2003 Jeep Liberty Review

Liberty Sport is trimmed with black molded bumpers, wheel flares and side molding that give it a rugged, more youthful look. Limited models are distinguished with body-colored trim and aluminum wheels, which create a more sophisticated appearance.

The new Renegade features a light bar integrated into the leading edge of the roof, a roof basket, bolt-on wheel flares, removable side steps, unique wheels, and a two-tone front fascia. The activity light bar houses four halogen lamps designed to light rocky terrain or a game of beach volleyball. (Operating roof lights may not be legal on your roads, however.) Inspired by Jeep's Dakar concept, the Renegade comes in Bright Cactus Green, Light Khaki, silver and black and features body-colored grille and moldings with a two-tone front fascia. Unique Renegade wheel flares appear wider than the standard flares with machined stainless steel bolt heads. Trapezoidal wheel openings frame the all-terrain tires mount on 16-inch six-spoke wheels. Silver tubular side steps with black step pads bolted to the chassis rails make getting in and out easier, and can be removed when it's time for some extreme off-roading.

Liberty's body is tall, providing the driver a commanding view of the terrain ahead. By exterior dimensions, the Liberty fits between the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. With an overall length off 174.4 inches, it's slightly longer than Ford's Escape. It's longer than Jeep's classic Wrangler as well, but 7 inches shorter and as much as 500 pounds lighter than the Grand Cherokee.

A neat feature: Yanking hard on the outside door handle causes the glass hatch to swing up as the door itself is swinging out, which saves time and effort. Pulling on the handle with less force causes just the glass hatch to swing up. Also, the door swings open from the right, better for curbside pickups at the airport.