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2008 Jeep Patriot Bottom Line

By Bengt Halvorson Bengt Halvorson, Editor

In preparing this review covering the 2008 Jeep Patriot, the experts at TheCarConnection.com gathered information from some of the top publications. Then TheCarConnection’s editors added their own driving insights to create this comprehensive review.

Likes:

  • Great styling bestows rugged Jeep looks to a carlike vehicle
  • Handling and maneuverability of a small car
  • Easy to park
  • Quite frugal at the pump
  • Standard stability control in such an inexpensive vehicle

Dislikes:

  • Excessive engine noise on acceleration or in hilly terrain
  • Road noise on coarse surfaces
  • Interior has too much hard plastic

Buying Tips:


The Jeep Compass is nearly mechanically identical and about the same size, though it hasn't been nearly as well received, and there've been reports of slow sales. If you can live with the styling, you're likely to drive away with a much sweeter deal on the Compass than on the 2008 Jeep Patriot.

The 2008 Jeep Patriot is the Chrysler brand's new small crossover vehicle, mechanically similar to both the more softly styled Jeep Compass and the more carlike Dodge Caliber.

Two different engines power the 2008 Jeep Patriot, depending on the model; both are offered with a five-speed manual or CVT automatic, and the Patriot can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 158 horsepower comes with the base Sport 4x2, but it provides barely adequate performance. The 172-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that's included in the rest of the line is considerably more energetic but not peppy. Both of the engines can be very loud during hard acceleration with the CVT, as it allows the engine to rev near redline for a sustained period.

Handling and maneuverability, surprisingly, are strengths. The 2008 Jeep Patriot has good, communicative steering, and although the body leans some, it doesn't seem out of place on a curvy road. And with clearly defined corners, it's easy to park--and it fits into small spaces, also thanks to its compact-car size.

The Patriot's interior is basic, but attractive and sturdy-looking. There's an abundance of hard plastic, but it fits the Patriot's very purposeful design, and it looks like it would clean up well. Seating is well laid out; front seats aren't that supportive, but due to the boxy shape, there's plenty of headroom in front plus but plenty of head and legroom in back for adults. Just two adults will fit comfortably in the 2008 Jeep Patriot, due to the narrower body and lack of shoulder room.

Several innovative features in the 2008 Jeep Patriot include a rechargeable flashlight that stores in the rear cargo area and speakers that fold out from the back hatch, for tailgating entertainment. The cargo floor is rubberized and cleans up easily.

The Sport model comes quite simply equipped, with manual-winding windows, but air conditioning and a CD sound system are standard. The 2008 Jeep Patriot Limited steps up to power accessories, heated leather seats, keyless entry, cruise control, a 115-volt power outlet, and other extras.

A Trail Rated package for the 2008 Jeep Patriot adds a tougher suspension and boosts ground clearance by an inch. Furthermore, it brings a low range for the transmission, skid plates, heavy-duty cooling, and hill descent control.

The 2008 Jeep Patriot includes a very generous list of safety features for the price; electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation is standard, along with front side airbags and side curtain airbags. The Patriot fared well in the federal government's crash tests, with four- and five-star ratings for frontal protection and five stars for side impact. The insurance industry hasn't tested the Patriot, but the structurally similar Dodge Caliber was given the Marginal rating in the IIHS side impact test.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Jeep Patriot, also consider:

Reason Why:

Shoppers are likely to be attracted to the Patriot's distinctive, boxy styling, so there may be some overlap with the Scion xB, another city-friendly small car. The xB has similar fuel economy and a similar size, though its passenger space isn't quite as usable as that in the 2008 Jeep Patriot. However the xB's interior feels more upscale and sportier, but it's a bit more expensive. Shoppers also might consider the Subaru Forester, a small crossover-SUV mainstay that's known for its solid reliability and good resale value, along with its good performance in crash tests. The Forester handles slightly better than the Patriot, but it also suffers from road noise inside, and it's considerably more expensive. The Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander are two other small crossovers that aren't quite as distinctively styled, but they come well equipped. Then there's the Ford Escape, which despite its carlike underpinnings has a style and driving position that's quite trucklike. With improved safety and standard features for 2008, the Escape is a much better vehicle. But, all said, with a price that starts well under $16,000, the Patriot is an awesome value.

The Bottom Line:

Safe and city-friendly, yet tough enough for weekend camping—and bargain-priced—the 2008 Jeep Patriot has a lot going for it.


Other Choices:

Shoppers are likely to be attracted to the Patriot's distinctive, boxy styling, so there may be some overlap with the Scion xB, another city-friendly small car. The xB has similar fuel economy and a similar size, though its passenger space isn't quite as usable as that in the 2008 Jeep Patriot. However the xB's interior feels more upscale and sportier, but it's a bit more expensive. Shoppers also might consider the Subaru Forester, a small crossover-SUV mainstay that's known for its solid reliability and good resale value, along with its good performance in crash tests. The Forester handles slightly better than the Patriot, but it also suffers from road noise inside, and it's considerably more expensive. The Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Outlander are two other small crossovers that aren't quite as distinctively styled, but they come well equipped. Then there's the Ford Escape, which despite its carlike underpinnings has a style and driving position that's quite trucklike. With improved safety and standard features for 2008, the Escape is a much better vehicle. But, all said, with a price that starts well under $16,000, the Patriot is an awesome value.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Jeep Patriot

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Jeep Patriot

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Jeep Patriot near you

See the Jeep Patriot in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007

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