<P> 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 . </P> <P> Inspired by styling from the Dakar and Jeepster concept 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 . </P> <P> 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 July 2004 for the 2005 model year, the Liberty received a mid-cycle 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 . </P> <P> The 2002 - 2007 Jeep Liberty KJ was offered in three basic trim levels, each offering their own level of standard and optional equipment: </P>

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