Cars.com Reviews New 2007 Jeep Patriot

Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder just returned from testing the all-new Jeep Patriot, and he delivers an almost-enthusiastic review of the compact SUV. It’s an interesting look at the new model because, unlike our usual test vehicles, Joe got to test various trim levels with different options, including a new off-roading package that isn’t available on the similar Jeep Compass.

Click here to read the full review.

Comments

this is an awfully nice and comfortable car. I just took my second lease on it.

Interior quality is not just "not class leading," it's embarrassing.

This appears to be a fairly honest take on the small SUV theme. The styling works and the off-roading capability is there. Throw in a little turbo diesel and/or consider a big, cloth sunroof and this vehicle will be unique in a crowded segment.

Personally I think Jeep should drop the Compass altogether. It's essentially the same as the Patriot, but the Patriot is more like a real Jeep. Seems silly to have two nearly identical vehicles in the same brand. Welcome to the Department of Redundancy Department.

I have just figured out the easiest job in the world. Production designer for Jeep. I cant imagine they spend more than two weeks on their production model concepts. Hey Jim! Yeah Steve whats up? What do we do for this years model? Well Steve, we can make the new jeep squarier if thats a word, and maybe we can change the square lights to circle ones. Brilliant!
I know there is only so much you can do with a jeep and but they have shown the bare minimum in effort. This I find inexplicable when they release some intrigueing looking concept cars. Take for example the Trail Hawk and there was another one a few years back I think called the Typhoon or something with a storm name.
Lastly I think the "Trail Rated" buzzword should be banned along with "Xtreme" and "HD" everything.

I agree with what you are saying, Phaeton on Jeep's design efforts. However, I don't know if others agree; I haven't seen sales figures. I understand Jeep is trying to expand the product lifecyle of the brand, but I personally don't think all of these new Jeep vehicles are in Chrysler's best interest.

Jeep should probably just take a lesson from Ford and call this the Cherokee. The Cherokee sold well with minor changes for what, like..fifteen years or more. Why "Patriot" when Cherokee has such good name recognition?

In response to Phaeton: I agree with you, the compass seems like a stupid idea. Possibly rushed into production before the final details of the patriot could be ironed out. However, I don't agree with you on jeeps poor design efforts. I think the patriot is a great concept, modeled off of the original cherokee discontinued in 2001. I think it fills a much needed gap in the jeep lineup evident since the removal of the cherokee. My only complaint from photos and reading reviews is the quality of the interior, however I wouldn't go as far as saying "Interior quality is not just "not class leading," it's embarrassing."

This is just the vehicle I would buy...
ALMOST!

Like all the specs, everything.
Do NOT like the MPG>

I want a Turbodiesel, that gets 35 or 40 MPG, in this light truck format. I would rather it be SUV style instead of a crew cab, but neither option exists.

I don't care about going fast, I care about going long and cheap. It would be totally easy for a VW Jetta Wagon TDI to get 35 to 40 MPG, as that is worse than they used to get! So why not this vehicle?

Sadly, with the sale of C, not sure they can access the German Diesels as easily.

I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Stickshift.. bought used after nation wide search, mint, pretty rare, hard to find a 5 speed in the cherokee. I will drive it til it dies or something better comes along.

While it only get 20 to 25 MPG (the stick helps), the cost for 10000 miles / year in gas is roughly 500 gallons, or $1500/year in cost.

For me to get rid of this car and get another one, I have to save enough on fuel, and have a decent enough price on the new one, to make it worth my while.

With this, there IS no step up in MPG, as measured values are about 20MPG, not the quoted 29 or whatever.

Anyone have real MPG numbers to report?

Long and short, make the fuel cost lower, I and other smart buyers look at life cycle cost. While I normally would only buy a used car, a new one that allows me to have low low operating costs would be enough to rethink.

I took one for a test drive and noticed right away the engine is too small for the vehicle. If you often cruise down the highway between 70 and 80 you'll tax the engine so hard I doubt it will last for more than 4 or 5 years. Most car warranties these days extend for 5 to 6 years. There's gotta be a reason why the patriot comes with only a 3 year warranty.

We recently bought a Patriot Sport 4x2 with 2.4L and CVT II and the E option package and have so far really enjoyed it. Our young family has grown since we bought our 04 Chevy Malibu Maxx and we felt we needed a little more room for day to day driving and longer trips.

The overall ride is stiffer than what we are used to but still very comfortable though solid. We are pleased with the highway acceleration and ride but wish there was a little more punch from a stop. I suppose this could be our only complaint. Fuel economy has been pretty good as well for us. We have been averaging around 20 mpg for city and 29 mpg highway driving which is lower than rated in the city but since we drive more on the highway it works for us.

