Cute AND Clever: Chrysler's Coming Green...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it

2008 Jeep Patriot Review

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A faithful evolution of Jeep's Cherokee
Automobile

The Patriot looks like a Jeep
Popular Mechanics

To observe the Patriot is essentially to see the silhouette of the previous-generation Liberty
Cars.com

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.

While the Compass has rounded corners and a more carlike presence, the Jeep Patriot has a boxier, more utilitarian look. Motor Trend describes it as "more palatable Jeep styling" that is more rugged-looking and truer to the no-nonsense, trail-blazing look of the older Jeep models. Kelley Blue Book refers to the 2008 Jeep Patriot's styling with its square lines and boxy stance as one that "evoke[s] the purpose-built style of the now-defunct Cherokee and, to a lesser degree, its Grand Cherokee successor." Comparing the Patriot to some of its competitors in the segment, Automobile states that the Jeep Patriot "looks far more like a tough-guy off-roader than its curvaceous urbanite rivals."

The Patriot's interior is basic, but attractive and sturdy-looking. The Patriot's interior on the base Sport model is equipped with vinyl seating for five that shows some big expanses of plastic on the dash but with large, easy-to-read instrumentation. Automobile says that "the Patriot's upright dash and flat expanse of hood make you feel as though you're in something substantial--more truck than minivan--and the simple controls are logically laid out." In 2008, Jeep equips the Patriot with chrome accents on the stereo as well as the door locks and handles, which adds some style to the purposeful interior. The shiny additions didn't especially impress Edmunds, who complain that the "cabin features large gauges and simple controls but is ultimately defined by a sea of hard, low-quality plastic."

Conclusion

The 2008 Jeep Patriot offers a rugged style with a purposeful interior.


Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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

Comments (1 total)

  1. Great small SUV

    By Ronald Beasley | Posted: Jul 13th 2008, 12:10:19 PM

    I test drove a HYUNDAI SANTA FE, CHEVY EQUINOX, FORD ESCAPE, TOYOTA 4RUNNER AND FJ, MERCURY MARINER, MAZDA TRIBUTE and Chevy HHR. Jeep Patriot was easy to drive and the seats are comfortable. It is also fun to drive, Of all I test drove the Jeep Patriot was the best of the bunch and at good price. Don’t forget the great gas mileage, I average combo driving of 28 MPG. It is no Jeep Commander or Ford Explorer but for a small SUV it is great and better than most other small SUVs.

Post a comment:

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy