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

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT?

Written by: Topherious on 10/10/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


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

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

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

Suggested Improvements

Ground clearance

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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

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

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

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

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.

Great Jeep

Written by: Mark on 08/29/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	9

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

Bought new in 8/05 and have 70,000 miles by 8/09. Simply I have had no problems with this vehicle. The only work has been one recall and regular maintenance. The a/c works great, the transmission shifts tight and smooth and I've been getting 21mpg mixed city and highway. I like the heavy solid feel and great visibility. I have not taken the Liberty off road much but when I have it has performed well. Overall I could not ask for better.

Solid feel, reliability, roomy and decent factory sound system...looks good too.

Less plastic in the interior, seats that don't stain so easily.

2005 Jeep Liberty Sport 2WD

Written by: rich9294 on 06/19/2009


Performance:	4	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	2	Interior Design:	2	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	1	Exterior Design:	7

I purchased my Liberty in December of 2004. I had no problems, until year 5. In the last year, the transmission has had two repairs, the left rear window broke on vacation(the glass did not go backup), and there has been one recall. My extended warranty is about to expire, and I am left wondering what will break next when I have to pay the full amount of the repair. Also, town mileage is real, real bad, around 15 mpg. I can usually get 22 to 24 mpg on the road if I drive 65 mph. If I were to assign a letter grade to my Jeep, it would receive a D. I will not purchase another Jeep or Chrysler product, ever again.

The exterior styling and the strong air conditioner are my favorite features.

Additional compartments on the inside for everyday commuter use. Improved gas mileage (bad for its size). Improve the long term reliability. My Jeep was never driven hard or far, yet we have had two major transmission repairs. The product is inferior when compared to its rivals.

2005 Jeep Liberty Consumer Ratings & Reviews