2003 Jeep Liberty: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Standard 4-wheel disc brakes are the main addition for 2003, the sophomore year for Jeep's midsize SUV. Liberty is a 4-dr wagon with a tailgate that swings open to the left and carries the outside-mounted spare tire. Sport, Limited Edition, and Renegade models are offered. Renegade has unique appearance features, including a roof light bar, "bolt-on-look" fender arches, and special alloy wheels. Sport comes with a 150-hp 4-cyl engine. Optional on Sport and standard on Limited and Renegade is a 210-hp V6. The 4 cyl uses manual transmission, the V6 gets manual or automatic. Liberty offers rear-wheel drive or a choice of two 4WD systems, both with low-range gearing. Jeep's Command-Trac 4WD must be disengaged on dry pavement; Selec-Trac 4WD can be left engaged on dry pavement. Liberty's 5000-lb towing capacity is tops among compact SUVs. Head-protecting curtain side airbags and ABS are optional. Rear drum brakes are replaced by discs for '03, and chrome 17-inch wheels are newly optional for the Limited Edition in place of Liberty's standard 16s. Added midyear for Sport models was a Freedom package that includes 17s. A 65/35 split folding rear seat is standard, and leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a sunroof are available.

COMPETITION

Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.

Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.