Jeep Liberty (KJ) | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Jeep (Chrysler) |
Also called | Jeep Cherokee (outside of North America) |
Production | April 2001–2006 |
Model years | 2002–2007 |
Designer | Bob Boniface (1998) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission |
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Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 104.2 in (2,650 mm) |
Length | 2001-04: 174.2 in (4,420 mm) 2005-07: 174.7 in (4,440 mm) |
Width | 2001-04: 71.1 in (1,810 mm) 2005-07: 71.8 in (1,820 mm) |
Height | 2001-04: 73.2 in (1,860 mm) 2005-07: 69.8 in (1,770 mm) |
Curb weight | 3,508-4,312 lb (1,591-1,956 kg) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Jeep Cherokee (XJ) |
Successor | Jeep Liberty (KK) |
The Jeep Liberty (KJ), or Jeep Cherokee (KJ) outside North America, is a compact SUV that was produced by Jeep and designed by Bob Boniface through early 1998. Introduced in May 2001 for the 2002 model year as a replacement for the Cherokee (XJ), the Liberty was priced between the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. It was the smallest of the 4-door Jeep SUVs up until the car platform based 4-door Compass and Patriot arrived for 2007. The Liberty featured unibody-construction. It was assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in the United States, as well as in other countries including Egypt and Venezuela.
Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepsterconcept vehicles, the Liberty was intended as a replacement for the discontinued Jeep Cherokee. The Liberty also marked a few firsts for Jeep. It was the first Jeep vehicle to use rack and pinion steering. It also the first Jeep to use the two then-new PowerTech engines; the 150 horsepower (110 kW) 2.4 L straight-4, which was discontinued in 2006, and the 210 horsepower (160 kW) 3.7 L V6. However, the Liberty was not the first Jeep vehicle to use an independent front suspension, as the Jeep Wagoneer first used it in the 1963 model. But, that independent front suspension was limited to four wheel drive versions and, even then, was a short lived option. The Liberty was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2002.
Three trim levels were initially offered; the top end Limited, a more rugged looking Renegade and the base Sport. All were made available with either 2WD or 4WD. In 2005, all Liberty received a minor facelift. The 2005, 2006 Renegade and 2005 Rocky Mountain Edition Liberties received an exclusive flat hood and taller grille. In 2007, the Renegade trim level was replaced with the Latitude which appeared to focus more on an urban appearance and lost the Renegade trim's unique hood and grille.