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2008 Jeep Patriot Full Review
Date Published: 7/16/08
2008 Jeep Patriot Review
The 2008 Jeep Patriot gets no major changes following its 2007 introduction. This compact SUV is a companion to Jeep's Compass, but Patriot has more traditional Jeep styling and enhanced available off-road capability. Sport and Limited trims are available, and both seat five. A 172-hp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard. It teams with a 5-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available as a credit option on 2WD Sports with the CVT is a 158-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Maximum towing capacity is 2000 lb. Patriot is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Optional is an off-road-oriented AWD system that includes low-range gearing and hill descent control. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Fold down tailgate speakers, a navigation system, leather upholstery, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, and heated front seats are available.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.

News
Patriot has just arrived, so it shouldn't see much change for a year or two. As with compatriot Compass, the engine bay has insufficient space for a V6, which might well prove to be a sales handicap.
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2008 Jeep Patriot Road Test
Pros Cons
Available off-road capability Acceleration
Cargo room Cabin materials
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
4 4 4 4.6

Patriot is most spry with the manual transmission, though none are really quick. Adequate pull from a stop with either transmission, though models with the CVT struggle in passing and merging. We have not yet tested a Patriot with the 158-hp engine, but expect its performance to be marginal at best.
Fuel Economy

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
6 6 6 5.1

In Consumer Guide testing, AWD models with the CVT averaged 21.1-21.9 mpg. Patriot uses regular-grade gas.

Ride Quality

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
6 6 5 5.1

Comfortable and stable. Some float over larger dips and jiggling over highway expansion joints is noticeable. The Off Road Group includes stiffer springs and all-terrain tires and has only a modest impact on ride quality.
Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
5 5 5 4.7

Accurate, natural-feeling steering. Composure is good at highway speed with moderate body lean in corners. Brakes have a reassuring pedal feel.
Quietness

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
5 5 4 4.6

Generally well hushed. Wind noise is somewhat elevated compared to Compass. Some road noise is always present, elevated further with Off Road Group's more aggressively treaded tires. In models tested, engine noise is always present and is especially intrusive during acceleration.

Controls

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
6 6 6 6

Gauges are large and easy to read. Controls are handy and logically placed.
Details

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
4 4 4 5.2

Overall cabin quality is below the class norm. Switchgear lacks precision feel, and hard, unyielding plastic dominates the decor--though some testers feel the interior decor is appropriate to Patriot's rugged pretense.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
6 6 6 6.1

Ample headroom. High-mounted seats contribute to generous legroom. The fold-out cell phone/MP3 player holder in the center console a nice touch, but when used, it renders the armrest useless and obscures the shifter. Visibility is good all around.
Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
5 5 5 4.8

Adult-size headroom and legroom. However, the flat, too-soft seat lacks support. Narrow door openings complicate entry and exit.
Cargo Room

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
8 8 8 8.1

The cargo area is enhanced by available flat-folding front passenger seat. The rear seats fold completely flat. The hard-rubber floor is easy to clean, perfect for carrying dirty, messy cargo. Limited interior storage includes a small center console and tiny door pockets.
Value within Class

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
5 4 5 5.9

Compared to the mechanically similar Jeep Compass, Patriot feels more like an authentic Jeep. Compass and Patriot lack the on-road polish and cabin refinement of other vehicles in this class, but Patriot compensates somewhat with impressive available off-road capability. Most shoppers will be better served by more street-oriented trucks like the Honda CR-V or Suzuki Grand Vitara, the latter of which rivals Patriot's off-road prowess. But as a daily driver ready for the occasional off-road foray, a properly equipped Patriot makes some sense.
Total Score

AWD Sport, CVT AWD Limited, manual AWD Limited w/Off Road Group, CVT. Class Average
60 59 58 60.2
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
42
Average Score
60
High Score
72
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2008 Jeep Patriot Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/30/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Sport 4-door wagon $15,795 $14,853 $580
AWD Sport 4-door wagon $17,545 $16,446 $580
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $20,515 $19,149 $580
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $22,265 $20,741 $580
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
Model Rebate & Incentives Type Expires
Patriot $750-$1500 cash back or 0%-5.9% financing. Customer 07/31/08
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Sport
Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, AM/FM/CD player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, 205/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Limited adds to Sport:
Safety
Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat height and lumbar adjustment, fold-flat passenger seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails, 215/60R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, locking center differential.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E
Sport
$2,225
$2,047
4-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable driver seat, fold-flat passenger seat, reclining rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights, removable/rechargeable light, 115-volt power outlet, rubber floormats, rear privacy glass. Std. Limited.
Security and Cargo Convenience Group
Limited
$535
$492
Daytime running lights, wireless cell phone link, cargo cover, alarm, roof rack.
Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group
AWD Sport
$1,390
$1,279
AWD Sport w/Pkg. 24/25/26E
$1,315
$1,210
AWD Limited
$745
$685
Brake-lock differential, 2-speed transfer case, hill descent control, heavy-duty alternator and engine cooling, interior air filter, height-adjustable driver seat (Sport), fog lights (Sport), tow hooks, skid plates, full-size spare tire, 215/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires, alloy wheels (Sport). Requires Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/crawl ratio.
Boston Acoustics Sound Group
Limited
$495
$455
Sport
$795
$731
Boston Acoustics sound system, satellite radio (Sport), leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls (Sport), tailgate speakers. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E.
Trailer Tow Prep
Limited, Sport
$250
$230
AWD w/Freedom Drive II Off-Road Group
$50
$46
Engine-oil cooler, trailer harness, full-size spare tire. Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E. NA w/2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine
2WD Sport (credit)
$-200
$-184
Requires continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability
Limited, Sport
$1,100
$1,012
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/crawl ratio
AWD
$1,050
$966
Safety
Front side airbags
Limited, Sport
$250
$230
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Limited
$1,395
$1,283
Includes 6-disc CD changer.
Power sunroof
Limited, Sport
$800
$736
Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Limited, Sport
$320
$294
Heated front seats
Sport
$250
$230
Requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E.
Smokers Group
Sport
$30
$28
Ash tray, lighter.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
Limited, Sport
$150
$138
Premium paint
Limited, Sport
$225
$207
Engine-block heater
Limited, Sport
$35
$32
Sport requires Quick Order Pkg. 24/25/26E.
Alloy wheels
Sport
$590
$543
Includes 215/65R17 all-terrain white-letter tires.
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2008 Jeep Patriot Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Jeep Patriot 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.
Engines
  dohc I4 dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.4 /144 2.0 /122
Horsepower @ rpm. 172 @ 6000 158 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 165 @ 4400 141 @ 5000
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed manual 22/27 --/--
CVT automatic 21/24 23/27
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Jeep Patriot 4-door wagon
4WD Rollover 4
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
Side Impact, Driver 5
Side Impact, Rear 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%. Side-impact 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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain Lifetime/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
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