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2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade Road Test

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Khatir Soltani
Other exclusive features specific to the Renegade are its trés cool roof-mounted off-road light bar, roof-mounted integrated storage basket, removable tubular side steps, unique body-color fascias with "bolt-on" fender flares and graphite-painted 16x7-inch cast aluminum wheels. The entire package looks awesome, similar in context to the TJ based Dakar concept vehicle from a few years back.

For $1,645 more you can dress your Renegade from its standard D package to an E package. It includes a mini overhead console and leather-faced seats with leather interior trim. The nice thing about the Renegade is its a la carte array of options. Pick and choose what you want without getting stuck with something you don't. Tired of shifting? Opt for the 5-speed automatic for $1,000 and sit back and relax. $350 more gets you a trailer towing package while another $280 gets you a security alarm and cargo cover. Side-impact airbags for front and rear outboard occupants will cost an additional $450 while heated fold-away outside mirrors with an auto dim feature (that are also powered) will cost $275. Adding a cassette player and equalizer to the audio system will cost $195 and changing the stock stereo speakers to 6 premium quality Infinity boomers will be another $290. Smokers can either pay $35 for the privilege of an ashtray or opt for a $940 glass sunroof for flicking their ashes (of course the latter is not the most ideal way to dispose of cigarette butts). Jeep's Axle-Trac-Lok rear differential will bring the total up by $330 while 4-wheel anti-lock brakes will cost $640. If you take everything on the menu the stand alone options can total $4,915. That drives the little Liberty's $37,610 loaded price past a base Land Rover Freelander's $34,800 (2002 Land Rover pricing).
Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
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  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada