Neither the exterior or the interior door handle opens the door up. Do not want to have go through the passenger door to get in, any ideas how I can open the door so I can remove the door panel and inspect the mechanism?

Thanks,

 

WHAT YEAR?

On some years you can remove the drivers seat and then have room to get the door panel off.

 

You MIGHT be able to do it with a slimjim and a mirror, but I suspect that's what got you here to begin with.
You may have to resign yourself with getting another inner door panel.
Trying to remove the drivers seat thru the passenger's side will be a Herculean effort.
the tough points will be the retainer screws behind the speaker grills. If you get them off, you might be able to lift the panel off the window sash, gaining some maneuvering room in the process.

P