safety, sportiness) and SUV (carrying capacity, ruggedness, ability to do some light towing). I think they really pulled it off. I have been very impressed with the quality of materials. So far it seems well built for the money. I put a 100k on my Cherokee and look forward to doing the same w/ the Liberty!

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  It hit a solid double - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Skipnatl - October 8 - 2:00 am

  My second new Jeep, Ive been a little peeved about the little quirks. The air/heat fan is too noisy and there are rattles in the dash. I love the performance of the vehicle, and the gas mileage hasnt been horrible. Its very comfortable for me and three friends to ride around. If it werent for the noises, I would say this is by far the best value for the money. Now, Im not so sure.

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  LOVE THE LIBERTY!!!!!! - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By us - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2004 Limited 4WD Liberty 4 months ago... This car is awesome... great for driving in new york city (and can parallel park it with ease!)... the gas mileage is really not that bad for and SUV. The car looks great, drives great and can hold a lot of cargo. And although most people dont like the window controls on the center seat, weve grown used to them and for the drive and passenger seats. I actually like them better than the on the door version. However, for the back seat, I think they should be on the doors.