Jeep Patriot anyone?

[Skip Talbot]

I'm looking at a new vehicle and was considering the Jeep Patriot. I was wondering if anyone had experience, positive or negative with it. I like the four wheel drive and off road options that this model has and was hoping it would fair a little better on the muddy Kansas back roads than my front wheel drive minivan does. With the four wheel drive and an option to divert power to the tires that are gripping, it seems like it should get stuck less often, and with tow hooks on both ends it should be easier to get pulled when you do get stuck. It also has an upgraded alternator which could be useful for chase equipment and maybe a winch. This is a small Jeep, of course, and larger SUVs of course will be able to pull through more, but the Patriot has very attractive gas mileage and I'm not looking to climb mountains with it either.

I'm concerned that the 2.4L engine might make for a sluggish drive on the highway though. My van's 3.3L gets right up to speed and I remember the small 4 cylinder I had in my old hatchback was real pokey. How about equipment installation? It looks like the center console is filled in between the seats. Can you remove that and get a Jotto in there?

Any thoughts on this vehicle or how it compares to something similar in its class like the Toyota RAV4?

 

[Jason Foster]

http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/jeep/patriot/2009/jeep-patriot

A few on here have talked about their Dodge Caliber, which is very similar mechanically as well as the Jeep Compass, so I think it's a pretty cool deal. Are you buying new? Would you have enough to purchase the new Chevy Equinox...which is my recommendation for anyone in the small/mid range crossover crowd. You talked about 4wd...which option are you getting (standard is FWD)

Jeep Patriot specs to consider and compare against:
2.4L 4cyl engine
172 hp
13.5 gallon fuel tank (small, don't expect to go far between fill-ups) on 4WD (.1 more on FWD models)
23 city/28 hwy
3053 curb wt. (FWD) or 3179 lbs (4WD)

 

[Quintin Erdman]

Its all good

I have heard nothing but good things about the 09 Patriots. I was going to clunk my vehicle and pick up one of these, but I was too late and they are pretty much not on the lots. Who can blame people when you can get a brand new one for under $10,000.

If you find one you like, don't wait too long or it will be gone.

Q

 

[Walt VanRheen]

FWIW, I just order a new 2010 Subaru Outback. You can get it with a 4cyl and the CVT transmition that will yield a 29hwy mpg. The weird thing is, if you go to the Subaru web site, you will need to look under "future vehicles" to see it as for some reason the main site is only showing 2009. These vehicles have been out for nearly a month now and there is inventory at most dealers. The 2010 is a complete redesign, and is larger than before, very comfortable.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2010_subaru_outback-first_drive_review

 

[Skip Talbot]

I would definitely spring for the Sport 4 wheel drive with the Freedom Drive II group. This includes a continuously variable transmission with off-road crawl ratio, an upgraded alternator, brake lock differential, extra engine cooling, fog lamps, a full size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, and other things. These are the features I think would be most useful for pulling myself out of the ditch.

The Caliber is built on the same platform, but that's about where the similarities end. The body and features of the two are quite different. The Caliber only comes in front wheel drive as far as I know.

 

[Skip Talbot]

If you find one you like, don't wait too long or it will be gone.

Yeah, the '09 Patriots are sold out nationwide (or at least within 200 miles of Chicago). Some dealer's sites still list a few in stock, but they don't update those regularly.

You have to order a '10 model now, but the good thing is that the Cash for Clunkers rebate can now be used to order vehicles as well.