The interior is simple and useful which is perfect for our tastes. The front seats are comfortable and there seems to be plenty of room overall in the cabin. The back seat works well for adult passengers as well as our children. Our 7 year old rides comfortably and the more upright and higher seat makes it easier to put our 15 month old into the carseat. Although the cargo area is not as large as some other small SUVs it still has enough room for our stuff especially if folding one of the 60/40 split seats down.

Take this vehicle for what it is: a solid compact SUV for those with more rugged tastes. It gets good gas mileage for the type of vehicle and at a modest price.

I have a Jeep Patriot - 4x4 Limited. I LOVE IT! I ordered it and waited 3 looong months to get it. The only things I wish I would have done is gotten the tow package and bigger tires. But other than that and those are things that I can always add, I love it. The gas mileage, not so good! I'm averaging 23-24 miles on the highway 21-22 in the city. So not as good as they say, haven't been offroading but I do like the handling, have been in water (heavy rains) and the stability really kicked in! Needless to say, I LOVE MY JEEP!.

I have just bought one on lease here in the UK and it has the VW diesel engine - I love it !!
I had a VW Golf/Rabbit TDi before so I don't feel bad leaving the VW brand behind.
Lookswise I think Jeep have got it spot on- it looks purposeful and reminds me of the old Cherokee- few of my friends have said this as well as it looking like a sensible Hummer !
However, next to a Range Rover in a car park it looks small.

I wanted to respond to George about the too small engine. I have been driving a 1987 Toyota 4-Runner for the last 8 years and believe that it is one of the better cars ever made. It has 235,000 miles and still gets 22-24 MPG. It is a very capable off road vehicle and between the back and the roof rack, I can haul just about anything that I need. Unfortunately, there is a price- power. A price that I am more than willing to pay. I would much rather pay $40-45 at the gas pump for my 330 miles than most people in SUVs who pay $55 or so. Sure, the Subarus get good mileage and pass me on the hills, but they also replace their engines about every 100K. The plain and simple fact is you can't have everything. There are three trade-offs in an engine. Fuel economy, power & long life. You get two of the three at best.
We just bought a Patriot and I have to say I am quite impressed. Sure, it isn't a speed demon, but so far it is getting 24 in mixed city and mountain driving. It handles the icy canyon, snow and our 15 degree driveway at 8500 feet just fine. Will we be driving 85 on the freeway- no. Will we be burning tires between lights-no. Do I care- no. Go ahead- see if you can find a more functional utility car- I've looked. They don't exist in this country.

does anyone know if the roof rack you see everywhere on that orange offroad patriot is available anywhere?

I have a 4x4 Jeep Limited. I looked and looked and this was the best deal. I got it with GPS for 21k (Got an 07 in Jan 08). So far I've averaged 21mpg for the 4000 miles I've put on it. I agree it has no torque, but my last car was a 97 Grand Cherokee with the 5.2L V8. People need to quit their complaints about the storage space because it gives it up for legroom! I would have considered a Honda CRV if they came new in the same design of the 2006 model. However, the new models are tacky looking. The Patriot beats the Toyota Rav-4 hands down in comfort even if the interrior parts arn't as good.

Would I recommend this car for the price? Yes. Although I'd still say get a Grand Cherokee if you can afford the extra sticker price and gas cost. I wont be trading my Patriot in any time soon!

I like SUVs, but not the gas guzzling types (which most of them are).

However, American auto manufacturers can be competitive and build gas efficient SUVs because the technology and know how exists.
http://www.truckbedcoverstonneaucovers.com

Have looked at the Patriot for months. Bought used, a 2007 with 6000 miles. Got a really good deal. I am VERY happy witht he vehicle. 26.7 MPG city/hwy mix. Have 2 retrievers and I put the seats down and they lay there quite comfortably. If I put the front passengers seat flat thay will put their paws up there and watch me drive. The interior may not be Cadillac quality, but it cleans up very easily after the dogs have been for a ride. I am really happy I bought the Patriot.

The Jeep Patriot may have been a good test drive, but it is a horrible car to own. I bought a 2007 Jeep Patriot and after 3 years and 9 days....9 days after the warranty was up the transmission had to be replaced. What they fail to tell you is that the type of transmission that is put in the Jeep Patriot is not covered in the powertrain warranty. After fighting with the dealership, Jeep, AND Chrysler they agreed to pay $4000 of the $4500 cost. Had that replaced and then 8 months later the front end starts to make noises. Take it in to have it checked out and now the ball joints on both sides of the front end are bad and the left tie rod end are bad and all need replaced. $1000 just in parts. Keep in mind at this point the car is 4 years old and only has 42000 miles on it. It has NEVER been off road and has only been driven to and from work and occasionally to the grocery store. Last Sunday, I traded the car in and could not be happier. Hopefully this helps if you are shopping for a car and considering the Patriot.....get something else!!! Buying the Jeep Patriot is asking for disaster!!!!!