Jeep Patriot: Just Another Car In Jeeps Clothing?

2014 Patriot

Update: The Jeep Patriot has undergone significant changes since the original models debuted in 2007, and also since the review that follows was written (although most of the opinions remain the same). To obtain the latest model specifications click on the photo above, otherwise read on.

Is the Jeep Patriot, which is similar to its sibling the Compass, merely a car or SUV dressed up like a Jeep?

Well... Let's take a closer look.

Introduced in 2007 the Patriot had much of the Jeep styling, albeit "new age" Jeep styling, and it has optional 4-wheel drive. So far...so good...right?

(Click to add your own Patriot review)

Let's look even closer now. The Patriot was originally built on a car platform, (a modified "GS" Mitsubishi Lancer platform) same as the Compass and the Dodge Caliber at the time.

The Dodge Caliber was a unique looking street ride with some macho looking lines. Hurrah for the Caliber! I kinda liked it...for what it was...a car for the street.

The Caliber even came in an all-wheel drive package for those bad weather days depending on where you lived and drove. Again, hurrah for the Caliber!

The Patriot shared much of the engine and drive train components of the Caliber, but had more sophisticated 4-wheel drive system options for some off-road work.

Although the Patriot is a front wheel drive vehicle (like the Caliber) which means an independent front suspension, it could be equipped with the Freedom II off-road package that gave it the "Trail Rated" seal of approval from Jeep. It had to pass some rigorous testing in many off-road conditions to get the Trail Rating.

The 2-wheel drive version is nothing more than a Jeep Car or small SUV...while the 4-wheel drive versions (especially the Trail Rated one) appears to approach some of the functionality of the time honored Jeep tradition.

2008 Patriot (Rearview)

This is all well and good. The Patriot is beginning to sound more like a traditional Jeep, at least when equipped with the more expensive off road package option.

So...is the Patriot a true Jeep in the traditional sense, or is it merely another Jeep Car?

The answers are a vague "Maybe"...and..."Yes".

Does the Patriot compare with the Wrangler?...No Way!... Maybe more like the Jeep Liberty and the questionable Compass... specifically due to the fact that these models have Independent Front Suspensions (IFS) in 4-wheel drive mode.

Note: This a bone of contention with Jeep purists...Solid Front Axles vs. IFS on 4-wheel drive models.

(Compare the Jeep Patriot with the Liberty)

Jeep Compass mini-review!

Do I like the Jeep Patriot?

Yes...but only in the Trail Rated/Off Road version!

Then, is the Trail Rated Model a true Jeep in the classic sense?

No..not quite!

Want to see the original Patriot in action? Look at this 2007 promo with some off road testing!(2 mins. 16 secs.)

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Other Patriot Reviews Presented

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Why do people hate the Jeep Patriot? 
Why do people hate the Jeep Patriot? Fact is, I own the version with the manual transmission, and it works fine. It handles well on or off road, …

Not a Jeep Patriot Fan 
I have a 2008 Jeep Patriot and it really stinks. I owned two Wranglers before this but needed something a little sturdier for the kids. My husband …

My 2010 Pat 
My 2010 Jeep Patriot FDII (Trail Rated) has 79,200 plus miles on it and it has proven reliable. My brakes lasted until 79,200 miles, it has never left …

Jeep Bleep 
I think the Jeep Patriot is a sorry excuse for an SUV. A front wheel drive vehicle built on a Dodge Caliber chassis. The CVT transmission just …

Best Jeep Made is My 2009 Jeep Patriot 
There's no question that my 2009 Jeep Patriot is the best Jeep made. It's just the right size and, in my opinion, the best looking. First of all, …

Not Impressed 
I work for a large car rental company and drive many different types of cars but when I went down to Florida to visit family this past winter, I rented …

Patriot is OK for Some 
I like the Jeep Patriot 4x4. I think in general it is a well designed car for those who want an SUV for the road. It gets very good gas mileage compared …

My-2008-Patriot 
I recently purchased a 2008 Jeep Patriot. It has more height room then the compass and the dodge calibur. I got the metallic blue color. I am happy …

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