 

[Jason Foster]

FWIW, I just order a new 2010 Subaru Outback. You can get it with a 4cyl and the CVT transmition that will yield a 29hwy mpg. The weird thing is, if you go to the Subaru web site, you will need to look under "future vehicles" to see it as for some reason the main site is only showing 2009. These vehicles have been out for nearly a month now and there is inventory at most dealers. The 2010 is a complete redesign, and is larger than before, very comfortable.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q3/2010_subaru_outback-first_drive_review

Wow...I don't know about the OB, but the LGT folks hate the new Leggy. I'm not a big fan. I bought an old Legacy GT, and now I wish I hadn't...I think my original instinct about Scubies was right. My suggest Skip...forget the Subaru's

 

[Chris Nuttall]

My parents recently tried to get an '09 Patriot, and there are none left in Tulsa. I seriously considered getting one last December. I went and looked at Patriots, but there was only one that had the options I wanted. I wound up getting a Liberty instead that had the same options, less mileage, and a lower price. Two things I like about the Liberty over the Patriot is the V6 engine and that 4WD is selectable. It's always on and computer-controlled in the Patriot (just like in most AWD passenger cars).

It's a Jeep, so you know that with proper care, it should be able to handle just about anything. There's a "Trail Rated" option available on the Patriot that only given out for handling certain off-road requirements. I don't think you'll be driving the length of the Rubicon Trail, but I've browsed some Jeep message boards, and there are a lot of drivers that are very high on the Patriot.

If you decide to go that route and purchase from the dealer, inquire about the extended warranties. I had the option of getting a bumper-to-bumper lifetime warranty. I had heard of that being offered for the drivetrain, but never bumper-to-bumper. I wanted to get it, but it would have made my payments higher than I was willing to go.

Patriots have great gas mileage considering the type of vehicle they are. They are also lower to the ground like a car, so the rollover risk is not as high like with SUVs. In most of the reviews I've read, the testers seemed to always complain about the CVT transmission and a "lack of power" on the highway. But, after researching other vehicles, it seems a lot of critics demand sports car-like performance and luxury comforts out of every vehicle, and if it lacks in any one area, the car is crap. On the auto review and consumer review websites, I only pay attention to the safety ratings. I like to check owners forums to see what those guys say.

FWIW, I'm extremely happy with my Liberty. When I went to Colorado, I saw a ton of Patriots and Libertys. Patriots were generally found more in the cities, where the Libertys were found more into the mountains. They aren't advertised very much, which is probably why I don't see very many of them. Of course, that could also be a regional thing. They seem to be pretty popular where there are mountains and hills. However, from what I've read, most owners are pretty happy with either vehicle.

 

[Joshua Nall]

I would definitely spring for the Sport 4 wheel drive with the Freedom Drive II group. This includes a continuously variable transmission with off-road crawl ratio, an upgraded alternator, brake lock differential, extra engine cooling, fog lamps, a full size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, hill descent control, and other things. These are the features I think would be most useful for pulling myself out of the ditch.

Getting yourself out of the ditch is all about getting torque to all four tires regardless of where each tire is.... so if I were buying new I would get a vehicle that was able to do this. With a standard four wheel drive vehicle it is possible to have two tires on the pavement and two tires in the mud and still be stuck. Where as a vehicle with some type of differential locks will be able to transfer torque to the tires on the pavement. The ultimate would be the Jeep Rubicon I guess because it comes with factory locking front and rear differentials, just flip a switch and you instantly have true 4 wheel drive... a complete solid electrically controlled lock between each wheel on each axle front and rear. I have full time automatic locking differentials on my toyota... not really recomended for street driving but I do it anyway, with the occasional pop... and tire wear. You mentioned brake lock differential, not sure how that works with out researching it... there are probably several types of differential locks nowdays, some manual, most electric.... maybe even some computer controlled, but as for as driving in the mud, the ability of the vehicle to apply torque to all four wheels is all that matters... other than tire selection. Low crawl ratios, and all that automatic stuff, and transmission stuff is really more for steep hills.

