2003 Jeep Liberty Review: The Best Compact Off-Roader for the Price, but Outclassed by the Competition in Every Way as a Daily Driver

Garnet on September 26, 2023

Had 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

By 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

I 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

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

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

The 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

Though 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

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

It 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

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!!