The Good
The 2003 Jeep Liberty offers decent off-road performance for its class, which appeals to the adventurous buyer. Its rugged Jeep design provides an emotional connection. Practically, it offers reasonable comfort for daily driving and a manageable size for city maneuverability. It's also known for its relative value in the used car market.
The Bad
Potential weaknesses of the 2003 Jeep Liberty include relatively low fuel economy compared to some competitors. Watch out for potential transmission issues and front suspension problems. Rust can also be a concern, particularly in areas with harsh winters. Some owners have reported electrical problems as well.
2003 Jeep Liberty: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L I4: This engine provided a more economical option.
- 3.7L V6: The V6 offered more power and was the more popular choice. - Horsepower:
- 2.4L I4: Approximately 150 hp.
- 3.7L V6: Approximately 210 hp. - Fuel Economy (estimated):
- 2.4L I4 (2WD): 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- 3.7L V6 (2WD): 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
(4WD models have slightly lower fuel economy) - 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 2.4L I4: Around 11-12 seconds.
- 3.7L V6: Around 8-9 seconds. - Towing Capacity:
- Up to 5,000 lbs with the V6 engine and proper towing package. - Trim-Level Features:
- Sport: Base model, typically included cloth seats, basic sound system, and standard safety features.
- Limited: Upgraded model, often featured leather seats, premium sound system, power accessories, and enhanced interior trim. Optional features included a sunroof, upgraded wheels, and various convenience packages. Both trims were available with 2WD or 4WD. The 4WD system was a part-time system, designed for off-road use and requiring manual engagement. The Limited trim also offered more exterior chrome accents.
2003 Jeep Liberty Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2003 |
Make | Jeep |
Model | Liberty |
Trim | - |
Style | - |
Type | Wagon |
Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | United States |
Manufacturing City | TOLEDO |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | - |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 3.7-L V-6 |
Engine Size | 3.7L |
Engine Cylinders | 6 |
Transmission | 4-Speed Automatic |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | 4-Speed |
Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
Invoice Price | - |
Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Check
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Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2003 Jeep Liberty Have?
How long will the 2003 Jeep Liberty last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and seatbelts. Optional safety features included side curtain airbags. The 2003 Jeep Liberty received crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA ratings varied, but it generally scored well in frontal crash tests. Side impact ratings were lower. The IIHS rated it "Marginal" for side impacts. It did not have advanced safety technologies common in newer vehicles. The limited tech offerings reflect the automotive standards of the early 2000s, focusing more on basic functionality than advanced connectivity or driver aids.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2003 Jeep Liberty Prices and Market Value
2003 Jeep Liberty Cost of Ownership
2003 Jeep Liberty Fuel Efficiency
2003 Jeep Liberty Safety Rating
NHTSA
2003 Jeep Liberty Recalls & Defects
Exterior Lighting
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Ball Joint
Exterior Lighting
Exterior Lighting
Suspension:front:hub
Suspension
Exterior Lighting
Suspension:front:control ARM
AIR Bags
AIR Bags:frontal:sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Structure
AIR Bags:frontal
AIR Bags:side/Window
2003 Jeep Liberty Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2003 Jeep Liberty Compare to Other Wagon?
Features were comparable across the class, though the Japanese competitors often had a slight edge in interior quality and refinement. Reliability was a mixed bag; the RAV4 and CR-V generally had better reputations for long-term reliability than the Liberty. Price-wise, the Liberty was often competitive, especially on the used market.
Alternatives to the 2003 Jeep Liberty include the Toyota RAV4 (for better reliability and fuel economy), the Honda CR-V (for a smoother ride and spacious interior), and the Ford Escape (for similar ruggedness with potential reliability concerns). If off-road capability isn't a primary concern, the RAV4 or CR-V might be better choices. For someone wanting a more modern version of the same Jeep formula, the newer Jeep Compass or Jeep Renegade could be considered.
Ranks #457 Truck
1 | 2023 Toyota Tundra | (5.0★) |
2 | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | (5.0★) |
3 | 2023 Ford E-Transit Chassis | (0.0★) |
4 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis | (0.0★) |
5 | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | (0.0★) |
6 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | (5.0★) |
7 | 2023 Nissan Frontier | (5.0★) |
8 | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD | (0.0★) |
9 | 2023 Ram 4500 | (0.0★) |
10 | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | (5.0★) |
11 | 2012 Suzuki Equator | (0.0★) |
12 | 2009 Mitsubishi Raider | (5.0★) |
457 | 2003 Jeep Liberty | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2003 Jeep Liberty a Good Wagon?
Garnet on September 26, 2023
Great carHad this car for 19 years .Has been great started using oil at 150000 miles...no smoke oil just disappeared. Usual maintenance tires brakes and heater core and 2 rads. Nothing major Blue with the Limited model and pulls a trailer no problem with trailer packaging. Just keep an Eye on your oil levels..no leaks at all. Been a great vehicle.