 

[D. Hayes]

Getting yourself out of the ditch is all about getting torque to all four tires regardless of where each tire is.... so if I were buying new I would get a vehicle that was able to do this. With a standard four wheel drive vehicle it is possible to have two tires on the pavement and two tires in the mud and still be stuck. Where as a vehicle with some type of differential locks will be able to transfer torque to the tires on the pavement. The ultimate would be the Jeep Rubicon I guess because it comes with factory locking front and rear differentials, just flip a switch and you instantly have true 4 wheel drive... a complete solid electrically controlled lock between each wheel on each axle front and rear. I have full time automatic locking differentials on my toyota... not really recomended for street driving but I do it anyway, with the occasional pop... and tire wear. You mentioned brake lock differential, not sure how that works with out researching it... there are probably several types of differential locks nowdays, some manual, most electric.... maybe even some computer controlled, but as for as driving in the mud, the ability of the vehicle to apply torque to all four wheels is all that matters... other than tire selection. Low crawl ratios, and all that automatic stuff, and transmission stuff is really more for steep hills.

But none of that matters if you're going to use a street tire on a 4x4. You absolutely must use a quality AT or MT tire. The best tire that I have found is the BFG MT/KM2 and it's proven to me several time that it can do the job. Do the research on the 4x4 system like Joshua said though. If you can't lock the differentials you might as well have 2wd.

 

[Melanie Kern-Favilla]

I've had my '09 Patriot for about three weeks and I absolutely love it. I do wish the gas tank were a little bigger. I have to fill up once a week, whereas with my '02 Saturn Vue, I was able to get almost a 1 1/2 weeks out of it. If you're someone that doesn't mind stopping for a gas&go fairly often, I would recommend this truck.

It has the variable transmission which takes a little getting used to, if you're used to driving a regular automatic. You don't have to do anything different, it just 'feels' different. It also has a 5-speed manual shift option, if you want to use that. I use it a lot. My Saturn was a manny tranny, so it makes me feel nostalgic.

I drive about 90 miles to/from work daily, all free-and-clear highway miles. I have been averaging about 25/gallon, which is about 3/gallon better than my Vue.

I got FWD, so I can't speak to the 4WD experience.

I got the Boston Acoustics Sound System. FWIW, it's freakin' fantastic.

I'm not sure about the center console. I'll have to look into that one.

Love my new car!

Melanie

 

[Skip Talbot]

If you can't lock the differentials you might as well have 2wd.

The Patriot Freedom Drive II doesn't have true differential locking like the Rubicon does. Instead it uses the brakes on each wheel to stop a slipping wheel from spinning and thus diverting the power from that spinning wheel to one with traction. From the reviews I've read, its of course not as good as being able to lock the differentials, but it certainly helps in tight spots.

 

[Justin Pullin]

Skip: I wouldn't be overly concerned with the power under the hood. 172 hp in a 4 cyclinder engine is capable of getting up to speed quickly. That and you will enjoy the improvement in fuel economy that you probably don't get with your minivan.

 

[Adam Lucio]

But none of that matters if you're going to use a street tire on a 4x4. You absolutely must use a quality AT or MT tire. The best tire that I have found is the BFG MT/KM2 and it's proven to me several time that it can do the job. Do the research on the 4x4 system like Joshua said though. If you can't lock the differentials you might as well have 2wd.

This is very true. When I bought my expedition it came with Z rated performance tires. Even with 4WD the traction in the snow was WORSE than my rear wheel drive minivan. I upgraded to the BF goodrich all terrain T/As and am very pleased. Ive been in some deep mud and plowed through with no problem. I haven't had to use the 4WD yet. There is no highway noise either. They do lower economy though if you keep a lower PSI in there for better traction. The truck barely idles with the minimum advised amount in there.

 

[Joshua Nall]

The Patriot Freedom Drive II doesn't have true differential locking like the Rubicon does. Instead it uses the brakes on each wheel to stop a slipping wheel from spinning and thus diverting the power from that spinning wheel to one with traction. From the reviews I've read, its of course not as good as being able to lock the differentials, but it certainly helps in tight spots.

I guess the brake lock differentials work well enough. Came across this when I searched it. Doesn't sound like he is giving it much gas, and I'm certain a 4wd with open diffs could not do this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRMXt9QCiyw

Josh