As sport-utility vehicles grow in popularity they move farther and farther from their utilitarian roots, sprouting carlike features and pavement-friendly suspensions that are no better in the mud than a Corolla’s.  In the face of this evolution, Jeep would like to remind you that its 4x4s, which arguably started the craze in the first place, are still far from civilized.  And that’s a good thing.  To this end, two special-edition Jeeps hit the showrooms in 2003, and neither of them has grocery-getting on its mind.  The Wrangler Rubicon and Liberty Renegade are all about what made Jeep great in the first place:  getting dirty.

Both the Jeep Wrangler and Liberty are respectable vehicles in their own right.  They may look a lot alike, thanks to Jeep’s signature round headlamps and seven-slot grille, but where the Wrangler uses the classic WWII Jeep as its basic template, the Liberty is a more modern trucklet that hit the streets for the first time in 2001.  Both trucks are highly competent off-roaders, and are aimed at drivers who intend to take them off-road.

The Wrangler Rubicon has a face and a name only an off-roader could love.  The name comes from a famous California Jeep trail that’s been the site of an annual 4×4 festival since the 1950s.  This fierce trail is impassable by all but the most capable vehicles, and Jeep routinely uses it for testing their trucks.  Well-versed off-roaders will feel like they already recognize the Rubicon, too, because Jeep has installed a lot of the modifications that are commonly seen on modified trail vehicles.  Standard equipment on the Rubicon includes locking front and rear differentials, sturdy Dana 44 axles, 31″ tires, a 4:1 low-range transfer case and diamond-plate sill guards.  If you don’t know what all of that means, the Wrangler Rubicon may be out of your league.

To translate all of that equipment into English, just take this Wrangler off-road:  in the mud, the Rubicon becomes a cross between a spider and a tank, crawling nimbly over and through anything you throw at it.  The lockers can be switched on and off from the driver’s seat, allowing all four wheels to turn together for maximum traction even if two or three wheels are off the ground.  The ultra-low gear allows the Rubicon to creep safely down steep, uncertain hills that would have other vehicles careening out of control.  The torquey 190-horsepower straight six will power the Rubicon uphill as adeptly as it goes down, and it’s available with automatic or manual transmissions.  On the road, it’s just like any other Jeep Wrangler, only more so.  The stiff suspension and tall tires make for a bouncy ride that will likely not please anyone who’s just buying a Jeep for the way it looks.  Thanks to a short wheelbase, it’s nimble on and off-road.  Acceleration is good thanks to the Rubicon’s light weight, but it’s clear from the first turn of the key that this truck would rather be in the mud.

Outwardly, the “RUBICON” graphics on the hood are the only reliable clues to this Jeep’s hard-core nature, because the rocker panel guards and tall tires are common to most off-roading Jeeps!

libertyren03
The Liberty Renegade carries similar name recognition among the Jeep faithful, having been first introduced in 1964.  This resurrected model name graces a Liberty equipped with what Jeep calls an “ultimate adventure package.”  This special edition is more cosmetic than the Rubicon.  First and most obvious is the four-light pod bolted to the roof.  The low-rise halogen lights throw out 150,000 candlepower, the better to light up a campsite or nighttime trail.  The Renegade also features more aggressive wheel flares, special wheels and a body-colored grille.  The 16″ wheels are color-keyed to the body, and tube-style side steps may hamper actual off-roading slightly, but make the Liberty Renegade more curb-friendly.  It’s definitely less demure than your run-of-the-mill Liberty.

Inside, you’ll find brushed aluminum on the dash and a cool, leather and cloth interior.  The Renegade comes standard with the Liberty’s largest engine, a 3.7 liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower.  Beneath the cosmetics, the Renegade is a nice-mannered little Liberty, and that’s a good thing.  The V6 provides plenty of power, and rack and pinion steering makes the Renegade almost as nippy as the Wrangler.  That light bar doesn’t create very much wind noise on the freeway, either.

Neither of these Jeep special editions will put much of a dent in your wallet.  The Wrangler Rubicon, with all its extra equipment, goes out the door for only $24,485.  The Liberty Renegade stickers for $22,360 in two-wheel drive form.  The price goes up to $23,970 with four-wheel drive.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, which we tested.
Length:         156.1 in.
Width:            68.2 in.
Height:            72.0 in.
Wheelbase:        93.4 in.
Curb weight:        3715 lb.
Cargo space:        12.0 cu.ft.
Base price:        $24,485
Engine:         4.0 liter inline six-cylinder
Drivetrain:         five-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         190 @ 4600
Torque:         235 @ 3200

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Jeep Liberty Renegade 4wd, which we tested.
Length:         175.0 in.
Width:            71.6 in.
Height:            72.5 in.
Wheelbase:        104.3 in.
Curb weight:        4251 lb (4wd)
Cargo space:        29 cu.ft. (seat up); 69 cu.ft. (seat folded)
Base price:        $23,970
Engine:         3.7 liter V6
Drivetrain:         four-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
Horsepower:         210 @ 5200
Torque:         235 @ 4000