2008 Jeep Patriot Consumer Reviews

Why Buy A Small Compact?

Written by: Ted on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Here are the facts. I am a Jeep Patriot owner. I do not represent Chrysler or any other car company. I am a retired independent sales rep. I have owned this Patriot for two months. I bought the Sport 5-speed manual transmission. MSRP 18,800, purchase price 15,300. This is by far the best vehicle for the money anywhere on the planet. I consistently get 31.5 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG city and all around driving. It has plenty of power, plenty of comfort and the E-package gives plenty of options for an unbelievable price of 2,200 bucks. I can't believe Jeep and Chrysler aren't pushing this car more than they are. Beats any other SUV or import compact by a long shot.

Favorite Features

MPG is absolutely what they say it is, and better. I'm 6'1" and there is more than ample room to drive or ride. Performance is amazing for a 4-cyl engine and the car is rock solid like a Jeep should be.

Suggested Improvements

Perhaps a little fancier exterior trim on the Sport.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Jeep Patriot for a Patriotic American

Written by: zulu45 on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this to replace a Ford F150, and have NOT been disappointed. I average about 27 mpg with mixed driving out in the country. The acceleration is great, although not really outstanding, it is much more than I need. Overtaking is easy with the Patriot going from 45 to 75+ in almost a blink of an eye. The CVT really does a great job of giving the power when it's needed. And though I don't have the Trail-Rated version, even during a major ice storm this past Winter, the Jeep handled inclines and roads that even pickups with off-road packages couldn't handle. It's nimble, and very comfortable.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are the 4wd capabilities, how it handles when driving, it's off-road capabilities, and definitely the fuel economy. In these times, driving the Jeep Patriot seems like the patriotic thing to do, to reduce fuel consumption.

Suggested Improvements

While I like the pure-utility design of the interior, I don't care for how the center console slides forward to have an armrest. I also would prefer that the cup holder and the shift knob have switched places.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Realistically the BEST SUV out there

Written by: patrioticNORTH on 07/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

'08 North Edition 4x4 It's fuel economical, you get $1000 back from the Canadian gov't under the ecoAUTO Rebate Program for 2007-2008 models (4x2 or 4x4 5spd only)... pretty much the only non-hybrid 4x4 SUV eligible under that program (along with the Compass). It looks rugged and it's sharp. It was not love at first sight for me at all, until I decided to buy it because of the great deals that I couldn't resist. I've always been a fullsize type of guy - was looking at a Dodge Ram 4x4. It's still too new for the engine to break in to get the best fuel mileage and to see it's true reliability down the road. But so far, I could not be happier with this Jeep - and I am in love with it.

Favorite Features

The whole thing... you just can't beat it with its price and its available options. Just wish there was a Trail Rated 5 spd out there. (The plastic interior is fine)

Suggested Improvements

The only thing I noticed from my Jeep especially - when the engine is still relatively cold, it sounds like a diesel when I accelerate during lower gears.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Very Nice for $19,500

Written by: Charles on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

For the money you can not beat it. 4wd, very good mpg plenty of room. Looks pretty good too.

Favorite Features

4cyl 4wd

Suggested Improvements

none

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Best SUV for the Price

Written by: Frank on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

If you're looking for the best value in an SUV, the Patriot is it. I researched buying a car for about 8 months, reading all the reviews, going on test drives, etc. Nothing else could compare to the low cost and great gas mileage: 24 mpg combined average fuel economy in a 4x4 at under 17K. You can't beat that anywhere. Overall, the Patriot is really for people like me who would prefer a no frills, basic car at a great price. If you like more comfort and amenities and are willing to pay for it, obviously this SUV isn't for you.

Favorite Features

Great acceleration / handling with the 5 speed. Pull out rear cargo floor for easy cleaning. Front passenger fold down seat. And the number 1 favorite thing: 24 mpg average for a 4x4!!!!!

Suggested Improvements

Windshield is too far forward. It's awkward, difficult to see traffic lights above. More cargo space is needed. Move some of the lights/ wiper controls onto the dashboard. Everything is put on the levers behind the wheel. It's a bit confusing. Blind spots due to the small rear windows.

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The Cherokee's Baby

Written by: BourbonMom on 06/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I enjoy driving my Patriot but the fuel economy is not exactly what the sticker promises. I drive 120 miles a day to and from work, all highway. My average MPG is 23, not the 27 or better. The armrest that the driver and passenger are to share could be larger. Overall, I like my Patriot. It reminds me of the Cherokee, just smaller. I will add my children ages 6 and 9 commonly refer to our new car as a "box on wheels". Unfortunately it's too early to tell what problems will be in our future. I'm hopeful that it will not follow the pattern of the last 3 Chrysler products I have purchased which at 80,000 miles needed a new transmissions. Overall I would recommend the Patriot. Happy Buying!!

