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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Jeep Patriot

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Overview

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2008 Jeep Patriot Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

Based on the same platform, the 2008 Jeep Patriot and Compass have similar measurements, similar price ranges and offer almost identical sets of comfort and convenience features. So why would Jeep produce such similar vehicles? Well, the Compass is intended as an asphalt-tuned ride for city slickers, while the Patriot adheres more closely to traditional Jeep principles. Indeed, the Patriot's more rugged suspension and powertrain options deliver enough off-road performance for it to earn Jeep's "Trail Rated" badges.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you're looking for a daily driver with a rugged streak or a nimble off-roader that you can comfortably take to work, there's a Jeep Patriot model for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Especially compared to the vehicles with which the higher-priced Patriot models compete, the Jeep falls short in overall interior refinement.

What's Significant About This Car?

Air conditioning is now standard on all models, while the CVT2 transmission is outfitted with Jeep's Auto Stick that allows "manual shifting."

Driving the Patriot

Driving Impressions With the increased off-road capability engineered into it, we might have expected the Patriot's highway ride to be rougher than those of its Compass and Dodge Caliber relatives. As it...

turns out, the Patriot might be the most comfortable cruiser of the three. The compromise seems to have been made in the cornering department; wisely, where we wouldn't expect or require much from a Jeep anyway. Where the Patriot really impressed us was out past the pavement, where our "Trail Rated" model was able to traverse bona fide boulders with unexpected ease and composure. As with all such devices, the unique behavior of the Patriot's two available continuously variable transmissions can take some getting used to.

Favorite Features

Freedom Drive II (Trail Rated) Package
"Trail Rated" Patriot models include a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with low range and 19:1 crawl ratio, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, heavy-duty cooling system, nine-inch ground clearance and 19-inch water fording capability.

Liftgate Speakers
As part of the 458-watt Boston Acoustics premium audio system, the Patriot's rearmost speakers flip down from the open liftgate to project outward. Outdoorsy Jeep types will find it an especially alluring option.

2008 Jeep Patriot Details

Interior

If you've spent time in most any Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle lately, the design and materials that define the Patriot's passenger cabin will likely feel familiar. It's not an unattractive environment in which to spend a commute, but it's among the least interesting interiors in the category. Some of the standard and optional features that count as bright spots include comfortable seats, a fold-flat front passenger's seat, 115-volt power outlet, auxiliary audio input, outward-projecting rear speakers and a removable and washable vinyl cargo floor.

Exterior

Whereas the Compass picks up some of the softer styling of the Jeep Liberty, the Patriot's decidedly squarer lines and boxier stance evoke the purpose-built style of the now-defunct Cherokee and, to a lesser degree, its Grand Cherokee successor. Limited models are distinguished by bright inserts front and rear, bright roof rails, fog lamps, body-color side moldings and 17-inch aluminum wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base Jeep Patriot Sport comes equipped with cloth seats, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD-MP3 sound system with auxiliary audio input, 16-inch styled steel wheels, air conditioning and a collection of standard safety equipment that includes front and side-curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction controls with rollover mitigation and four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist.

Optional Equipment

The Patriot's optional equipment list includes power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, sun roof, stain-resistant cloth seats, leather seats, heated seats, 458-watt premium sound system, six-disc CD changer, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), all-wheel drive, navigation radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Bluetooth(r) hands-free phone connectivity.

Under the Hood

The Patriot's powertrain lineup consists of 2.0- and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, two- and four-wheel drive systems, plus a five-speed manual and two continuously variable transmissions (one with a low range). The larger, more powerful engine is actually the standard powerplant, and the smaller edition is available only on 2WD Sport models equipped with the CVT, while the "Trail Rated" moniker is available only on four-wheel-drive Limited models with the CVT. The Patriot's maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds.

2.0-liter in-line 4
158 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
141 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/27 (automatic only)

2.4-liter in-line 4
172-horsepower @ 6000 rpm
165 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/28 (2WD, manual), 21/25 (2WD, automatic), 22/27 (4WD, manual), 20/24 (4WD, automatic), 19/21 (4WD, automatic, off-road package)

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2008 Jeep Patriot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 327 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.7/10

I LOVE my new Jeep!!

By Samantha (WI) on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 36,001

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Ban for you buck!"

Cons: "A little nosiey but its a Jeep, remember that!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Like most I was pretty set on not getting a Chrysler product. I was actually dead set on not owning one. My boyfriend told me not to worry about Jeeps they are made better. With the bump in the quality of American made vehicles in the past few years, I said I would LOOK at it not buy just look at it. I went to the dealership and they showed me a 2010 Jeep Patriot that was a lease trade-in. I sat in it and was amazed. I had heard that they were nice but I found they are great. Mine has a sun roof, 2.4L engine, 4WD, SirusXM satellite radio. I love the look and feel of it. It drives great and I am very happy with it. And please remember this is from someone that was dead set against Chrysler products."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great price for economy car thats not a car

By Jay (CA) on Saturday, February 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 6/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Could not buy an economy car for what the Patriot cost, plus it's roomier, and looks good. How can you go wrong with a 3 year warranty? That is, if your a cheap skate like me, bang for the buck."

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