Used 2003 Jeep Liberty Consumer Reviews
Used Liberty for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
stalling problems
questioning, 08/21/2006
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Jeep did great for the first few years. Now it is in the shop more than out. The dealership started by replacing the crank sensor, and now they say they don't know, or there is nothing wrong. The poetic justice is that the mechanic finally got stuck himself in it and had to be towed. However, I still don't have my vehicle. It is my second Jeep, but I am disappointed now. Wondering if anyone else is experiencing the same. It started with downshifting at odd times and now just stalls out while driving. I only saw one review that said the same, but several that mention a hard shift, etc. I wonder if it is a factory defect.
Always a jeep owner
SEEKAUFF, 05/24/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
80,000 miles on the first set of tires. Love the selec trac transmission. Absolutely no problems so far only routine maintenance. Love the heated seats and moonroof. Lots of storage space inside. Heater will cook you and A/C will freeze you. Had an 89 cherokee that I sold at 265,000 miles. Hoping to make this one last as long too.
2003 Jeep Liberty for sale near you
Showing 3 of 47 listings
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000134 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,900160 mi away
- Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,900165 mi away
See all 47 listings
I love my Jeep
Javier Andrade, 12/12/2005
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had my Jeep for over 2 years and I still love my vehicle. It's fun to drive and very powerful. I like the way it looks and the seats are very comfortable.
The best choice
Car, 10/26/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Best car I have ever had handles great in the winter
Fun to Drive!
Janet Lange, 05/10/2006
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It's peppy and fun to drive. It's good looking in and out. I have always had confidence in its performance when I took it out. It does not ride like a luxury car, but like the little SUV it is supposed to be. I would highly recommend it for the young and the young-at-heart.
Love My Lil 'Rene' !!!!
Michelle Carbo, 03/03/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had a Saturn coupe- hated it!!! On my birthday on our way to go eat we saw the renegades- after dinner about 9 o'clock we went to check them out- that night we drove home in it- the next morning my husband asked if I liked it- I told him he could not get me out of it if he tried! I let him drive it a couple times a week- I love it!!! I have had it for almost 8 months and I love it!!!
love my new liberty
tom574, 10/26/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Yes the gas milage stinks...about the same as my 5.0 V8 mountinear, but who cares it is fun to drive and is very powerful. Has a rattle on the left side by the glove compartment door which will be fixed by dealer next week. No other issues. gteat SUV!
Liberty scores a home run
dhmeieio, 02/28/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've been driving a 4wd Renegade for 3 months. This has included desert off- road and snowy mountain driving. Performance, reliability and fit/finish have been excellent. Gas mileage is not good (about 17.5 combined city/highway), but reflective of a fairly heavy vehicle with a strong engine.
Disappointed
bkroener, 06/14/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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 car's computer as it get to know my driving habits--- SURE!!! Front seats need more thigh support. Gas mileage is awful.
THE VEHICLE FROM HELL
TEDDY, 06/03/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This vehicle drove fine when we drove on the highway and access roads. We had it for less than 12 hours and returned it because the city streets and ride were so punishing. I drove 6 miles got out and the back pains were unbelieveable. I have run 3 marathons and felt better after those endurance events than 6 miles of CITY STREETS with the Liberty. The vehicle also idled roughly. I have vehicle that is 15 years old a 3 Series BMW that will run circles around any SUV and not punish you. It had a very stiff sport suspension that now feels like a Rolls Royce. UNBELIEVABLE. It used 5.5 gallons for slightly over 40 miles.
Bought new, no problems for 6 yrs
Sheylal, 05/26/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in 2003, replaced a snapped hood latch cable in 2008. Replaced original tires at 60,000 miles with Cooper and much quieter ride. Brakes changed twice. Battery died last month after 6 yrs. Right fog light burned out this week. Very reliable. Live in Northern lower Michigan lots of rain, snow and ice. Never any driving issues summer or winter. Trail ride weekly on two tracks and quad trails, drive to work Mon - Fri. Great ride, great handling. Front seats are not comfortable for long rides is my only complaint. I also own 2000 Jeep Wrangler which is fun but rougher riding. Liberty ride is carlike in 4 Wheel drive. Very Reliable.
Love It
Matt, 01/21/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We LOVE our 2003 Liberty. We bought it used with 20,000 miles on it and have added 60,000 to it and only replaced the belt and belt tensioner. (plus brakes and tires) I replaced the original tires at 70,000 only because I was worried about them being so old. They still had 1/2 tread. When our son turned 16 last month, we gave him the 2003 and went and bought a 2008 Liberty. Like it even more and it's hard to believe but the 2008 is even faster. These things are rocket ships. The seats in the 2003 are a bit uncomfortable but the 2008 has that fixed. You could nap in those puppies. And the new sky-slider roof is just about the coolest feature on any car anywhere.
Brakes sucks!!!
Lisa Dunn Ashcraft, 09/20/2015
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 16 people found this review helpful
Just pit brakes riders and brake calibers on 2 years ago and they need again I don't know if I'm the only one with this problem but it sucks and comes on quick.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Liberty not Liberating
Christopher Schisler, 08/15/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Don't buy this Jeep. It is THE most uncomfortable car I have EVER driven. It gulps gas. It has been back to the shop with transmission and engine problems twice. I chose the liberty over the escape for looks...shouldn't have been so shallow...I think the escape is a better ride.
Crap
outdoorlady, 07/08/2004
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
I hate this car. Bad gas milage. It's very uncomfortable and it looks like a cheap car.
Repairs needed. Gas guzzler. Rides like a truck.
steadythunder, 11/23/2011
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 20 people found this review helpful
I spent 1,500 dollars on repairs the first week I owned it. It cost me another 400 within the next week. I don't have much confidence in the reliability, since it left me stranded twice in the first month of ownership. It rides very much like a truck, and gets very poor gas mileage. Mine is 4WD, but did not come equipped with a towing package. It is the first 4WD I have owned with no provision for towing. It is very nice looking and the basic body style was the same for several years in a row. Mine could be mistaken for a much newer Liberty.
New owner
Wes O., 10/30/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just picked up my Liberty Renegade yesterday. I absolutely love the vehicle. The leather seats are very comfortable and the interior controls are logically arranged. The seating area is every bit as large as my Ford Explorer Sport was. The exterior appearance is aggressive, without being overboard like the Avalanche. My only complaint was the difficulty in locating a Renegade with the options I wanted. I was unable to find one with antilock brakes in the Austin area and had to travel to San Antonio to find one. It was worth the drive. The 75 mile drive back to Austin was an absolute pleasure.
Give us Liberty!
Rutledge, 01/27/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I love it. Where we live we need 4-Wheel drive anytime it snows. We have no problem in our Jeep. We have the Sport and it shows up most SUV's on the road.
SUV that ACTUALLY performs off road
Patric Payette, 02/19/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best SUV's I've ever driven. It handles on road well and off road even better. With no after market parts I've taken my Liberty far into the bushes and it handles mud pits with ease. When on pavement it drives nice, has good power and does everything an SUV should do on the road. Other SUV makers should take note. This is a true offroad vehicle unlike most SUV's in its class. If your a soccer mom I'm sure it would fill your needs as well. Nothing is more fun than driving downtown with my Jeep Liberty covered from top to bottom in mud after mudding and seeing all the looks you get from "city drivers". I have absolutely pounded on this Jeep and haven't had any breakdowns.
Cute Ute? are you CRAZY?
kjmike, 01/28/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, I have found the Liberty to be an EXCELLENT vehicle because of its overall build quality, terrific handling, and solid JEEP like feel.
all around driver
sport, 10/30/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car runs well, but it feels bumpy and stiff. It drives very well in snow.
excellent
pfisch71, 01/31/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
wonderful vehicle, could get better gas mileage though
Love my Liberty
empirecat, 11/01/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove the top competeing model against this vehcile. Although it was a little bigger the ride and comfort was not nearly as good. I love this vehicle.
Great Value for the Real Thing
arbitrader, 02/01/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were looking to replace my car with a wagon type vehicle that would handle the unimproved work sites that I occasionally visit. After testing the Ford Escape (too expensive, no 2 speed transfer case, not as nice interior) and the Honda CRV (too car-like)we took a test ride in the Liberty Sport and were immediately impressed. Fantastic styling, fit, finish, quietness and ride quality. I have owned a few SUV's and this does not ride like a truck but still maintains its poise on rough roads. Even though it appears tall it remains flat in the turns. We only have 1,100 miles so we are looking forward to logging some more miles under different conditions.
