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2008 Jeep Patriot Review

July 6, 2008

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.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:A faithful evolution of Jeep's CherokeeAutomobileThe Patriot looks like a JeepPopular MechanicsTo observe the Patriot is essentially to see the silhouette of the previous-generation LibertyCars.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." ConclusionThe 2008 Jeep Patriot offers a rugged style with a purposeful interior.  2008 JEEP PATRIOT STYLING | [8 out of 10] Automobile: "A faithful evolution of Jeep's Cherokee" Popular Mechanics: "The Patriot looks like a Jeep " Cars.com: "To observe the Patriot is essentially to see the silhouette of the previous-generation Liberty" The 2008 Jeep Patriot is ...

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:

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See the Jeep Patriot in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (4 total)

  1. By Ronald Beasley #1, Posted: 7/13/2008

    Great small SUV

    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.

  2. By Shannon #2, Posted: 7/8/2009

    This is one of the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am so pleased with gas mileage and manuverability.

  3. By Bill McClintick #3, Posted: 8/11/2009

    2008 trail rated Patriot. Did some pretty good trailing in CO. Bounced it around alot and no squeeks or rattles, great handling and pretty impressive 4 wheeling right out of the box. 12,000 miles on it over a year and its been a great little Jeep. I definiately wouldn't get anything other then the trail rated, which comes w/ full skids, recovery hooks, heavy duty (genarator, trans cooler) low crawl trans, one inch lift, just a better package and looks better too.

  4. By patrica martin #4, Posted: 10/19/2009

    I have had nothing but problems with water a water leak that chrisler can't seam to find

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