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2003 Jeep Liberty Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 Jeep Liberty had a great sophomore year. Drivers liked the 2003 Jeep Liberty's four-wheel drive ability and rugged good looks. They disliked its low gas mileage and small cargo area.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Jeep Liberty
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 06, 2024
Absolutely loved my Jeep liberty, sport.
I was told it might topple over. Never happened.
Big problem with rust on bottom of doors. Yes, this was true.
Gave it to my kids and they promptly sold it. I would not have given it to them if I’d known.
So, I would have kept this beautiful Jeep and we could have grown even older together. Feb 06, 2024
by William M
Jun 14, 2021
The interior set up is awkward could be more user friendly love the drive trainJun 14, 2021
by Zamara L
Mar 09, 2021
Tiene muy buen precio y tiene una exelente calidad Mar 09, 2021
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 06, 2024
Absolutely loved my Jeep liberty, sport.
I was told it might topple over. Never happened.
Big problem with rust on bottom of doors. Yes, this was true.
Gave it to my kids and they promptly sold it. I would not have given it to them if I’d known.
So, I would have kept this beautiful Jeep and we could have grown even older together. Feb 06, 2024
by William M
Jun 14, 2021
The interior set up is awkward could be more user friendly love the drive trainJun 14, 2021
by Zamara L
Mar 09, 2021
Tiene muy buen precio y tiene una exelente calidad Mar 09, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 04, 2015
Love it in the snow, 4 wheel drive has the necessary power to get you going, always. Drives like a jeep, not some luxury SUV, but small and fun. Really all I needed for my drive around town. Plenty of room in the back seat for a longer rideMar 04, 2015
by Loretta S
Jul 25, 2013
I thoroughly enjoy this vehicle the 4x4 never left me stranded this winter and we had a couple ten inch snows. We live on a gravel road where they do not plow and there were no problems. Love the heated seats and now the cold air. It gets so cold I have to turn it down. It has CD player and a great stereo. All leather and all the options available. All working great.Jul 25, 2013
by Dave D
Jun 21, 2011
nice acceleration, well braking, a quite good handling
It has a really good quality
Exterior it has a really nice retro looking apparel, interior is pretty good
but it can be better i don´t like very much the seats, it has a really bad
gas mileage and a very high maintenance costs, yeah is it very fun to drive
one of this, it is a clever truck despite that costs points. Jun 21, 2011
by Rebecca H
Aug 10, 2010
love my car, Its a great value, I got it in crowley! The perforamce is great!!! Winter was awesome four wheel drive work perfect! I would recomend this car to any one I know! Its very FUN to drive. Buy it!Aug 10, 2010
by Matthew D
Apr 01, 2010
its amazing... needed few repairs in over seven years of service... brakes are good... built to go on and off-road... great interior... very durable... no squeaks or rattles... comforting exterior... fairly good handling... its super-fun to drive... i would recommend it highly...
Apr 01, 2010
by Christopher D
Nov 20, 2009
GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLE!
Build quality is good, wish the interior plastics weren't as hard. There is enough power to get you moving, however since it is primarily rear wheel drive the back end is a bit more lively than expected on wet roads. 4WD is great in the snow, however eats more gas. Nov 20, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 01, 2009
Bought new in 2002, but a 2003 Liberty Sport 4x4. This is by far, the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's also the only one I've ever been in a wreck with. I've had no major issues mechanically with this vehicle. I've done all my own oil and filter changes, and it's a breeze to change the oil and filter. You don't even have to jack it up! Good acceleration, 30,000 miles between tune-ups, and virtually a maintenance free vehicle. Only attention I give it is 3 month oil and filter changes and a 30,000 mile service for the transmission....also a tune-up and a coolant flush every 3 years.
Good interior, but the driver's seat seems at a very weird angle to me....perhaps this makes the Jeep a little tiring on long drives.
Just an update: Have had the vehicle for 12 years, and has almost 100,000 miles on it. The last 30,000 miles have been its best. Interior and exterior have held together very well considering the extreme climate here. Now, if only Jeep could figure out a way to get 30 mpg on a vehicle like this. It would be a winner hands down!
Very strongly built. I slid on ice last winter and slammed rear end first into a concrete center divider with damage to the rear door and spare tire assembly. It was probably my fault as I didn't have it in 4wd at the time.
Speaking of 4WD....it's good when in 4WD Hi. I don't have a clue what the 4WD LO is for, and I've never used it. We have snow for 6 months of the year around here, so this Jeep is a perfect vehicle for that.
Concerning squeaks and rattles...the dashboard has an annoying rattle behind the speedometer, but I've learned to live with it. Excellent AM/FM/CD stereo..with beautiful sound.
The only three minor complaints I would have with the Jeep Liberty is brake rotor noise from the rear when the rotors are wet and you're backing up, slight front end vibration at higher speeds, which seems endemic no matter what tires you put on, or how perfectly they're balanced, and poor gas mileage. There is a trick to increasing your gas mileage....don't go over 60mph on the freeway, because then it sucks gas like a pig.
It is a fun, comfortable, vehicle to drive. It looks good, and it's reliable as hell. Could one ask for much more????Nov 01, 2009
by Darren W
Oct 07, 2009
Oh my how I love my Jeep. It can go pretty fast when I want it to. It can drive through anything (I can't wait to try it in some real snow!!), and it looks good doing so. I highly recommend the Liberty to anyone, but be prepared to put a lot of gas in it! Oct 07, 2009
by Alexander G
Sep 14, 2009
gas mileage is terrible but it is a fun car to drive. good 4x4 car for snow and rocks. A pretty slow car. Fastest I got it to go was 105 mph. It is a very nice driver. love it!Sep 14, 2009
by Howard W
Aug 21, 2009
it is verry nice for a suv it holds my big family 4 kids and my wife and myself even 3 dogs if needed i would say that this suv would be perfect forasmaller family like 2 kids and a big dog we use the jeep to go all over the state it get crowded fast if you know what i meen 4 kid yelling and fighting Aug 21, 2009
by Tom D
Aug 16, 2009
I purchased a second one because I thought this one was a lemon. (although I now think they were poorly build). Seals leaked, brake issues, recall after recall (it seemed). Lemon, lemon, lemon, lime. Lemon, Lemon, Lemon, Lime (I think that took care of the word requirements)Aug 16, 2009
by Gillian F
Aug 08, 2009
The braking shakes a little but of course I always step on it too hard. It has had repairs, U-joit for example but nothing totally major. There is some squeaks but the mechanics can't find them so I don't bother trying to fix it.Aug 08, 2009
by Dave H
Aug 04, 2009
Great SUV.. The turning radius is incredible. Often able to get in and out of tight spots that others can't. The Jeep is also able to take the punishment of back country with little or no modification. It is hard on fuel however.Aug 04, 2009
by Joaquin M
Jul 19, 2009
agrresive look and medium well perfomance for mexico roads, easy to repair, solid car,cheap parts, good height, regular gas mileage, exterior with basic lines, versatility, fun to drive this car out of the road and fun in city and highway too Jul 19, 2009
by Delaney K
Jun 16, 2009
It handles very good for an SUV, never has it broken down on me, good pickup and power, it can be a gas guzzler if you bag it and it is comfy and fun to cruise around in, It is a good vehicle to own.Jun 16, 2009
by Burrell G
May 28, 2009
We love our Liberty, we got it after a 1 year lease in 2004 with 400 miles on it. Its been pretty much perfect, our only complaint is the noisy roof rack in the wind, and the low cargo space behind the 2nd row of seating.
Performance - once we have it paid off we will be buying a Borla exhaust and a CAI. Other than regular maintenance of oil changes, this car has only had to have a new set of tires. No squeaks no rattles, no repairs thus far with 75K+ miles! May 28, 2009
by Bill B
May 24, 2009
This has to be one of the BEST combinations of form and
function. From the instant you mash the accelerator to
floor board, the torque plants you firmly in the seat, and
the truck launches into action! With mine having the
Flowmaster exhaust, the roar of the beefy 6 cyl., gives
the impression of a finely tuned small block! Now that the
wheels and tires are a bit fatter, the handling has
improved too! The feeling of it being top-heavy is all but
gone.
My ONLY complaint about this Jeep...the gas mileage.
C'mon...18 MPG on the highway?!?! I would have thought
it could do better than that! Oh well, it just leaves room
for more performance modifications, since the fuel-saving
aspect of the vehicle is obviously way out the window!
Any ideas of what I should do to it next?May 24, 2009
by Ryan K
May 17, 2009
love this car can go off road yet still has the appereance of a nice SUV has lots of room and gets decent gas mileage...i love the two tone color scheme that it has with being grey on blackMay 17, 2009
by Anonymous
May 14, 2009
Nice and sporty; lack of cargo area made up by the roof rack, though SUVs are notorious tippers so drive it like it is a truck no matter how sporty it looks. Rear seats fold down and increase cargo area if not carrying passengers. I crashed mine a week after I bought it (bought it a year used) - two concerns - I didn't have presence of mind to add weight to the rear for control on ice; get sandbags! My airbag also didn't deploy when the passenger front went nearly head-on into a Jersey barrier. Perhaps I wasn't going fast enough - I suffered no injuries but I did feel the seatbelt bite in. The mileage is bad, but no one in their right mind buys an SUV to save on gas, so just have fun with it. I get just under 400 kilometres on a 60-litre tank in the city. Just took it on a 300 kilometre highway cruise and did significantly better - just over half a tank used up. May 14, 2009
by Christopher K
Jan 17, 2009
Great all around car, 4x4, powerful engine, rock soild drive train, able to take the abuse and keep on going, i drive alot to work and back so gas is important i usually put in 25 bux a week to keep her fueled up. Jan 17, 2009
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2009
Our Liberty gets around real well in our Pennsylvania winters. The four wheel drive has never let us down. There sems to be plenty of room in both the front and back seats.We haven't done anything more than scheduled maintaince and new tires. It really isn't bad on gas. around 18 MPG.Jan 11, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 16, 2008
I bought this straight off the lot in 2003. The vehichle is awesome. The build quality is storng, and it is very reliable. The 3.7 L V6 provides plenty of torque for highway or off road use, and the stock command-trac 4wd is good in the snow as well as various types of sand and mud.
The seats are comfortable, and there's plenty of leg and head room for a tall guy like me. Handling is good - not great, but then this is an SUV with Goodyear Wrangler SR-As. Which brings me to the vehicle's one glaring weakness - the stock SR-As. The make the car want to understeer, but, more importantly, they make the car want to fishtail during the rain and are next to pathetic for off-road use.
What saves the Jeep off-road is it's ground clearance, suspension articulation, and 4wd gearing (both Hi-and-Lo).
Overall, I love this thing and want nothing elseOct 16, 2008
by Jorge N
Sep 30, 2008
it was a good car until the battery and water reservoir broke!!! I bought it for my wife, it drives very good, feels good and is not very expensive, I would go for the wrangler next time, just becouse it looks a little more fun, however this car has been very good overall, I would recomend it to anyone.Sep 30, 2008
by Brian A
Aug 21, 2008
great all around car. she likes gas, but not too bad. will get out of it's own way, but not much more than that. had a rear wiper issue that was eventualy fixed by the dealer, but other than that it's been a total peach.
