2007-2008 Jeep Patriot: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2007 Jeep Patriot
2008 Jeep Patriot
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2007-2008 Jeep Patriot ▼

  • Price Range:  $10,800 - $16,400
CG Rating

54

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Cargo room
  • Control layout/materials
  • Seat comfort (front)
  • Ride (except Off road Group)

Cons

  • Road noise (Off Raod Group)
  • Acceleration
  • Build quality (interior details)

Vehicle Highlights

Jeep rolled out a compact companion to its new Compass car-type sport-utility vehicle for 2007, but gave it more traditional Jeep styling and enhanced available off-road capability. Patriot exhibited a more square profile than the Compass on which it was based, but the two were virtually identical in size. Sport and uplevel Limited trim levels were offered. Both seated five, had a rear liftgate, and came with split folding rear seats. A 172-horsepower four-cylinder engine was standard, mating with either a five-speed manual transmission or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). A 158-hp four-cylinder was available as a credit option for the 2WD Sport, and came only with the CVT. Patriots were available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter without low-range gearing. An optional off-road-oriented system included low-range gearing and hill descent control. With that option, the Patriot qualified as "Trail Rated," like most other Jeep products. Both of Patriot's AWD systems featured a console switch to lock in a 50/50 front/rear power split below 10 mph. Standard on all models were curtain side airbags, antilock four-wheel disc brakes, and traction/antiskid control with rollover sensors. Available features included fold-down tailgate speakers, a navigation system, leather upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, and heated front seats. With the Patriot, Jeep competed against such compact models as the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Patriot AWD Sport w/CVT Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 54
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot.

Year to Year Changes


2008 Jeep Patriot: Air conditioning became standard on all Patriots, as did a tire-pressure monitor. The CVT now included Auto Stick manual selection of virtual "gears." Otherwise, changes for 2008 were minor.

Our road test for the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is on the sluggish side. Patriot is most spry with the manual transmission, though no model is quick. Expect adequate pull from a stop with either transmission, though models with the CVT struggle in passing and merging. The 158-hp is likely to be marginal at best. Fuel economy isn't bad for an SUV. An AWD Sport with the CVT averaged 21.1 mpg. Patriots use regular-grade gasoline. Patriots are comfortable and stable on the road. Some floatiness may be noted over larger dips, along with jiggling over highway expansion joints. The Off Road Group includes stiffer springs and all-terrain tires, yet has only modest impact on ride quality. Handling mirrors that of the Compass, led by accurate, natural-feeling steering and good composure at highway speeds. Body lean is moderate in corners. Brakes deliver reassuring pedal feel. Generally well hushed, the Patriot exhibits somewhat more wind noise than the Compass. Some road noise is invariably present, elevated further with the Off Road Group's more aggressively treaded tires. In models tested, engine sounds always were present-especially intrusive while accelerating. Gauges are large and easy to read. Controls are generally handy and logically positioned. In contrast, overall cabin quality falls below the class norm. Switchgear lacks precision feel, and hard, unyielding plastic dominates the decor. Still, some test-drivers felt the interior decor is appropriate to the Patriot's rugged pretense. Front headroom is ample, and high-mounted seats contribute to generous legroom. The fold-out digital media holder in the center console is a nice touch; but when used, it renders the armrest useless and obscures the shifter. Visibility is good all around. Backseat occupants get adult-size headroom and legroom. However, the flat and too-soft seat lacks support, and may prove uncomfortable on longer drives. Narrow door openings hamper entry/exit. Cargo volume is enhanced by the available flat-folding passenger seat (if installed). Rear seats fold completely flat. The hard-rubber floor is easy to clean-ideal for carrying dirty, messy cargo. Limited interior storage includes a small center console and door map pockets are tiny.
Value for the Money
Compared to the mechanically similar Jeep Compass, Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep. Both models lack the on-road polish and cabin refinement of other vehicles in this class, but Patriot compensates somewhat with impressive available off-road capabilities. Most shoppers would be better served by a more street-oriented truck, such as the Honda CR-V or Suzuki Grand Vitara-the latter rivaling Patriot's off-road prowess. Still, as a daily driver that's ready for the occasional off-road foray, a properly-equipped Patriot makes some sense.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Patriot AWD Sport w/CVT Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 5
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 6
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 5
Total Score: 54

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Jeep Patriot includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Jeep Patriot .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: In cold weather, the A/C compressor can get damaged from liquid refrigerant slugging requiring replacement of the compressor with one that has a larger diameter drive pulley. (2007)

Keyless entry: The engine may not crank (nor start) and the remote keyless entry may not work due to a damaged wireless control module in the vehicle caused by static electricity discharge when the key is inserted into the ignition. (2007-08)

Keyless entry: The remote start feature may not work intermittently and commands from the remote keyless entry may work intermittently on vehicles fitted with a remote start kit at the dealership. (2007)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $350
Alternator $540
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,190
Brakes $710
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $790
Constant Velocity Joints $2,110
Exhaust System $540
Radiator $850
Shocks and/or Struts $1,240
Timing Chain or Belt $1,560
Our price chart for this generation Jeep Patriot details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Patriot Ltd. $16,200-18,000 $14,700-16,400 $10,400-11,500
Patriot Sport $14,000-16,000 $12,700-14,600 $8,500-9,800
2007
Patriot Ltd. $14,200-16,000 $12,900-14,600 $8,700-9,800
Patriot Sport $12,000-14,000 $10,800-12,600 $6,700-7,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Jeep Patriot include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 103.7
Overall Length, in. 173.6
Overall Width, in. 69.1
Overall Height, in. 65.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3250
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 62.7
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 13.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 41.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.6
Rear Head Room, in. 39.9
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 39.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Developing 172 horsepower, the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder Patriot engine works with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A 158-hp engine was a credit option only on the 2WD Sport model. A Patriot may have front-drive or all-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I41 2.0 / 122 158 141 CVT automatic: 23/27 CVT automatic: --
dohc I4 2.4 / 144 172 165 5-speed manual: 22/27
CVT automatic: 21/24		 5-speed manual: --
CVT automatic: 21.1

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Jeep Patriot include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2008 Patriot
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2007-2008 Jeep Patriot directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2007 4x4 w/rear disc brakes: Length of rear wheel hub mounting bolts on some vehicles may prevent actuation of parking brake.

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