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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 Jeep Patriot

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 Jeep Patriot

Overview

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2008 Jeep Patriot Review

By KBB.com Editors

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)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Jeep Patriot vehicles for sale near you.

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2008 Jeep Patriot Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 337 Ratings for the 2007 - 2014 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.7/10

Never got stuck in the snow even in drifts

By Rip (CT) on Tuesday, June 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,500

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "interior space"

Cons: "cheap interior pieces"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I haven't had any problems with it since I bought it. I get 20mpg in town and up to 26mpg on the highway. With the rear seats folded down, you get a lot of storage space. My two main complaints are the engine noise while accelerating and the cheap looking and feeling monochromatic interior pieces. I would recommend this vehicle for most people but would caution anyone wanting to do a lot of long distance driving."

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13 Patriot Sport

By Ron (ND) on Tuesday, June 11, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Value"

Cons: "Slow off line with the CVT."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Good value in a 4 wheel drive package. The CVT is a bit slow off the line but I like it. The CVT is seamless. Lots of room, handles decent for a box. I have seem complaints about noise, but coming from a Scion TC, the Patriot is quiet. You can get a good price on an '13 right now."

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Good bang for the buck, reliable, and comfortable

By Chiefwiggum on Sunday, May 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,555

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "price, reliablitiy, comfort"

Cons: "plain"

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

"The car lacks anything to be enthusiastic about, but has never given me any problems. The car handles well in snow, rain, wind, bumps, high speeds, traffic, and quick braking situations. Would buy again."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great All Purpose Vehicle

By oldvet46 (PA) on Thursday, May 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 7/10
Quality: 6/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Great Price/great highway mileage/typical Jeeplook"

Cons: "no lumbar/some cabin noise/"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I have owned Cherkoees and Grand Cherokees which I cherished, now that I'm older I look at value. The Patriot is a good looking nostalgic Jeep. It is practical and useful for any family. It has comfortable seats and a great comfortable ride. The CVT is a little work getting used to but fine after that(2014 has the 6sp. auto). This car is great in all season inclimate weather and for slight off-road use. You will love the 27-29 MPG highway benefit with the CVT. I got a 2012 with CVT, 2.4L engine, the convenience pkg(heated elec. mirrors/elec.door locks/A/C/cruise control)for under $19.5(11/2012) with some perks. You must check for the incentive deals before you buy because you will get your best deal."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Very reliable, practical SUV.

By Shrinkman (PA) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 43,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great value and does what it was design for well"

Cons: "Loud power train, arm rest to short"

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

"It's a very practical SUV for around town shopping. My wife loves to load the back to bring home Costco size packages. It's easy to drive, reliable, and gives you a good view of the road. You can't beat it for the price. It's go in snow as well. When considering buying it realize it is a Jeep not a sports car. The 2008 has a CVT transmission which is loud as well as the motor going up steep hills. The new 2014 6 speed should help alot. It's a good SUV to purchase new and the life time warranty is still available as a option which is something to consider if you plan to keep it for long term. We have ours over five years and it looks and runs new. The hard plastic interior is easy to clean if you have kids and the seating folds for hauling long loads. My wife loves it and we plan to keep it for at least another 10 years like the last Jeep since she does only local driving."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Love the little Pat

By gpeterm (NJ) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 91,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy on gas and good on city driving"

Cons: "Cheap interior and small rattles"

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

"Not much to say The patriot is the kind of vehicle you get for doing the little run about thing in your life. If you try to do to much heavy lifting it might let you down. I use it for my daily commute and running to the store. Love it just for that"

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See all 337 reviews