what else can i say?Aug 21, 2008
by Jack S
Jul 04, 2008
Bought the car of my step mom, I have had no
problems with it at all, I just wish that it didn't like
such a soccer mom car. the gas milage is ok, it gets
about 16 miles on average with a 12 gallon tank.Jul 04, 2008
by Trent H
Jun 20, 2008
like everything hate nothingJun 20, 2008
by Pascal P
Jun 19, 2008
C'est une poubelle qui coute cher de gaz pour rienJun 19, 2008
by Paul H
Jun 12, 2008
it picks up pretty quickly till about 60 ..... than power suffersJun 12, 2008
by Dustin M
Jun 05, 2008
I loved my jeep, it did its purpose, to get me back and forth to school and then to work in any type of weather condition. needed a litter bit higher gear and i think the gas mileage would be a little bit better.Jun 05, 2008
by Yesika R
May 11, 2008
I love my jeep, it's a vehicle everyone should have especially while living in the midwest!May 11, 2008
by Kellye P
Apr 26, 2008
It is pretty sweet nice handling Apr 26, 2008
by Laurie B
Apr 23, 2008
Chrome Wheels, leather interior, moon roof, Apr 23, 2008
by Jim H
Apr 14, 2008
Awesome because the capabilities are numerous, and i can usually drive it just as well in inclement weather as in normal weather. It also serves as a great storage area for all my junk that i tend to carry around with me and is useful in just about any situation.Apr 14, 2008
by Karin M
Mar 27, 2008
I've had the car for 4 months, so far I really enjoy driving it. The seating is relatively comfortable. I would like a bit more storage room inside, especially around the drivers area.Mar 27, 2008
by Ryne D
Mar 24, 2008
Love the Jeeps, it looks quite beautiful, especially for an SUV. It's so functional and has alot of space without taking up too much. Cannot complain about the acceleration at all but it could use better handling, it is 5.5 ft tall though so cant improve too much!Mar 24, 2008
by Jason B
Mar 15, 2008
Jeep has a unique product niche in automobiles. Not many can compete with their range of
unique vehicles. The Liberty is a reliable, fast, and versatile machine. I'm used to low-to-the-
ground cars, but this SUV beats most cars I've driven both off the line and to the naked eye.
It's pretty attractive with a sporty interior of dark colors and nice shapes. I would definitely
consider getting one of these in the future.Mar 15, 2008
by Mohammed M. R
Feb 12, 2008
it is not good on off roadsFeb 12, 2008
by Amber W
Dec 30, 2007
I have had this car since it was brand new. It now has 52000 miles and it is great. It drives well and is a lot of fun. The seats are very comfortable. It gets me anywhere I need to be in any weather (except hail).
My only complaints are the poor fuel economy, the lack of power, and the fact it takes nothing to warp the brake rotors. With it being a Daimler Chrysler model, the parts are expensive.
Overall it is a great vehicle I would recommend to anyone!Dec 30, 2007
by Patrick H
Dec 19, 2007
The interior is only of a mediocre quality, and so is everything else. But compared o the price, there is nothing better on the market!Dec 19, 2007
What users have asked
Overheating
3.7 liberty overheating ,code came on about 3 months ago for thermostat changed it was fine now overheating no code no engine light just h on the temp gauge. So replaced fan clutch , thermostat ,pulled waterpump it was fine put it back together went for drive about ten min then sat for ten was fine. Today took it drove about 20 min then it overheated and bubbled over. Bottom hose where thermostat is cold top is boiling hot.
518 views
2003 liberty with new battery alternator tested good. Can charge battery and run it about 15 minutes the battery light will come on.The power will eventually diminish to point where it doesn't run. I tried pushing the 2 wire plug at back of alternator in and that seemed to fix problem, for a moment at least.
Can charge battery and run it about 15 minutes the battery light will come on.The power will eventually diminish to point where it doesn't run. I tried pushing the 2 wire plug at back of alternator in and that seemed to fix problem, for a moment at least. Now same problem battery light on and car died on road this morning.
767 views
Heat blows cold
So I have a 03 liberty that will blow hot for a few seconds then blow cold and stays cold. I can switch the temputure to cold from hot and it blows hot for a few seconds then gets cold. Any idea what's going on?
9749 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2003 Jeep Liberty?Compare this car
2003 Jeep Liberty Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,520 to $24,980Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Skid plate(s): front and rear
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Infinity · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.3 · Front brake width: 1.1 · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brake width: 0.47
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent