Just two years old, the Liberty debuted as a 2002 model. It was significantly improved for 2003 with improved on-road stability. The 2004 model offers further, substantial upgrades in safety equipment, and in comfort and convenience options. For example, Chrysler's Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS), which unlocks doors and turns on interior lights five seconds after an airbag deploys, is standard for 2004. New options include a tire-pressure monitor; and UConnect, a clever bit of hardware and software that integrates your cell phone into the Liberty's stereo system.

The 2004 Jeep Liberty is available in three trim levels: Sport, Limited Edition, and Renegade. Each is offered with two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Two engines are available: a 2.4-liter inline-4 and a 3.7-liter V6. The four-cylinder engine is available only with a five-speed manual gearbox. The V6 is available with a heavy-duty five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic that was revised last year for smoother, quieter operation.

Sport and Sport 4WD come standard with the four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, cloth interior, wind-up windows, manually operated mirrors, and 16-inch tires on steel wheels. A six-speaker stereo with CD player is standard. Air conditioning is optional, however. Power windows and other features can be added as options. The optional V6 is available with manual transmission or an automatic.

Limited Edition models offer upgraded interior amenties and a better grade of cloth upholstery. Limited and Limited 4WD come standard with the V6 engine and automatic transmission. Options include a programmable overhead console, power seat adjusters, deep-tint glass, power heated side mirrors, a security group, and an AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Infinity speakers.

Renegade is a specialty model with a roof-mounted light bar, rock-rail protection, and black body-side moldings. Renegade 2WD and 4WD models come standard with the V6; heavy-duty five-speed manual transmission; air conditioning; cruise control; tilt steering; 16-inch graphite-painted aluminum wheels; power windows, mirrors, and locks; illuminated keyless entry; roof rack side rails; and many other features. Renegade 4WD models include a skid-plate package. Automatic transmission is optional.

Drivers report the 2004 Jeep Liberty is fun to drive and handles well. They also report that the Liberty gets poor gas mileage.