Franko on June 21, 2023
Prefer my 1991 4.0 wrangler over my 2005 3.7 liberBy liberty I bought new in 2005, AC compressor had to be changed on the fifth year, the motor was replaced after 114 thousand miles due to bent valve , Motor is a 3.7 which I was told they have problems, replaced electric fan on the radiator, warmer rear window regulator replaced and other than that just regular maintenance, I still have it and I keep the maintenance up on it ! With the Jasper motor in it it has been very dependable and that is why I keep it size retail value on it being low
Ayh on April 30, 2021
Best car everI bought my liberty in January 2004 it is a 2003 currently has 231,000 miles on it have done nothing to it but regular maintenance brakes oil changes every 3000 miles still going strong no oil leaks or major problem
JEEP ON on August 2, 2020
GREAT JEEP LIBERTY WITH CLEAN TITLE.THIS CAR IS READY FOR ANY OCCASION. NO MATTER WHERE YOU WANNA GO THIS SOLID JEEP WILL ALWAYS BE READY. LET'S GO! DON'T WAIT FOR TOO LONG.
Rhondy on July 24, 2020
Just keeps going...Even after 135,000 miles and 18 years on the road, my little blue Liberty keeps going and going strong. This Jeep had and still has the most amazing A/C of any vehicle I have ever had. Cold as ice and powerful blower...perfect for AZ summers! Had issues with the window regulators for a few years until Jeep/Chrysler got the issue figured out, but otherwise a dream. My sweet little Liberty is going to my niece now that I have moved on to a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but she will have more years of reliability and fun with this little gem!
David C on February 29, 2020
Great car for a state like New YorkThe car is reliable and smooth to ride. Small car so fits in those tight to squeeze spaces. Sun roof makes it great for the summer time.
the mekanic on January 8, 2020
Renegade trim, skidplates, 5 speed manualThough my Liberty is getting on in age, it's still just under 100k miles. And, I still miss my '86 XJ. Previous owner didn't change fluids other than engine oil, so components like the transmission and rear end aged more rapidly and have been replaced along with a new clutch assembly at 98k miles. Remember, changing oil is NOT just about the engine!! You need to service the front and rear differential, as well as the transmission AND transfer case. The 231J transfer case my be just about "bulletproof", but without proper service it won't be. Regular service is critical to longevity. If you let the differential fluid go too long, it will prematurely wear your bearings, and axle walk-in can take out your spider gears, leading to ring/pinion damage/failure and a call for a scrapyard donor or a rebuild. Remember: ALWAYS clean your undercarriage after exposure to salt or the beach! I just completed rebuilding the front end, and have to say that some parts were difficult and time consuming to locate. Most had to be ordered via a Chrysler or Jeep parts website, or via the dealer. AND the front clevises have been discontinued for this model year. That's Chrysler/Jeep's fault, not my Liberty's. At this point in the review is where we issue a MAJOR WARNING: If you have not inspected the clevises (the part which holds up the front spring assembly) DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. For model years 02-07 they are DISCONTINUED AND NO LONGER AVAILABLE BRAND NEW. If yours are too corroded to clean, paint, (or repair) and reinstall you will find yourself scouring scrapyards for replacements. They may be too far gone, or maybe not. If you do get them, CLEAN AND PAINT THEM. To my knowledge, there is one brand new one in left in existence in Idaho on a dealer shelf. I got the other two out of three remaining. If you don't have a pair of solid clevises, you don't have a front end (or a Jeep) anymore!!!! These vehicles are getting older, and certain parts will become more difficult to locate unless they are basic and supplied by aftermarket companies. As part of this review, I was asked if I would recommend this vehicle to a friend. That is a "yes AND no" query. At such an advanced age, with part availability being a significant issue I would say "no" as shop labor can be cost prohibitive. If you do all your own work, have fully inspected critical parts for corrosion/wear and find it acceptable, then "YES" go for it!
Jackmass2 on December 27, 2019
Reliable. 4-wheel drive is good in the snow.I would not buy this vehicle again. The gas tank is located too close to the rear bumper. There was a safety recall. Our Jeep dealership installed a hitch receiver as a remedy. Then, at my own expense, I installed a bump step.
Jmc on December 1, 2019
Can't even get my emissions done by mva for 5 yearIt has been troubling since the day I bought it. Struts, misfires, no heat this year. A 100 things I can say about my 2003 jeep liberty. Hits bottom on any hole etc. Need to get recalls all fixed, and then I have no transportation til it is fixed. I better get a rental for free PROBLEMS SINCE DAY ONE!
Lisam on October 14, 2019
My 2003 jeep liberty has 224k mi and runs great.This car has been good to me. Inexpensive to maintain. Check engine light has never come on. I'm already at 224k. The only thing I think is any inconvenience.. the window controls placement. It's gas mileage could be better. But well worth it's luxurious!!