2003 Jeep Liberty V6 4x4

Jeep engineered its own independent front (specifically designed for the Liberty but akin to DaimlerChrysler's Dodge Dakota/Durango and 2002 Ram 1500) and link-coil rear suspension (very similar to the Grand Cherokee's). Rugged control arms—cast-iron lowers and forged-steel uppers—are coupled to a hefty cast-iron steering knuckle by permanently lubricated ball joints. Dual-rate control-arm bushings deliver crisp on-road handling with minimal harshness and road feedback. Concentric coil springs and heavy-duty shock absorbers mount above the upper control arms for maximum off-road hazard clearance and a tight turning circle. The Liberty is the first Jeep vehicle to offer car-like rack-and-pinion steering. It's a peach: quick, firm but not too hard to use, with a solid, on-center feel at highway speeds.


Inspired by the 1997 Dakar and 1998 Jeepster showcars, the Liberty has some of the marque's traditional styling/personality cues, yet it offers surprising room and quiet operation inside. Short front and rear overhangs allow impressive approach and departure angles for off-roading. An externally mounted spare, a swing-out rear door and a unique "flipper glass" pop-up rear window allow plenty of inside space along with enhanced loading capability. A pull-type latch system permits opening the flipper-glass rear window and rear swing gate with an intuitive single motion. Alternately, the rear can be opened by pressing the cargo-door button on the keyless-entry transmitter, pulling the release handle or simply turning the key in the swing-gate lock.

The Liberty is built like a tank: high-strength steel is used in more than 70 percent of the underbody as well as in front- and rear-body crossmembers, which double as bumper beams.

Inside, passengers enjoy comfortable seating, plenty of headroom, and lots of storage nooks and crannies thanks to sculpted seatbacks and door panels, convenient cubbies, tethers for child seats and even holders for shopping bags. Safety hasn't been overlooked: U.S. versions have multi-stage front airbags and optional curtain-type side airbags for increased occupant protection.


In order to ensure great off-roadability, the Liberty's body had to be the stiffest Jeep structure ever. To achieve this, Jeep improved on its "uniframe" construction used in the current Grand Cherokee. Key body points are directly aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal rail structure. NVH is impressively low. Torsion and bending stiffness represent improvements of 43% and 58% versus the Grand Cherokee. The Liberty is built like a tank: a one-piece D-ring forms the rear opening. High-strength steel is used in more than 70% of the underbody as well as in front- and rear-body crossmembers, which double as bumper beams.


A choice of powerplants includes a 16-valve, 2.4-liter PowerTech I-4 in the Liberty Sport developing 150 bhp at 5,200 rpm and 165 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Transmission is a 5-speed manual. (No I-4s were available for testing, but if past Jeep prowess is an indicator, this would be a torquey, rugged, affordable workhorse.)