Which is the better generation Jeep Liberty and why?

I like the newer redesigned one's look where the spare is underneath but haven't driven one yet.

Some ppl say the 1st generation 02-04 was better than the slightly remodelled 05-06 ones cuz of better tranny etc but I have no experience with the differences... anybody owned multiple generations for comparison?

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Hare on my Chest

i have an 03 so,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,03! har har

I think popular nomenclature across different car cultures would call the 02-07KJ a generation. Generally generations are only seperated by differing chassis type. Heck the 97-01 XJ was radically different from the 84-96 XJ, but most everyone would not call it a "generation"

The nifty thing about chassis codes is that we can refer to a specific model without having to call it by some kind of laymens terms nomenclature.

For example, if I say 04KJ, or 07KJ, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Our particular case is further compounded by the fact that our "Liberty" is still called a "Cherokee" in the rest of the world. Generally Jeepers tend to refer to their particular model simply by the chassis code.

"Ya the XJ wouldn't start so I drive the TJ today, it was nice because I got to put the top down and enjoy the sun. The wifes WJ is nice with the sunroof, but there is just nothing like dropping the top on the TJ, course sometimes I think I should trade it in on a nice new WK CRD, that sure would be sweet, and get much better mileage."

Anyways, back to your original question.

I like the looks of the new KK, but I'm not sure about how it will fair offroad, after having many XJs I was disappointed with the KJ offroad, and if the KK is just as much of a step down from the XJ as the KJ was, then I will not be impressed by it.

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

I like the looks of the KJ. The new KK's are to boxy for me. When I go to buy a newer Jeep, a KK won't be on the list to look at.

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Blood Clot Red 03 Punisher Edition
245/75-16 Duratracs, Soft 8's, Ironman/clevis Lift, Monroe Sensa-trac rear shocks, JBA 3.5, GTP Hood Louvers, Roof Basket & Light bar, Mudd's Garage Rear Bumper
custom made items: cross rails, grill inserts, cargo shelf, lightbar, pin stripping & rock rails.
L.O.S.T. #DW090501

X2. Of the the 2 KJ's I like the looks of the 05-07's over the 02-04's. But I do like the Beafier tranny, but rear disc brakes, and ESP are a plus also...

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- Mike
'12 JK

Jeep Tech Files

05-07. I prefer the fog lights in the grill as opposed to the bumper. The new Wranglers have them in the bumper now. I just don't understand the logic behind that. You bump into something and the fogs are toast!

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Jason
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Ya but you will be able to see it to avoid it.....durh!

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http://www.Colorado4Wheel.com
"Its not about what you can DO with your Jeep, its about where you can GO with your Jeep."
Knowledgeable - But Caustic

Amen to that!

The first generation 02-04 KJ with the original front bumper is still my choice,

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The most repeated sentence I heard from my dealer was "I'm sorry YOU are not happy with our service" so it was still my fault.

I know it's bound to come up at some point, but without the CRD, I wouldn't be a jeeper now at all, so there are enough positives there alone to make it my fave. Also, the KK looks like the woodsy version of a Nito (which I find a little cheap and ugly looking). It's better than the Nitro, but still makes me think about it.

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2005 Silver CRD Limited
245/75R16 GoodYear Duratracs
Fumoto drain | ProVent CCV Filter
Stanadyne FM100 filter | Cummins fuel pump
GDE Eco | SEGR | BoulderBars | FrankenLift | Frankenskids

I think I'm luck to have purchased and '02 since it has a more desirable transmission. Even though it about 200 miles away from rolling 100,000 miles it still feels solid and runs great.

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LEAD FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY
2002 Sport 4x4 3.7 L w/auto
Amsoil from bumper to bumper, Amsoil Air Filter
PIAA head light bulbs, Fog Light switched out to SilverStar 9005's
MagnaFlo Muffler, New Radiator, Rebuilt A/C system,Rebuilt Rear Diff, LBJ's twice
Dunlop 245/70-16 Rover AT

I have one of the oldest KJ's around ( 09-01 ) and I'd say the first were the best. After that it all went downhill with DC cutting costs and taking out all the goodies.

Door upholstery changed from cloth to plastic. Billet door lock pins changed to plastic. The gearbox changed. etc.

Maybe this was export only but mine came pre-lowered ofroad ready from the factory with a trac lock 4:10 rear axle.

I guess they had to prove someting back in those days. I do like the looks of the '04-'07's though, if you cut the bumper they look meaner then the '02-'04's.

Had a look at the KK last week. Those JK door handles look cheap and out of place.

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Cherokee 2,5 CRD: sold - Wrangler TJ 2.5: gone - Touareg V10 TDI: new toy

Solo Liberty en Español: Jeepliberty.es

it's a toss up in my opinion.. every one has it's ups and downs... like tonycrd said.. the real early ones were prelowered and had the better gearbox.. however i do really like my 06 renny with the raised hood and grille.. fog lights on the top of the bumper.. rockrails.. and ofcourse the cut-able front bumper. and the 6 speed is nice. but a lot of that is just renegade specific.. generally i like all KJ's KK's are a bit too urbanized for me.. i always think of a G-wagon when i see them... but hey.. a SFA under anything would be bad-ass *hint* someone should do it to the KK! *hint*

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2006 Renegade. Completely stock.

I think the Patriot is a sharp-looking vehicle.

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2006 CRD http://www.UtahPowderCoatings.com/ http://www.gorecon.com/ I'm kind of a big deal.
RL rear bumper, ARB front bumper, Mile Marker winch, Power Tank, Skids by Mopar & Skid Row, RL Super Skink Sliders, 235/85R16 MTR, Air Flow Snorkel, DTT, 4.10 gears, Frankenlift II, Katskin leather, JL Audio stereo, Rosen video.

I don't plan on buying anouther Jeep for at least 4 more years. When that time comes around, I'll try to make my purchase with what ever the new model is at that time. Grand Cherokee size is what I need these days and considering the gas mileage differences why not.

2002 was the most feature packed (without paying for it)
The later years added in iPod functionality, ESP, TPS, etc...

I will buy 1st run's I think from now on to avoid all the crap cost cutting moves that Chrysler makes.

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02 Liberty Limited
Silver Outside & Taupe Inside
Heated Seats, Sunroof & Infinity speakers
USA Spec I-Pod adaptor, Mopar Sub, Garmin GPS
Tow Package, Select-Trac
Rock Rails, Tow Hooks

02-04 for me. The 04 has the 42rle but so far Ive not heard of any widespread failures so I have no problems with it. Only thing that sucks is how its programmed to shift.

KK is ok if you do not plan on offroading alot. I believe Jeep had to go towards the on-road crowd with the KK to help sales, now all they need to to is fix that mpg problem.

I never saw where the xj was said to be better than a tj offroad either.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

I might be alittle partial...but I would say a 2005 KJ Sport in Patriot Blue

I love my 05 Renegade. Love the flat hood. for our UK friends bonnet. I guess I watch to much TopGear.

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05' Renegade
K&N Filter
General Grabber AT2s 245/70/16

theres some features i like on the 05's but I dhave to say 02 is prolly my favorite, I like to overkill everything I do so I LOVE my transmission

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1980 Jeep CJ7 Buggy
SOA, D44/ FF14B, SBC 350, SM465, NP205, 108" WB, 37" MTs

http://www.dpgoffroad.com/
http://www.ucora.org/
http://www.christianoffroad.com/
http://jeepinbyal.com/

I have an 2006. I prefer that style and I don't anticipate me not seeing anything in the dark.

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2006 Midnight Blue Jeep Commander 4x4
Bone stock for now.
http://www.pnwjeep.net/forum

I'd have to disagree....fog lights need to be low to the ground...thats what makes them function. Ever drive through fog or a ragin snowstorm with your headlights...they dont do much good, in fact they hinder...throw on the low to the ground fogs and you can see again. Having the fogs right next to the headlights defeats the entire purpose in my opinion. but to each his own. I personally like the Liberty's looks before the changed it in 05. I also like having a truck tranny in my ride over a minivan one.

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2003 Silver Sport - Debadged
245/75/R16 DuraTracs
Cragar Soft 8s
OME Coils & Front Shocks, Bilstein Rear Shocks - Muddified Lift
JBA 4.5 UCA
K&N CAI
MagnaFlow Exhaust
Rola Vortex Rack

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