2005 Jeep Liberty Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A thoroughly capable and comfortable compact SUV if you like to bash boulders, but if you're like most people and spend 99 percent of your time on the pavement, the 2005 Jeep Liberty lags behind its more carlike competitors.

Pros

Extremely capable off-road, creative interior design, economical diesel engine option, still a Jeep at heart.

Cons

Gas engines are rather thirsty at the pump, not as "carlike" on the street as most of its competitors, less cargo space than some of its competitors.

What's New for 2005

An all-new diesel engine option makes its debut for the 2005 Jeep Liberty. Exterior appearance changes this year include a new front fascia, grille, foglamps, fender flares and body side moldings. Interior upgrades include relocated power window switches, new instrument panel cluster graphics and trim bezels and improved seat comfort. The Renegade model gets a flatter hood, taller grille, off-road foglamps and taillamp guards, as well as functional rock rails and four skid plates. A new six-speed manual transmission replaces last year's five-speed unit.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

When will I learn

Written by: nickels55 on 10/28/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	4
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2005 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Last 3 Jeeps I purchased brand new all had transmission/4 wheel drive problems resulting in $4K fixs under 100K. NOW this 2005 LIBERTY DIESEL NEEDS A NEW MOTOR This doesn't include the new turbo, paint peeling on bumpers, cracked speaker and the vehicle has never run good since the turbo was installed.

Favorite Features

The tailgate as the new owner drove it away

Suggested Improvements

Focus more on mechanical durability and dependability rather than aesthetics. Train the mechanics to fix what you sell

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TOO BAD, SO SAD ...

Written by: Honeybee on 10/27/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 6M)

Bought my Liberty CRD brand new with 222 miles on it. Within one year, had two recalls where I was without vehicle for a week w/ no replacement. Replaced EGR valve and sensor after 2 years, now 1 1/2 years later, have to replace again. Very expensive fix and Chrysler and dealer won't do anything about it. Why buy brand new (or from Chrysler) if their vehicles constantly are in the shop? Regular maintenance, tires, brakes, etc. understandable, but these big ticket items are ridiculous! Never again. (Too bad, though. I was soooo excited to get this vehicle! Always a huge fan of Jeep and Dodge, but this has completely soured my taste for all things Chrysler).

Turn radius, Diesel, fits two kids and myself an hubbie with room for travel. Sun roof a definite plus.

How about making a car that will actually run without significant breakdowns?

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT?

Written by: Topherious on 10/10/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade Rwd 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)

I really enjoy this vehicle. I had previously owned a Ford Explorer Sport, and in Comparison I might have as well owned a Small car. This jeep has more towing capacity, better off road capabilities, and is superior in luxury. Heated seats, 5 disk CD changer, The list goes on and on.

The entire exterior look aggressive, the leather does not wear. Inexpensive to find aftermarket parts I.E. Steel Bumper, Lift Kits, Roof Racks.

Ground clearance

Rust Bucket

Written by: Don on 09/13/2009


Performance:	2	Fun-to-Drive:	3	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	1

Owned the vehicle for 4 years and with only 19,500 miles had to replace the brake rotors (and pads) twice. The last straw was the rusted-out transmission coolant line. Body bolts (under the top of the hood in the engine compartment) also rusted. Nostalgia aside, this car is the epitemy of the US car industry of the 50-60's. Poor fuel economy, handling, performance, body integrity, etc. When we purchased the car four years ago, we had to search hard to find one with the "optional" ABS package and side air bags. Doesn't everyone who wants four wheel drive also want four wheel (controlled) stopping too? Our 2005 Liberty was finally replaced with a 2010 MB GLK 350 4-matic...GOODBYE JEEP!!!

Driver visibility, utility-hauling function & compact size for SUV.

Need to improve: ABS & Stablity Control standard (added in 2006), much better rust prevention measures, better brakes, suspension & road handling, better transmission, better fuel economy and full-time AWD.

Terrific Vehicle

Written by: Tom on 08/30/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Bought this 2.4L, 6 speed manual brand new and have driven 103k miles in 4 yrs. I love driving this Jeep! It is a tough little 4WD - not to be confused with AWD. The 4 cyl is not fast but is very strong. 6 speed transmission gives good control of power. Great tight turning radius; I can bang U-eys anywhere! Seats do stain easily, but interior finish and quality is very good. I like having power window controls on the center console. Excellent visibility. Also like having a rear window that flips open. Would like to buy a new Liberty but they are bigger, pricier, automatic only, and 6 cyl only, so I'm sticking with my funmobile.

1. Really fun to drive. 2. Stick shift 3. Tight turning radius.

None.

2005 Jeep Liberty Consumer Ratings & Reviews