2005 Jeep Liberty New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Jeep Liberty?
For 2005, Jeep takes the wraps off a freshened Liberty, with revised exterior and interior designs, a six-speed manual transmission and the first turbocharged Common Rail Diesel (CRD) engine offering in a mid-size SUV for North American markets. Sport models get a new bodycolor grille, updated fascias and body-side sills. Limited models add a chrome grille and body-side molding. The rock-crushing Jeep Liberty Renegade model receives unique front styling, fender extensions and a new luggage rack. An off-road light bar is optionally available, as are aggressive off-road tires and taillight guards. The Rocky Mountain Edition blends key features of the rough-and-tumble Renegade and the upscale Limited, resulting in an appealing new trim that comes standard with a power sunroof. All models get new seats, relocated power window switches and refined instrument cluster graphics. Inferno Red Crystal Pearl paint is a new option for 2005.

Advantages of the 2005 Jeep Liberty:

• Go anywhere and do anything four-wheel-drive capability
• Impressive powertrain warranty
• Torquey diesel engine option
• Comfortable front seats
• High quality interior trimmings

Objections to the 2005 Jeep Liberty:

• Top-heavy handling
• High curb weight
• Less than average fuel economy in gas-powered models
• Underpowered standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on Sport model
• Harsh ride quality
• Numb steering

Editor's Advice:
As with other Jeeps, it's hard to make a case for Liberty ownership when day-to-day driving consists of rush-hour traffic, mall parking lots and weekend errand running. Engineered to tackle the roughest terrain and survive, the Jeep Liberty cannot match similarly sized and priced crossover SUVs when it comes to the daily grind. If you require an inexpensive SUV that can traverse the Rubicon Trail with ease, the 2005 Jeep Liberty makes an excellent choice. Otherwise, try something designed to spend the majority of its time on paved roads.