The Good
The 2004 Jeep Liberty offers a blend of practicality and Jeep charm. Advantages include decent off-road performance thanks to available 4x4, a comfortable ride for daily driving, and a distinctive, boxy design that appeals to those seeking a traditional SUV look. Its relative affordability makes it a practical choice, while its Jeep heritage satisfies the desire for adventure.
The Bad
The 2004 Jeep Liberty has some known weaknesses. Watch out for potential issues with the transmission, particularly the automatic. Suspension components and ball joints can wear out, requiring replacement. Fuel economy is not a strong point. Some owners have reported electrical issues and rust, especially in areas with harsh winters.
2004 Jeep Liberty: Quick Overview
Here's a summary of key specs for the 2004 Jeep Liberty:
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: Available on the Sport trim.
- 3.7L V6: Standard on Limited and available on Sport.
- Horsepower:
- 2.4L I4: Approximately 150 hp.
- 3.7L V6: Approximately 210 hp.
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 2.4L I4: Around 20 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (may vary).
- 3.7L V6: Around 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway (may vary).
- 0-60 Times:
- 3.7L V6: Approximately 8-9 seconds (estimated).
- Towing Capacity:
- 3.7L V6: Up to 5,000 lbs with proper equipment.
- Trim-Level Features:
- Sport: Base model; features typically include cloth seats, air conditioning, AM/FM radio with CD player, manual windows and locks (power options available), and steel wheels. 4x4 was an available option.
- Limited: Uplevel trim; typically includes leather seats, power windows and locks, upgraded audio system, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and other convenience features. Often included features that were optional on the Sport trim.
It's important to note that specific features could vary depending on options packages chosen by the original buyer.
2004 Jeep Liberty Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Jeep |
| Model | Liberty |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | TOLEDO |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.7 L V-6 |
| Engine Size | 3.7L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 5 Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
Check
Check
Check
Check
Listings
Recalls
Check
Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 Jeep Liberty Have?
Electrical problems, such as issues with the power windows, door locks, and instrument panel, have also been reported. The 3.7L V6 engine, while generally reliable, can experience issues with oil leaks and cooling system problems. Fuel economy is generally considered poor compared to other vehicles in its class, which can lead to higher running costs.
Recalls for the 2004 Jeep Liberty have included issues related to airbag deployment and brake light failures. Check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for a comprehensive list of recalls and technical service bulletins (TSBs). Long-term reliability concerns center around the potential for rust, suspension wear, and transmission issues, which can lead to costly repairs as the vehicle ages. Regular maintenance is crucial to mitigate these potential problems.
How long will the 2004 Jeep Liberty last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features were limited. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking available.
Safety features included front airbags. Side airbags were available as an option. It's important to note that this era predates many of the advanced safety technologies common in modern vehicles.
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) are available. It's advisable to review these ratings for specific information on crash performance. However, remember that crash test standards have evolved significantly since 2004, and comparing these ratings directly to modern vehicles may not be accurate. The Liberty generally received decent, but not outstanding, crash test scores for its class and time period.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2004 Jeep Liberty Prices and Market Value
2004 Jeep Liberty Cost of Ownership
2004 Jeep Liberty Fuel Efficiency
2004 Jeep Liberty Safety Rating
NHTSA
2004 Jeep Liberty Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 Jeep Liberty Compare to Other Wagon?
In terms of features, the Liberty was relatively basic compared to some rivals. The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 often offered more refined interiors and available features. The Xterra had a more rugged and utilitarian focus. Reliability was a weak point for the Liberty compared to the Honda and Toyota. Prices were generally competitive when new, but used values reflect the Liberty's depreciation and perceived reliability issues.
Alternatives to consider include the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 for better reliability and fuel economy, or the Nissan Xterra for similar off-road capability with a more rugged focus. The Ford Escape is a more affordable alternative. Consider your priorities carefully - off-road capability versus overall reliability and fuel efficiency.
Ranks #450 Truck
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Tundra | (5.0β ) |
| 2 | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | (5.0β ) |
| 3 | 2023 Ford E-Transit Chassis | (0.0β ) |
| 4 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis | (0.0β ) |
| 5 | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | (0.0β ) |
| 6 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | (5.0β ) |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan Frontier | (5.0β ) |
| 8 | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD | (0.0β ) |
| 9 | 2023 Ram 4500 | (0.0β ) |
| 10 | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | (5.0β ) |
| 11 | 2012 Suzuki Equator | (0.0β ) |
| 12 | 2009 Mitsubishi Raider | (5.0β ) |
| 450 | 2004 Jeep Liberty | (5.0β ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 Jeep Liberty a Good Wagon?
Jay on August 31, 2024
Before owning this car I've always made fun of the way itBefore owning this car I've always made fun of the way it looks until realizing it may not be your ideal Jeep, but it does help with aerodynamics of the car. For a SUV with a V6 engine I expected the gas intake to cost more than it really does but to my surprise the gas cost is no issue for me and I drive it almost every day. As the car is well built it is meant to be a car that is supposed to be taken care of like a car. There's some issues that will occur with the 04 Jeep Liberty but those fixes don't burn holes in your pockets. After 20 years this car is still capable of trail riding and everyday usage with comfort and confidence. The interior can be turned into a quiet a spacious area for the size it appears to be form the exterior. I heavily recommend this as a first car as it was my first. Not to mention it is a pretty hard shell to crack when it comes to wrecks or bumps. To think owning this car Brand New while it runs perfectly fine for its two decades of life. To anyone reading this that is thinking of buying this from a Dealer/FBMP/Family or Friend, I'm sure you won't regret it.
Twocan on July 16, 2024
Bought used.Bought used. It has 194k miles on it. Looks good! Sitting in the driveway. It drives down the road, but if u give it gas it sputters and doesnt speed up. Misfire on cyl. 6. Spent too much bying it, too much trying to fix an unfixable problem. Read other forums of owners with same problem never seeming to be able to fix it for good. Worst car ive ever owned! Had it for a year and ive only put 600 miles on it. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!
MJ on February 6, 2023
Good little carBought this car at 1 year old and sold it in 2019. Fixed very little on it and nothing very expensive. Very reliable. I did not like that it could not be driven on the highway in the snow as it could only be used in 4x4 at low speeds. When not in 4x4, it was not a good snow car. Fine around town. Great on the beach. Everything worked fine when I sold it at 15 years old. Bought a Subaru for the AWD.
Razor Ramone on January 22, 2023
Just got new tires and rims now has the beefy lookGreat, love it wouldn't trade it for nothing. Bought it for a second vehicle but ended up making it all mine. Let the wife have the new truck. Has 74,000; actual miles. Looks and drives out like new.
Pamela on July 22, 2022
LemonBought this car for my son first car . Looks good sitting in driveway. Most unreliable automobile I have had constantly in shop can't find problems won't start new battery twice in one year. New starter. The lists goes on . Still won't run . Died leaving the mechanic
Lindalemon on February 25, 2021
They should rename it the lemon Jeep LibertypAfter I bought this car I found in the glove box list of repairs. Parts of the transmission the engine the suspension there wasn't hardly any part of the car that hadn't been replaced when I bought it started out with the number four fuel injector showing up on the on the dash. We've replaced everything in the engine the fuel injectors everything connected to it and then and it still comes up as the fuel ijector being Γ°à ¸Òβ¬ΒΓ’βΒ’ d. Won't go into four-wheel drive ,taillight are out werkly ball joints replaced again. Window won't go up or down.people before me kept replacing parts as well. Doesn't take turns well. I would say I don't one unless you can afford fixing i
Pageset on October 3, 2020
Love this JeepI love this car. It has gotten me through anything it's had to. 4x4 was great in he snow. Compact and easy to park. V6 offers great power!
Tatiananyc on August 19, 2020
I would love it if it worksI love the car but what is the use if I can't drive it sealed sold me car with broken motor . Otherwise it's really useful car
Red Rover on June 21, 2020
It's a wonderful vehicleThe only thing I found wrong is that strip underneath the door rust out and if you put aggressive tires on it you a lot more body noise cuz if not insulated very well
JDCruz on March 14, 2020
Most reliable engine in a car I've ever hadNever ever has had any engine issues and has high miles on it. It's never overheated, when I wrecked it held strong and was cheap and easy to fix front end no problems. Very strong built car....
Drew B
Drew is a seasoned automotive expert and contributor to VinCheck.info. With nearly 15 years of experience as a former Porsche technician, he brings a wealth of hands-on knowledge to his writing. Born in North Carolina, a region renowned for its deep-rooted NASCAR culture, Drew developed a passion for cars early in life, often building and working on vehicles from a young age. At VINCheck, Drew leverages his extensive technical background to provide in-depth analyses of various vehicles. His articles often focus on engine performance, reliability, and maintenance insights, offering readers practical information grounded in real-world experience. Some of his notable contributions include reviews on the Mazda CX-5's longevity and detailed examinations of engine options for models like the 2011 Toyota Camry and Tacoma