Half Cherokee, Half Wrangler
J843, 08/04/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jeep Liberty is a great blend of Grand Cherokee features and Wrangler capabilities. This Jeep is more truck than it is car, so those of you looking for a small SUV that handles like a car need to keep looking. No other SUV except the Wrangler has the off-road capability of this Jeep. It handles well on the road, but it is not a car, and does not even attempt to approach the handling of a car. It is greedy on gas, but the engine is powerful. I have the 2WD Limited version, and I'm completely happy with my purchase. I suggest the 4WD Renegade version for those who are going to do serious off- roading.
A good ride
Rak, 11/06/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just got my 03 Jeep Liberty Limited a week ago after ordering it around 10 weeks ago. I chose the Atlantic Blue exterior color, light/dark interior and added ABS and side-air bags too. The interior of the jeep is top-notch, the leather is fine grain and i love the overhead console and also the audio controls on the steering wheel. The sound system is decent and the seats are pretty comfortable too. Ride wise, it's comfortable but the steering can sometimes feel heavy and it does not always take corners smoothly.
The BOMB!!!
Jumbo, 02/04/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My personal opinion is the Jeep Liberty is way better than the Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Hyndai Santa Fe. I have owned a '93 Jeep Cherokee. It is a "Classic" and in good condition.
Best of the best
Quantek, 10/06/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car (SUV) The best SUV in it's class
Renegade Rocks
G Wilkins, 02/08/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
All I can really say is BUY IT. If you want a jeep and want good value for your money, This is the one.
Great Small Truck
river rat, 02/10/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its great on the beach in sand, I have no problem towing a small boat anywhere. It handles much better on the road than reviews would lead you to believe.
Jeep Liberty is a Winner!
fatman, 10/01/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Liberty is a tightly made tough little vehicle. It is great for around town and can take you all over Pismo too.
Amazing in every way!!
colorado1974, 02/15/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The build quality rivals that of Acura. The looks are better than the rest, plus I had it through 3 feet of water and not one drop leaked inside. I get 23 mpg on the highway at 70mph and really couldnt' be happier. No wonder this was the number one seller last year.
Who's got the keys to my Jeep? BeepBeep
debbie, 10/28/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love my new Jeep Liberty. I got it only 2 days ago October 25th. It is everything I could have wanted and more. I have so much fun driving my new Jeep. It handles so well, I hardly notice the bumps, a really smooth ride. They say it is the best Jeep ever and it is true.
Jeep Specifics
JBemery, 08/06/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2002 ltd is quite masterful on sloppy roadways (mud, snow, rocks, debris in general) HOWEVER.. I would recommend purchasing and utilizing the "Full-Time" 4WD option in any rainy conditions. I have found the notable weight and high center-of-gravity can easily cause a slide on curves at "reasonable" speeds when in 2WD mode. My only other issue was at around 1800 miles a speed sensor fried and intermittently would totally screw up the transmissions functioning. This took 3 trips to a dealership and the involvement of a Chrysler Tech.(via phone) out of Mich. to run down the proper diagnostics. Everythings been cool since the new sensor though.
Pretty good asides from the MPG 3.7A4
Zeferam Cockran, 03/07/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this Jeep since 2004, used to be my fleet truck and purchased t for personal use since knew history, no problems to report until recently an electrical short due to water contact on an electrical plug on the floor under the back seat ( what was jeep thinking when they designed this??? ) cost 500 to fix otherwise good ride and with my three huge dogs no torn seat fabrics , impressive compared to my previous cars. Could say a lot about gas mileage however well worth to visit dealer for CPU updates, the one to reconfigure tranny is well worth it, no more hard shifts and bit better gas mileage. All around good performance, noise level a bit high inside but acceptable.
Go for it!!!
goneloco, 11/11/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had mine for almost 3 weeks now with around 500 miles in it. This vehicle is great!!! I enjoy driving it so much that when I go on a 10 min. errand I would instead take the longer routes just so that I can drive this thing longer. I liked the handling and the driving experience. Was seriously thinking of getting a Rav4 before I stopped by the Jeep dealer. Everytime I park my Lib next to a Rav4 I I know that I made the right decision. The only thing that the Rav4 had that would sway me a little was the gas mileage thats about it.
everyone wants it
rj7138, 07/16/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
no promblems ,lots of fun and looks
At least Daimler Benz is involved.
Imnochoirboy, 07/15/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the first domestic auto I've ever owned, and after 9 months I'm still happy. It's only the second year for the Liberty, and unfortunately they're still working out the bugs. Something behind my passenger airbag rattled until I made the dealership find it. Jeep service is pathetic, and will call all noises and rattles "normal." But it is a solid vehicle. I was surprised how well designed and built it was. Other than the pathetic gas milage (16mpg for a V6???), the Jeep is great.
give me liberty!
Dymo, 11/13/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
love it! love it! i test drove just about every small and medium sized suv on the market and this is by far the best.
Good value, good off-road qualities
Garland Courts, 07/15/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Liberty is fun to drive, stylish exterior, great engine layout and can go anywhere with a family. Great value for the price.
gotta love it
kashube, 06/19/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought 03 jeep liberty beginning of june. Can't help but love it. The V6 has a nice throaty muscular roar. Gas mileage is low but compared to the other SUVs and trucks out there you'd have to drive a Focus to get great gas mileage! My wife and I love the styling much more distinct that others (especially the plain vanilla Ford Escape. Interior on the limited rocks! Also don't let that "bouncy ride" entries sway you, it's very comfortable (We drove a Jeep Wrangler for 14 years)
Great Concept
Doctor, 11/14/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most of our driving is in the outskirts of a major city, so the restricted side view was hard to get used to. 16K plus in the last year, it's a terrific vehicle to drive. Two long road trips, both very comfortable. Off road in the Virginia mountains- Excellent performance. Not challenged at all by National Forrest trails. Replace the standard 16 tires ASAP with lower profile/wider skins- DRAMATIC improvement in all on/off road driving characteristics and stability. Thinking of buying another in a couple of years.
My Liberty
claude, 07/09/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not too big, not too small. We needed something to pull our 19 foot boat, this fit the bill
Great Mid-Size SUV
PStardust, 11/17/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Partner has had a Liberty( 2002) for a year now and loves it. I had driven it for a while before I decieded to get one myself. I love the turning radius and the heighth of the car.The Liberty is a very utilitarian car. Simple quality with a little style.
Capable 4x4 Vehicle
esantia, 07/10/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Usefull vehicle good ofroading can take lots of pounding, yet is quite on road. Good acceleration for its weight. Fuel economy is not so great but the difference is not huge since compared with other vehicles with better fuel economy going on incline road or fully loaded the smaller engine (RAV 4) has to over rev to keep up with speed and losses its fuel economy advantage. Very reliable, quite and confortable.
Great Vehicle
Jeff C, 04/22/2009
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this 4 wheel drive 6 years now and plan to keep driving it until it dies. I would buy another one if they still made this body style. It has been a surprisingly reliable vehicle. I have never taken it to the shop for any repairs, just maintenance. (knock on wood) I just checked the milage and got 19 MPG in mostly city driving. I got 65,000 miles on the original tires.
New owner review
dambio, 07/16/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Jeep Liberty. I've only had it for about 1 month, but I just can't find enough time to drive it. It is the perfect size vehicle and is absolutely exciting to drive. I love the way it handles and especially love the power of the 3.7L V6 engine. My wife and I are both tall (she's 5'10" and I'm 6'2") and the head room in the front of the car is perfect. There are still several inches left even when I sit straight up (which is rare in any type of vehicle). Most people complain about the handling and ride, but I say an SUV is a truck, not a passenger car or a minivan, and I expect one to behave accordingly.
Jeeps are it!
rjv565, 11/18/2002
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an incredable SUV. You certainly get your money's worth. I looked at comparable SUV's (XTerra, Escape) and to get the same options in those cars, it would have cost me between 3 and 5 thousand extra. The car is solid, rides great and has alot of power.
Solid
Lawny, 02/26/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did not expect the quality to be as good as it was but as the dealer told me . . . Benz eng. is starting to show in Jeep and Chrysler.
Air Bags
LeeF, 07/23/2003
2003 Jeep Liberty Sport Rwd 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved my Jeep until I ended up in a frontal collision. The airbags did not deploy at 50-55 mph. I refused to buy another even though to this day I miss my old one! According to AllData - there was a recall in December 2002 re: Sensors that could be sheared off in a frontal/side impact. DaimlerChrysler lied to me in their "investigation" that the vehicle acted as it was supposed to.