2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade - Dusts Off All Competitors
I just came down off the mountain in Jeep's new Liberty Renegade and am now duly inspired to put pen to paper. I've driven quite a few Liberty's since its launch last year and felt and still feel that it is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. The new Renegade edition makes it even better.
But why do I like it so much? There are a lot of reasons, but first and foremost it's not a pretender. The little Jeep, while arguably more stylish than many of its counterparts, goes almost anywhere you point it. Climbing up trails that were probably designed more for mountain bikes brought to light the Liberty's surefooted capability on sand, dirt, gravel and rocks. In 4WD low mode its Goodyear Wrangler SR/A P235/70R16 all-terrain tires dig into almost any surface propelling the 4x4 from quagmire to freedom in an instant.
But before we get into the Liberty's off-road abilities, let's run over what's new for 2003. The old rear drum brakes are gone in favor of standard 4-wheel discs, shortening high-speed stopping distances while improving general braking feel. Last year's power convenience group that included remote keyless entry, power door locks and power windows is also standard for 2003.
The Renegade's standard equipment list adds an AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, replacing last year's cargo area mounted CD stacker. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted speed-control buttons, air-conditioning, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt-steering, fog lamps and underbody protective skidplates are also standard.
I just came down off the mountain in Jeep's new Liberty Renegade and am now duly inspired to put pen to paper. I've driven quite a few Liberty's since its launch last year and felt and still feel that it is one of the best compact SUVs on the market. The new Renegade edition makes it even better. But why do I like it so much? There are a lot of reasons, but first and foremost it's not a pretender. The little Jeep, while arguably more stylish than many of its counterparts, goes almost anywhere you point it. Climbing up trails that were probably designed more for mountain bikes brought to light the Liberty's surefooted capability on sand, dirt, gravel and rocks. In 4WD low mode its Goodyear Wrangler SR/A P235/70R16 all-terrain tires dig into almost any surface propelling the 4x4 from quagmire to freedom in an instant.
But before we get into the Liberty's off-road abilities, let's run over what's new for 2003. The old rear drum brakes are gone in favor of standard 4-wheel discs, shortening high-speed stopping distances while improving general braking feel. Last year's power convenience group that included remote keyless entry, power door locks and power windows is also standard for 2003.
The Renegade's standard equipment list adds an AM/FM audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, replacing last year's cargo area mounted CD stacker. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with steering wheel-mounted speed-control buttons, air-conditioning, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt-steering, fog lamps and underbody protective skidplates are also standard.