Jeep's compact-class wagon rises high in the traditional two-box format of a wagon but with corners contoured and lines chiseled in streamline fashion. Four doors provide access for all, and the tall structure carves out generous room for heads and legs. At the rear, a clever design for the two-piece tailgate -- combining a flip-up window with swing-out door -- brings flexible access to the cargo bay. Liberty uses either a four-cylinder or V6 engine and translates all power through a manual five-speed or optional four-speed automatic transmission. Jeep's Power Tech 2.4-liter in-line-four generates 150 hp and slips into Liberty Sport as the price-leading entry. A Power Tech V6 is optional on Sport but standard for deluxe Limited. It displaces 3.7 liters and rises to 210 hp. Power from the engine channels either to rear wheels exclusively or all four through one of two Jeep transfer cases -- a part-time Command-Trac system for Liberty Sport keyed to either engine or the Selec-Trac full-time system with V6 and automatic transmission in Limited. New four-wheel disc brakes and a revised steering mechanism that reduces effort for turning the wheel go to all 2003 Liberty models, along with new springs and shocks that drop the ride height and forge a smoother ride quality. Also, a new premium model Liberty Renegade laces the cabin with luxury gear including leather seats and power controls for the driver's bucket. Renegade adds an activity light bar, bolt-on wheel flares, removable side steps and a rooftop cargo basket.
