Overview:
This week’s testing of the 2003 Jeep Liberty and the Renegade models was a delight. I respect my elders and this Jeep has long roots as the founding father of all sport utility vehicles. It has come up the hard way along the road to development. It has earned its stripes over 60 years and, well, I just like this vehicle. Liberty will replace the 20-year-old Cherokee and takes its place between the Wrangler and the “Flag Ship” Grand Cherokee.
I thought it looked smaller than the Ford Escape but it is actually more spacious inside. I tested the Ford Escape on a 3000-mile jaunt to Yellowstone Park and back so I became real familiar with the Ford. Montero Sport is the only one of the competition that has more cubic feet of interior space than the Liberty.
Handling & Performance:
After all this is a Jeep and it is an off road vehicle that is not to be confused with smaller less rugged “Car Like” SUV’s (Honda CR-V, Pontiac Vibe, Toyota RAV4). Those aren’t designed to hold up to the rigors of off-road use. I like the way this Jeep handles on and off the road. The Part-Time 4-WD is nice to have but Liberty has an appetite for gasoline placing it at the bottom of the list of competitors in gas performance.
Styling:
Distinctively Jeep. The granddaddy has given us a new contender for the 21st century in this Liberty.
Fit and Finish:
Very good. Surely an improvement from a decade ago. Daimler – Chrysler has had a positive influence on this Genuine American classic.
Cost:
Priced very well. This is sure to be a hit with any SUV enthusiast.
Consumer Recommendation:
The Liberty (tied for 5th place) has two top competitors from the list, in my opinion. Sixth place Ford Escape and the Nissan Xterra are two other favorites of mine. It would be hard for me to pick just one to take home to the wife and kids. But if price is the deciding factor Liberty has to be the hands down winner since the other two are more money.
The Competition: * (in order of ranking)
(1) Hyundai Santa Fe $17-23,000, (2) Mazda Tribute $18-24,000, (3) Suzuki Grand Vitara $19-20,000, (4) Honda CR-V $19-22,000, (5t) Jeep Liberty $17-24,000, (5t) Subaru Forester $21-24,000, (6t) Chevrolet Tracker $16-22,000, (6t) Ford Escape $19-27,000, (6t) Nissan Xterra $18-28,000, (7) Toyota Highlander $24-31,000, (8) Isuzu Rodeo $18-32,000, (9) Mitsubishi Montero Sport $23-33,000.
* – Ranking is based on cost, cu ft, number of features, warranty and gas mileage.
Good News:
Peppy sucker – describes its desire to run with the rabbits, rugged, distinct styling inside and out and it has a surprising amount of room, rear door opening right to left for good curbside access and nice action on the glass opening out of the way when the door swings open.
Bad News:
At the bottom of the list for gas performance.
Standard Equipment:
3.7 liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic trans, 4-WD, dual air bags, keyless remote entry, power steering, power front disc with rear drum brakes, skid plates on front suspension, transfer case and 18.5 gal. fuel tank, cruise control, intermittent wipers front and rear, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, radio with CD player and six speakers, tilt leather wrapped steering, center console, auxiliary 12 V outlets front and rear, auto light controls, cargo net and tie down loops, roof mounted light bar, side steps, roof rack, fog lamps, power fold away mirrors, tint glass and full size spare rear mounted.
Gas Stats:
17 City and 21 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $17-24,000.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
