Weekend Athlete: 2008 Jeep Patriot
I took the Patriot out for a test recently, and it didn't score any better than its Dodge cousin, the Caliber. That's a shame, because I'd hoped a Jeep product would skew a little more toward the outdoors enthusiast than a Dodge. Still, it's a wagon-like vehicle and that means it has a few nice touches up its sleeve.
For starters, it's easy to parallel park, even if the mirrors are set for someone else. Visibility is good, and the load floor is a nice height for both taller and shorter athletes.
As with the Caliber, though, the headrests are fixed, which means folding the rear seats down can be a problem. If you've got the front seat reclined too far, the seat won't fold down. Removable headrests would be better.
The cargo area proper is proportional for a small car; it doesn't wow you by being bigger than you thought. You'll have to remove the bike wheel to get the thing in the car, and if you're carrying a bike and camping equipment it takes a bit of thought to get everything stowed.
As I always say, I'm not out to rip anybody's car; if this is what you own or want to buy, go for it, but I think you could do better pretty easily.
Weekend Athlete Scores (Out of 10)
Ease of loading gear – 5: I won't hold its size against it, but there's not much reason to rank it higher.
Ease of seat operation - 4: Merely having removable head restraints would help so much.
Bike hauling – 5: Average for this size of vehicle.
Locker-room cred - 6: It's better than showing up in a sedan or coupe, and I think it's preferable to the Caliber.
All-around - 5: Note, the Caliber received a 6.5 under the old grading system, but if I had one today it would probably also score 5.
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I still cannot quite get around how hilariously bad the interior is on this car. It's especially highlighted with the brown on this example.
It looks like a car from the mid 80s, with easily scratched brown plastic, those molded foam rear headrests (80s Civic anyone?) and the blocky and cheap looking dash.
Nasty...
The interior of the Patriot reminded me of the Chevy Tracker.
the interior reminded me of all Chrystler produces.
Kudos to MB for finally getting a divorce to them.