Favorite Features

The reclining back seats.

Suggested Improvements

Try and improve the fuel economy to match the sticker. The Patriot could be a little wider, it's seems to be tight quarters in the front of the vehicle.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Binding Sound

Written by: stm on 06/27/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We took the Patriot back the first week because of a strange sound from under the front of the car. Service said it did not do this for them but other buyers had experienced the problem on a national level. One month later the sound got louder, including a vibration on the floorboard. We are waiting to hear what can be done. We loved the car at first but we never got the good gas mileage and believe it has something to do with that intermittent sound. It happens in all types of driving situations, stepping on the gas, breaking, turning. You might drive a few miles before hearing it or just out the driveway. We wonder if anyone else has had this happen?

Favorite Features

We are so disappointed it is hard to think of a favorite feature. We have owned plenty of Jeeps and this is the first one with a problem but all have been gas hogs.

Suggested Improvements

We believe there will be a recall for this binding sound. We think the car was pushed out with lax quality control because it offered higher gas mileage.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Awesome

Written by: Angela on 06/26/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've recently purchased the new 2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x2 (2.0 L Engine 6SPD), and I have no regrets! It's built to take 87 Octane gas, which is great by the way especially in our current economic status, and it is fast for a 2.0 liter! My Patriot comes with 158 HP and I can't wait to add an intake and performance chip. It handles well and surprisingly superior on curves. I'm an SUV person and all the previous SUVs I've had have been gas consuming and poor handlers. The Jeep Patriot is stable enough with a wonderful ground clearance. It's beautiful and resembles the 90's top selling Jeep Grand Cherokee body style, but it will definitely turn heads.

Favorite Features

My favorite features are: Built-in tints, power windows, power breaks, power steering, YES Essentials (Stainless, Spill-Proof, Odor Resistant, etc.,) interior, 1-Year Free Sirius Satellite Radio, Boston Acoustic Speakers and Sub, 100 V outlet, Flip Down Tailgate Speaker, and many more!

Suggested Improvements

I would definitely recommend that you buy seat covers and a dashboard cover for protection against wear down, if you live in the L.A. area there is a little hut on Alvarado and Glendale Ave., they sell premium sheep skin seat covers with any color to match! It cost me $250 but well worth it!

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Transmission

Written by: Dave in NC on 06/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

At 7500 miles vehicle began grinding going into 5th gear and occasionally popping out of gear. TSB states this is a known problem with synchronizers. Took to dealer and they ended up replacing transmission. Besides this very happy with vehicle. MPG is 31-32 on highway 27 around town. Ugly rims, I plan to replace when I need tires with aftermarket. Interior is cheap plastic that scratches easily but I knew this before buying. I got a nice 4wd SUV with 4WD and upgraded sound system and trailer prep package and engine block heater and 26E group for under 18k out the door so I am still happy with my purchase.

Favorite Features

MPG, Jeep styling, and quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better interior, do not make white fabric ceiling or visors because they stain easily, and offer better looking rims.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2008 Patriot 2.0L

Written by: Ryan on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Jeep Patriot Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This Jeep is an excellent example of American craftsmanship. I have put over 4 thousand miles on my Jeep and have owned it only five weeks. I plan to take it up to Michigan over July fourth weekend. I have the base model with the smaller engine. The Patriot is not fast, but handles nicely after about 20 mph. It is slow to start off the line. The CVT is neat, different is good. The engine does produce an incredible amount of noise, but only when driving aggressively. I can cruise in complete silence at 75 mph, but then the tires from the factory start screaming. I've read that changing tires can eliminate the noise. This is my second new vehicle, and third vehicle over all and it's the best.

Favorite Features

I like that the vinyl seats look like leather. Several different people have asked me why I got the leather seats and crank windows. I tell them that I really just prefer the cranks. CVT. MPG, high 28.8 low 25.6 Ext style. Very roomy, I'm 6ft. 4 in. and can extend my legs all the way. AMERICAN MADE!

Suggested Improvements

Power windows and doors standard, there is no excuse for not having them, they are like the VCR of car accessories. Better interior styling, too simple. get rid of road noise from tires and engine. Although the engine noise is cool sometimes, it sounds like one of the suped-up Civics from 10 yrs ago

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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