Jeep Liberty

The Liberty's Freedom after the Cherokee

In 2002 the Jeep Liberty KJ replaced the legendary Cherokee XJ. It was designed to be slightly larger than a compact SUV like the Cherokee, and aimed to compete against cars like the RAV4. Created with a unibody design with independent suspension, and available in two or four-wheel drive, the Liberty came with a 3.7L V6 with 210 horsepower. The headlights were rounded into a circular form and the body took on a more bulky form with rounded edges. At first it came as a base or Limited trim. A specialized off-road trim titled Renegade was also available through 2006. The Liberty still came with upscale options such as leather and heated seats, a sunroof, and a navigation system. Diesel engines were also offered for 2005 and 2006. The Liberty was a perfect SUV for buyers who intended to drive on and off the road and it could offer average space with decent comfort.

The Liberty after a Decade

The Liberty received a complete restyling for 2008. It looked much more like the classic Cherokee with boxy styling and squared headlights. Known as the KK, this redesign aimed to improve both the Liberty's off-road and on-road capabilities. Cargo space had grown, comfort and styling were improved, and the interior was designed to be more spacious. It came with two trim levels: Sport and Limited. The Renegade, Jet Sport, and North Edition were offered as well, but they were offered only for a  limited time. Ironically, the Liberty was discontinued in 2013 only to be replaced by the 2014 Cherokee, and though it will no longer be produced, it has attracted its own loyal enthusiasts for its off-road performance, versatility, and customizable features.