CD Article: 2008 Jeep Patriot Limited

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


The compact Jeep Patriot is an "excellent value for the price" and can be ordered to suit any buyer's needs, from commuters to off-roaders, says contributor Norm Mort.  But as a go-anywhere kind of Jeep, there are "penalties you pay".

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Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Patrick]

It's too bad you didn't test one with the North Package as this would likely be the one that most will buy. I'd be especially interested in hearing comments on the manual transmission/4WD version as I've heard the CVT is not very good. A co-worker who has one with a CVT has problems in very cold weather (-25 and under).

[Steve]

1) The Trail Rated badge has nothing to do with being able to traverse the Rubicon - it refers to a set of standards regarding ground clearance, fording ability, etc. set by Jeep (see their website).

2) Did you drive a 2007 or 2008?  The photos are of a 2007 (2008 has chrome lock knobs and single tone leather interior).

3)  They really need to offer this with a conventional automatic.  Every review I've seen has been generally favourable, with the exception of constant complaints about the CVT's performance.  I like this package (size, styling, cargo capacity) but the CVT would keep me from buying it.  I suspect I'm not alone.

[sly]

I really don't understand why people despise CVTs so much! I test drove a Jeep Compas FWD with the CVT (brother of Patriot) and I was actually impressed with the performance (keeping in mind this is an economy SUV, not a roadster!) and the snappy reaction time of the autostick function. Sure you experience a little revving at start up, but I don't remember anything disconcerting. In fact it is nice not to experience the bouncy shift points or regular trannys. I thought it was a great driving experience for the type of vehicle it is.

I read an American review (can't remember the organization) that test drove a manual trans version and had only positive comments about it.

I remain dissapointed with the interior quality of the material however.

[random006]

The article lists the Suzuki SX4 and the Subaru Impreza as competitors.  I don't see the relation between the Patriot and those two at all.

The vehicles don't seem targeted at the same market, the styling is from another mindset altogether and the Jeep heritage seems far removed from the young urban feel of the other two.  Is the Patriot really that small, and/or hip?

If not, what are the criteria being used to offer such a comparison?

[The Mighty Duck]

They're small, well priced, AWD vehicles...?

I wish they offered Freedom-Drive II with the manual transmission.  I tried to build one on Jeep's website, but to get FDII you need the CVT. 

[carcrazy]

I don't like CVTs either and I wouldn't buy a car with one - not even Nissan, which supposedly is good.

Did I notice some unusual positive remarks in this review for the interior materials quality? I find this odd.

[random006]

They're small, well priced, AWD vehicles...?

I wish they offered Freedom-Drive II with the manual transmission.  I tried to build one on Jeep's website, but to get FDII you need the CVT. 

Fair point.  I was looking for more than that, however, to justify the relation.  By that token, we should be comparing it to a host of others, everything from the new Matrix to the Sportage.

Therefore, I had a closer look at the specs and there is cause for comparison, much to my surprise.  The price, fuel consumption and overall size aren't far off at all.  However, the cargo capacity is much larger and the styling still seems aimed at a different market from the Subie and Suzuki IMHO.

[The Mighty Duck]

Yeah...  I see the Patriot as aimed at the same demographic Honda aimed the Element at.  Younger people who like to spend their weekends in a tent.    The Impreza seems much more of a hip, street vehicle that happens to be good in the snow.

But, as the Element showed, the group the manufacturer aims for and the group that ends up buying the vehicle are not always the same.

[stodge]

I have the CVT in my Sentra, and I quite like it. I don't like it revving near 3k when cold, but once warm, it's a great transmission and very handy in slow moving traffic. If I plant the revs from a standing start the car shoots off like a rocket (well relatively speaking!). It's relaxed when I want to drive leisurely. *shrug*

[sly]

I must admit that I would be concerned with a CVT if I had to tow. Although I have not seen anything regarding this issue (appart from fears like mine) Nissan will let you tow 3,500 pds with the Murano, so I guess they believe in its strength. Jeep will let you tow 2,000 pds with the small Patriot/Compass, so can assume that since warranty will cover it, it can't be so bad.

I would'nt tow a fifth wheel though!

[siwash]

I saw this little truck again at the t.o. show...initially, i did not like the looks..but somehow, it's grown on me. So I decided to test drive one recently. It was the auto, which I wouldn't buy since I only drive manuals. The auto was ok but predicatably sluggish (as most 4cyl are in auto). They didn't have a 5spd. Otherwise, it seemed quite capable... I also like the seat fabrics...the interior was roomy and practical..
 
Two additional comments: 

1) the dealership I went to knew little about this car..neither the sales rep, nor his manager! I asked q's and they could barely answer them - i think they sell more pick ups and cherokees there but that's still not an excuse...

2) I am still not ov erly crazy about the dash..it's not terrible but it could use some improvements...Is is it true that some modifications are on the way for the interior?

What about Jeep-Chrysler's reliability (especially long-term) record? Are they as bad their reps? I've heard horror stories...

Anyone actually own a Patriot here?

[The Mighty Duck]

I too looked at the Patriot at the autoshow, and came away impressed.  The interior was basic but serviceable, and not below my expectations for the class.  Not as nice as some of the competition, but not horrendous, either.  I love the looks, and just wish Freedom Drive II was available with the five-speed.

Can anyone with off-road experience comment on a CVT for off-road duty?  I'd be inclined to think one would want the most control possible off-road, but I noticed the CVT has an "off-road" setting...

[siwash]

Ya interior ain't the best, but for $20K you can't expect Masserati...

I am still thinking about the Hyundai line up - those are sweet looking interiors for the money..great value. But the Patriot kinda falls through the cracks in terms of fitting into any particular category...that might be part the reason it's doing ok sales wise...

I am still debating b/w wagon or CUV. The used X Trails are also attractive...tough decisions ahead!!