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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  Scottish Jeep Cherokee review - 2004 Jeep Liberty
  By Andy Park - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Changed to Jeep from LR Freelander for off road ability. Now used extensively offroad in Scotland French Alps. Tiring to drive round town due to weight and control effort required ( manual . Great long distance cruiser- lots of space and very civilised. Chassis build quality is fantastically vault like but surprisingly its unreliable with fan belt sawing thru badly positioned coolant pipe in first 1000 miles, frayed wire causing warning lights to come on and diesel leaking from injector. Superbly plush suspension offroad though surprisingly low ground clearance at sump means lots of noise when rock hopping though no damage to date.

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  Windows Problem - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By Diane - December 5 - 3:16 am

  Ive owned this Liberty less than 3 years. Since then 3 windows have stopped working: left rear window 2xs; left front window 1x. The left front is starting to go out again. When the vehicle was under warranty, Chrysler fixed the first 2 broken windows. Im a high mileage driver: 25,000 miles/year. The vehicle is out of warranty DUE TO MILES and Chrysler will not cover fixing the third window. I would understand if the window had something to do with miles and it wore out. Its obviously a defective part & Chrysler wont stand behind their parts. Be prepared to pay appx. $450 to get the window fixed out of warranty. On a good note, the engine is great at 64,000 miles. No problems there.

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  Worst Purchase Ever (Lemon) - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By Poor Decision Maker - November 7 - 8:50 am

  Purchased the Liberty Diesel in early 05 and have had nothing but problems. Every part under the hood has been changed due to continuous stalling, shuddering, etc. EGR valve, torque converter, fuel rail, braided fuel lines, turbo charger, etc. Its been in the shop over 15 times in 18 months and thats only because I have difficult getting it over there. Its left me stranded once, and neither the dealership nor Chrysler is very helpful. Get the extended warranty and keep track of all service records and out of pocket expenses, as you will probably need to pursue under Lemon Laws. Its unfortunate that its so unreliable as its a great performing vehicle when its not in the shop!

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  Disappointed - 2003 Jeep Liberty
  By bkroener - October 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2003 Jeep Liberty because I like the looks, quality (for an American car) and I thought it would be fun to drive. However, I am disappointed in the gas mileage, small front seats, brakes & transmission. The brakes make this horrible squeaking noise and the transmission kind of clunks when you come to a stop. The service department told me nothing is wrong and they will be adjusted by the cars computer as it get to know my driving habits--- SURE!!! Front seats need more thigh support. Gas mileage is awful.

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  Will NEVER Own A Jeep Again - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Jeep_Hater - October 20 - 7:06 pm

  We bought our Jeep when it was 3 years old. At the time we bought it, the air conditioner was broken & the engine light was on, making it hard to get inspected in PA. Everything started going on it, the head busted twice, kept stalling at low RPM, window switches broke, door locks broke, gear shift stuck all the time, and the problems go on and on. Finally the engine blew, and I wasnt paying to get it fixed so its sitting in my driveway if anyone wants it! Ill never own another Jeep as long as I live. We bought a 2008 Ford Explorer and just recently a Dodge Nitro praying we dont have problems with the Dodge like we did the Jeep.

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  too many electrical issues! - 2008 Jeep Liberty
  By krystal - September 20 - 11:49 am

  the motor in the driver window gives out. I think I had it for about 2.5 years. then shortly after, theres a short in the rear window wiper. just starts wiping on its own. I didnt turn it on and it wont turn off! I would have to pull over and turn off the car and turn it back on a few times hoping to get it to stop. then in late 2015 the cruise control, radio and all the door locks except the driver door stopped working! (including the hatch! cant open the hatch!) I cared for the car as well as I could. regular oil changes and maintenance. full tune up at 4 years. it was never taken off roading. used it to get to work and to home.

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  Most Unreliable Vehicle Ever Owned - 2006 Jeep Liberty
  By George - September 14 - 8:10 am

  This piece of junk has made me return to my original policy of buying only Japanese motor vehicles ! This past weekend, I suffered my 3rd and 4th window regulator failures within a few hours of each other. Really wish that I had done internet research before making a decision to buy this thing. My two broken windows are now held in the up position with duct tape, as I can not afford the repair cost. Numerous other costly repair problems also.

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  Jeep Bondage - 2002 Jeep Liberty
  By Tom Lewis - August 27 - 5:46 am

  Manual shift lever for Part-time 4WD, Full-time 4WD, and 4WD Low is difficult to operate. Oftentimes, it is finicky getting it in, and out, of Full-time 4WD (all wheel drive). At 65K miles, transmission 3RD gear valve body screws broke. Dealer service said that the bolts were deemed not strong for the application. Still havent seen a recall for that! Seems that Jeep isnt as reliable as it once was. Reliability is more like that of a typical Chrysler product. Theyve fixed something that wasnt broke. Fuel economy (15-17 mpg) Stinks! Blind spots abound.

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  The good and the bad - 2007 Jeep Liberty
  By dean8868 - July 13 - 4:26 am

  Bought in 2007 because we wanted a larger vehicle. Needed something to drive in the winter in case I got rid of my wrangler with 200,000 miles on it, and a rebuilt motor. Think we bought it because of four wheel drive and it looked nice. Gas mileage is decent. You will get pissed because it is not very comfortable (didnt expect my wrangler to be) this is because the seats are cheaply designed, and will stain if a rain drop comes through the window or youre drinking a bottled water. Good luck if you have kids. Until I wrote this review I didnt know that the power Windows were a problem. I had the back regulator replaced on the drivers side. This window was hardly ever used. Air con drain tube leak at shop now.

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  Should have known :( - 2005 Jeep Liberty
  By PSU268 - May 4 - 8:16 am

  Ok ... I love(d) my Liberty. I think its decent looking, nice size, nice capabilities, practical for what I want in a vehicle. But lets be honest here... I only got it because it was a cheaper alternative to a Nissan Xterra. I was very happy with it, however, till about 10 months and 22,000 miles into owning it. I have had it in the shop 5 times since then and it still hasnt been fixed. Its turning into a nightmare and I am about to look into the Lemon Law. First it was blowing spark plugs, then it was going through fuel injectors, and now it needs a new head gasket ... with 31,000 miles. What kind of quality is that? And the dealership is giving me the runaround. Thanks Chrysler!