Overview & Reviews
At first glance, the Jeep Patriot crossover evokes the boxy, go-anywhere Jeep Cherokee of old. And that's the way Jeep wants it. But underneath, the Patriot utilizes the same platform as the old, discontinued -- and generally unloved -- Dodge Caliber hatchback. Fundamentally more of an economy car than a real SUV, the Patriot is a tough pill for the Jeep faithful to swallow.
You do get respectable approach and departure angles, ample ground clearance and the availability of a serious four-wheel-drive package that adds low-range gearing and skid plates, among other goodies. But when you get right down to it, there's just not a lot of substance behind the Patriot's bold face. Other vehicles in the segment offer roomier interiors, more standard features, higher fuel economy, stronger performance, superior fit and finish and comparable off-road capability. Overall, we think most shoppers will be better served by looking elsewhere.
Current Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover available in three main trim levels: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The base Sport doesn't even come with full power accessories or air-conditioning, but it makes do with basics like 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control and a four-speaker sound system. The Latitude adds the Sport's missing features plus alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats. The Limited boasts rear disc brakes (the others get rear drums), leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Options include distinctive flip-down tailgate speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and roof rails.
The standard engine for front-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172 hp is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited trim, as well as on all Patriots that have four-wheel drive. The Sport and Latitude come standard with a five-speed manual transmission and are eligible for a six-speed automatic, while the Limited gets the automatic as standard. The limited-edition Altitude and High Altitude sub-trims are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
There are two four-wheel-drive systems offered. The first, a single-speed system that's technically just all-wheel drive, can be paired with either the manual or six-speed automatic transmission in Sport trim, but the automatic comes standard on the higher trims. Opting for Freedom Drive II four-wheel drive substitutes the CVT but also adds low-range gearing, all-terrain tires, skid plates, hill ascent and descent control, front and rear tow hooks and a full-size spare tire.
Due to its slim profile and high load floor, the Patriot doesn't have a lot of space inside. The rear seats are on the tight side and storage space is limited. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split to open up 53.5 cubic feet of storage space, but most rivals offer significantly more.
In reviews, we've found the Jeep Patriot disappointing from behind the wheel. The ride quality is relatively crude, thanks to a suspension that's easily unsettled by imperfect roads, and the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. The 2.4-liter four delivers just adequate acceleration with the manual or six-speed automatic, and it's lethargic with the CVT. The base 2.0-liter four, meanwhile, is underpowered and barely more fuel-efficient than the 2.4. Even models equipped with Freedom Drive II fail to convince, since there are other compact SUVs out there that perform just fine in the dirt while offering a superior experience in civilization. Another major complaint concerns the lackluster quality of the Patriot's interior materials.
Used Jeep Patriot Models
The Jeep Patriot was introduced for 2007. Some features were added a year later, but 2009 saw the first big changes in the form of a new and improved interior. Prior to that, the crummy hard plastics created one of the worst cabins on the market. For 2010, the 158-hp four-cylinder could be paired to the five-speed manual for the first time. These 2007-'10 Patriots lack the upgrades made to the 2011 model, including minor exterior styling changes, improved interior trim, reworked steering and suspension systems, and a taller 4WD ride height. The six-speed automatic didn't appear until the 2014 model year, which is also when front-seat side airbags became standard across the lineup.
User Reviews:
Showing 101 through 110 of 598.00-
well I love it but..... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By hmm - August 1 - 1:00 pmI love my patriot but, I am disappointed in its lack of of road ability. Let me explain. I bought my Pat brand new and at 3000 miles took it into the mountains of Colorado to go fishing. My clutch cylinder exploded climbing a steep hill. My faith in Jeeps legendary reliability off road has been shaken. Why even call it a jeep? Dont get me wrong I love my Pat, but calling it a Jeep is huge stretch. It is agile on the highways, gets great mpg, does amazing in snow, sand traction is good too, and it looks great. But low clearance, no crawl gear, and a lack of power cause it to die trying to navigate steep slow moving trails. Buy one, love one, but dont expect to keep up with its brethren.
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My Smartest Buy Ever - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By jppatriot - July 31 - 6:00 amJust put 10K on my Patriot and love it. The CVT took about 2 weeks to get used to. Now I enjoy the nice smooth ride the CVT offers. I have a Sport model w/ few options, but its a Jeep... Who needs options. The interior is simple but very functional and easy to keep clean. The back seats are large enough for my kids 2 car seats. The back seat floor boards are also very deep! Great for that tall friend riding in the back. The storage in the back is a little small but adequate for day to day use. The fold flat seats are awesome. Great for the random Home Depot runs Ive made. Can you say MPGs!! Averaging 22-25city and 24-27hwy!
