Kelley Blue Book


HomeJeepJeep Liberty2003 Jeep Liberty
Consumer Reviews

2003 Jeep Liberty Consumer Reviews

Save this car
Write a Review
4.1
(1,395 reviews)
2003 Jeep Liberty
5
50%
4
28%
3
10%
2
8%
1
5%
85%
Recommend this vehicle
Value
4.2
Performance
4.3
Quality
4.2
Comfort
4.2
Reliability
4.4
Styling
4.3
2003 Liberty Overview
Among the 1395 owners who provided feedback on the 2003 Jeep Liberty for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is mostly positive, with 85% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and value to be its weakest. 693 out of 1395 of owners (50% of them) rank the 2003 Liberty five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 2003 Jeep Liberty. Is it the right vehicle for for you? Check out Kelley Blue Book's consumer reviews and see for yourself.
See Cars for SaleBuild & Price

Most Helpful Reviews

Positive Review

"We have bonded."

I originally thought this was a not quite up to speed. Over the years I have learned to really enjoy and respect this car. It loves ice and snow. It has been reliable and not needed an a lot of repairs. We have 160,000 miles on it and plan to go over 200,000. I am even thinking about buying another one or similar someday. Some people don't think the Liberty is a real Jeep, you don't know what you are missing. My primary negative issue is the mileage. It may dream of 20/mpg but it is doubtful it will ever get there.


VS

Critical Review

"fun and capable but spartan"

we bought our liberty 2 years ago and put 20,000 miles on it. overall we,ve enjoyed owning it. as our family vehicle it is only adequate we have 2 kids and going on family outing require some creative packing. highway cruising is good enough. the seats are just okay, however around town is fine. the liberty is nimble and has a sharp turning radius so its easy to get around the mall parking lot. my wife who isnt comfortable in large vehicles is perfectly fine in this one. while its a small suv its a relatively capable one. in winter driving my wife loves the 4WD and the stability it offers. i think it is good until the snow gets deep. 10" of snow will test the liberty 12" will stop it! im not talking about a snow drift i mean 12" on the ground. of course i dont think that any other small suv would fare any better. also better tires than the factory eagles would help a lot. for fun in the dirt its surprisingly capable! we do some trail riding with ours and it handles uneven terrain like a champ. this vehicle major drawback is ground clearance. as long as the tires are touching the ground she will do respectably. we are content with the highway mileage, we get 22-24 depending on our speed and outher factors. on one 350 mile round trip i managed to get 24.2. but my wife can never do better than 22....not sure why that is:) i am impressed with the torque of this engine even if it is a little loud in the cab. its not particularly quick but its quick enough and the torque is wonderful for pulling a tralier or playing outdoors. in 4WD in deep sand you'll only need keep your toe on the throttle, not floor it like so many other suv's. we havent had any mechanical issues except for the u-joints on the driveshaft, however they were covered under warranty.

2003 Liberty Reviews

In our commitment to delivering the most comprehensive assessment of the vehicle possible, KBB.com widens the scope of our reviews to include all pertinent model years.
ex. Dependable

Showing 8 of 1,395 reviews.


Rhonda
10/9/2024
Efficient but not spacious

There’s not allot of leg room or elbow room. If you’re 6ft tall you won’t be comfortable no matter where you sit in the vehicle. I can say that it tows with no issues, as long as fluids are kept up this car will live a long time. I drive 216 miles every trip back home 2-4 times a week for 4 months and my jeep has no issues.

Value
5.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
3.0
Comfort
1.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
3.0
Was this review helpful?
4
0

Twin2
4/12/2024
22 years and still running

I love my 2002 Jeep Liberty. I am now in year 22 and I keep saying I need 3 more years. I say this every year. This is a great vehicle to have, never disappointed. I will be heartbroken when I have to let it go. But until then I'll keep riding high.

Was this review helpful?
7
1

6b87fb78
6/28/2023
It just keeps going.
Pros

Turns sharp, easy to park. Claws through snow

Cons

Stiffer ride than a car but tolerable.

My 2005 Liberty now has 278,000 miles on it. It is the Limited version with the 2.8L diesel engine and five speed transmission. Power heated seats, man those are nice in winter, and ABS. I ordered the upgraded four wheel system that has two four wheel drive systems in high and one in low gear. I can set it in full time 4x4 and forget it if I wish. I live ten miles from nearest city in WI and sometimes the snow piles up on the roads, and in my driveway. So I needed a good four wheel drive vehicle. This Jeep Liberty has been a blessing. It is now 17 years old and is headed for 300,000 miles by next summer. It has never failed me except when the alternator gave up the ghost. I didn't quite make it to my favorite store for a new alternator. I could not believe that big battery was used up in a 26 mile trip. But there are three commputers in that Jeep so I suspect they pull a lot of amps. Had to get a AAA tow to the shop. An older, simpler car could have gone 40-50 miles on that big battery I installed. So far the only expense has been maintenance related, no major failures except the alternator. I have replaced brakes, and shocks and a few steering parts but the engine and transmission work like new. OOPS, forgot, the rear window quit on me. I have it propped up with a vacuum handle like you might put in the shower. LOL To be open and educational, I use ONLY synthetic lubricants. I change engine oil and filter at 5,000 miles. I have the transmission serviced at a shop so I can get a professional to examine it at about 75,000 miles and insist on synthetic ATF+4. I have towed heavy trailers several times over hundreds of miles, it has not been babied but keeps on ticking. One time I pulled a 3600 pound trailer from OH to WI with not a hint of trouble. I made certain it came with the trailer tow package from the factory. WARNING. That package includes a heavy duty radiator, a cooler for transmission and all the wiring and hitch for towing. You or dealer can bolt on a hitch but it won't have the heavy duty radiator and transmission cooler. The biggest expense has been the timing belt at the 100,000 mile mark. Last time it cost $1400. But if that belt breaks it can damage engine parts and then the cost might be $4000. It is a big job I have been reluctant to tackle but I'm seriously thinking of trying it at the 300,000 mark. I really like this little Liberty, it seems to have a rare personality. So easy to park, good visibility all around. It can hold five people plus five suicases if need be. I had it ziebarted intending to keep it till I am too old to drive. I'll do compression check at 300000 to learn what its like inside and decide whether to run it or have it rebuilt.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
4.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
Was this review helpful?
8
0

Alex
4/26/2023
Great Car
Pros

everything

Cons

Rust

I love my jeep liberty!!! I have 150,000 miles and its still driveing great. Rust is a problem as all jeeps face but nothing to be afraid of. Overall awesome car.

Value
5.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
5.0
Styling
5.0
Recommends this vehicle
Was this review helpful?
3
0

Rinabean
4/16/2023
It keeps going.

Honestly this has been a reliable vehicle regardless of the minor problems like oxygen sensors, some interior falling apart. At 165,000, there haven’t been any significant issues and this vehicle has kept on going.

Was this review helpful?
4
0

Albert
2/20/2023
it loves ur money, all of it

@ 42,000 miles we've had to replace the exhaust, window motors, door trim, upper and lower ball joints and control arms. water pump,the dash lights are on despite having thrown a few grand at that weird unfixable problem... good news its for sale. 740 238 0752 send text. 2007 trail rated gold color. in west Virginia the vehicle must pass inspection. so it's in new condition.

Was this review helpful?
3
0

John
10/15/2022
It’s been very good to me
Cons

No reverse

One owner purchased off the showroom floor in 2004 3.7 L four-wheel-drive air condition sunroof power Windows and doors Colombia edition .color silver Five matching original sporting wheels.Just yesterday 65mph to 85mph in 2 seconds runs excellent

Value
4.0
Performance
5.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
Was this review helpful?
2
1

Kathy
10/1/2022
Good vehicle
Pros

Reliabl, powerful

Cons

Needs clear coat on exterior

This is a diesel and has great power. Dark green exterior, leather grey interior in excellent condition. Power everything, heated seats, low mileage and everything runs and works great.

Value
4.0
Performance
4.0
Quality
4.0
Comfort
5.0
Reliability
4.0
Styling
4.0
Recommends this vehicle
Was this review helpful?
1
1

kbb-logo-mini

Reviews You Can Trust

Kelley Blue Book has been a respected figure in the automotive world since 1926. Our commitment to maintaining this legacy is evident in our Consumer Reviews and Ratings. To ensure our customers receive candid, genuine, and impartial car reviews, we've teamed up with Bazaarvoice, a leader in the industry that employs cutting-edge fraud protection and state-of-the-art protocols to guarantee the authenticity of each review. At Kelley Blue Book, trust is the cornerstone of our relationship with our valued customers, and it’s the guiding principle in everything we do.
Advertisement