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3000 Miles already Crap - 2015 Jeep Patriot
By Amy Hamblin - July 23 - 2:01 amI have only had my 2015 Patriot for 2 months and already having issues with dashboard lights not coming off and now I have a wiring issue to where my radio half the time wont work!!!! For all the money I spent on this car now I wish I got something different.. Im not impressed with it at all!!!!!!!
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Great Jeep - 2016 Jeep Patriot
By Jaclyn - July 21 - 1:09 pmLove this jeep Id had a liberty in the past and hated it swore Id never get a jeep again but I got the 2016 Jeep Patriot 4x4 latitude and love it overall gas mileage kind of sucks and rear breaks squeal when breaking in reverse something I need to have looked at sooner than later by have heard its normal on these idk but this has restore my faith in jeep again Ive gone on many adventures in it and its always fun and does really well no matter what I seem to drive through gravel snow puddles mud anything where I live I climb a lot of miles untains as well and its never let me down
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Great Jeep! - 2017 Jeep Patriot
By Thomas McCarty - July 15 - 2:07 pmThis is my first experience buying a Jeep, it is great! The vehicle handles great and is a great ride!
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Excellent value - 2010 Jeep Patriot
By oomnopah - July 14 - 8:13 amI have the Sport 2.0 L with the 5 speed manual and have had great results. The editors of all the car magazines dont like this car, but they compare it to cars that cost $15K more. This is an excellent working persons car, great mileage in town, and enough engine for highway cruising. In 4th gear it climbs long hills at 55 without any problem. My insurance rate went down by $20 a month because of this cars great safety features. And if youre a big guy like me, it has a lot of room. One caveat, I got the manual transmission because Chrysler seems to have a hard time making a decent automatic transmission, but I like the feel of the manual. One practical vehicle.
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Squeaky Brakes - 2016 Jeep Patriot
By Rhonda - July 13 - 9:36 am3 months after purchasing my patriot the brakes began to squeal extremely loud. Mac Haik in Georgetown, Tx says the squalling brakes on the patriot is normal. The General Manager, Eric Stewart will not reply to any of my emails nor will her call me to discuss replacing my brakes. When I express my concerns with my brakes by email, Im contacted by a salesman offering to take my brand new patriot for a used vehicle. All I really want is to have my brakes replaced so they no longer squeal.
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After 23,000 miles... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By Alex - July 11 - 6:06 amLove this Jeep!!! After 23,000 miles it drives like new! Im still smiling! Not a single problem since I bought it new - knock on wood. Have had bmw, benz, jag before so first American vehicle and very surprised and amazed. This Jeep does have some engineering from Benz though which is a bonus! I believe this is the lightest CUV out there and handles beautifully around corners. Salesman said there is not much get up and go from start, only highway speeds was great but I found out both to be great! The lightweight really comes through here and CVT tranny does a great job at keeping shifts very smooth. Dynamics of vehicle is very balanced. Outside size is deceiving to how roomy it is inside.
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2007 Jeep Patriot 100 mile trip daily - 2007 Jeep Patriot
By bmillsxt6 - June 26 - 6:06 pmI purchased an 07 Patriot a couple of months back. I do like the fuel economy! getting around 29mpg with 89 octane 2.4 litre engine, 5speed, 2wd. I am impressed with what I got for the money so far, The surf blue clear coat paint is beautiful! and I like the convenience of the vinyl interior. This is the 5th Jeep vehicle I have owned and although its not the toughest off roader it suits 100 mile daily highway trips just fine. The center console is kinda awkward though, the armrest doesnt seem to meet up with your elbow just right and the cup holder is on the floor board pretty much. Other than that it is a blast to drive and mine has no power options, no cruise no fancy things period
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jeepers creepers!!!! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
By fmjumps - June 23 - 10:06 pmFrom most of the previous reviews owners either rave or rant about their patriot.I have found the vehicle to be trouble free in the 11 months/ 17K of driving i have owned it. The gas mileage is as advertised in 50/50 driving. at 63" there is plenty of room in the vehicle. It handles great, has plenty of power for merging without redlining it, the only caveat to this is when it was fully loaded. I have only needed the 4x4 a few times in a record snow fall season in upstate ny. The vehicle is very surefooted and stable in all kinds of weather. the only fit/finish issue i have had is the fan/air direction knobs do not line up with the symbols on dash, small annoyence. Would purchase again
